Working in Birmingham’s airport, what she overheard changed lives
A Remarkable Act of Kindness: A Delta Employee’s Life-Saving Gift
In an inspiring tale of selflessness, Jill Hickey, a 57-year-old Delta Air Lines employee from Hueytown, Alabama, donated a kidney to Bruce Gamble, a 74-year-old automotive consultant and frequent flyer. The two first met casually at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, where Hickey worked in customer service, often helping Gamble during his numerous travels. However, their acquaintance blossomed into a deep bond when Hickey decided to volunteer as a kidney donor after overhearing a conversation about organ donation.
Initially hesitant, Jill consulted her family, ultimately gaining their support. After undergoing extensive testing, she learned she was a match. The emotional news left Gamble overwhelmed, realizing he would receive not just a kidney, but a second chance at life. The transplant, performed in December 2024, utilized a cutting-edge technique that allowed Gamble to retain his original kidneys.
Both now share a close friendship, with plans to travel together, underscoring the profound connection formed through this life-altering experience. Jill’s act was motivated by a belief rooted in her career as an educator — to support and uplift others whenever possible. Remarkably, during Jill’s surgery, doctors discovered her own health issues, suggesting that their paths crossed for a reason. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of kindness, offering a new perspective to those who might walk into a baggage claim office, perhaps grumbling about lost luggage.
Read the complete article here: https://www.al.com/life/2025/03/working-in-birminghams-airport-what-she-overheard-changed-lives.html
