'It's pretty amazing': Crew fan gives kidney to fellow fan
Nearly four years ago, Heithem El-Hodiri learned his kidneys were failing. Doctors told him he needed a transplant, but it could take years to find a donor. He says he began asking anyone to help. (WSYX)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — It's been a big year for the Columbus Crew and its supporters, but the MLS cup pales in comparison with what a couple of fans just accomplished.
We all know that Crew fans are dedicated; members of the Nordecke say they're like a family. When your family is in need, the only thing you can do is help.
Last month, as the Crew was taking home the MLS cup, two dedicated fans were unable to be in the stands. Instead, they were watching the match from hospital beds.
Nearly four years ago, Heithem El-Hodiri learned his kidneys were failing. Doctors told him he needed a transplant, but it could take years to find a donor. He says he began asking anyone to help.
My kidneys failed in late 2019," El-Hodiri said. "They put me on the transplant list."
El-Hodiri is also a huge Columbus Crew fan. He says he made a Facebook post about his pressing need. It didn't take long for word to spread among the Nordecke.
A fellow Crew fan, Heidi Baxter, saw that post.
It just sat on my heart for a while. Then it popped up on my feed again," Baxter said. "I was like, 'You know, I'm going to message him.'"
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After dozens of tests and trips to the doctor, Baxter learned she was a match to be a living organ donor for El-Hidiri. To sum it up, she says, "When a fellow Crew fan needs a hand, give them a kidney!"
I had never considered living organ donation. It wasn't even in my realm of thought," Baxter said.
A few months later, the transplant went through. The surgery happened just two days before the Crew won the MLS cup. The two watched the game from their respective hospital beds while they were in recovery.
I knew the fan base was close, [but] this close? To where somebody would donate a kidney?" El-Hodiri said. "I'm just really grateful that she's willing to go through this, to donate an organ to somebody else. It's pretty amazing."
El-Hodiri says he's eternally grateful to Baxter for this lifesaving gift. Both are recovering well, and El-Hodiri says he's never felt better.
At the new Crew game, the two will be sitting in the stands together, forever connected.