Twenty-four hours after Cindy (right) donated her kidney to Jodi, the pair were giddy with excitement. Finally, Jodi could begin to realistically envision life without dialysis and so many limitations.
Cindy Stephan humbly yet fervently makes this claim. She also carries the scars to prove it. An unshakeable conviction recently led to a miraculous transformation — new life and vigor for Jodi, the wife of Cindy’s brother.
Several years ago, while celebrating Christmas with family members in the home of Cindy’s parents, Jodi and Cindy found themselves side-by-side in the kitchen, washing dishes after a meal. Noticeably weary and weakened from Alport syndrome, a genetic disease affecting her kidneys, Jodi confided to Cindy, “I know I’ll never get a new kidney.”
Jodi’s reasons for despair were well-founded. Her kidneys were functioning at only about 3–7%. She was all too familiar with other sobering numbers. According to the National Kidney Foundation, “Of the 123,000 Americans currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant, more than 101,000 need a kidney, but only 17,000 people receive one each year. Every day 12 people die waiting for a kidney” (kidney.org/be-organ-donor). While Cindy sympathized with Jodi, the seeds of a miracle began to grow.
Sometime later, while vacationing in Hawaii, Cindy and her husband Brian received the sad news that Cindy’s mother had died. They immediately returned to the Midwest. After her mother’s memorial service, an incredible feeling washed over Cindy for the second time. She felt the Lord powerfully impressing upon her heart that she should give Jodi one of her kidneys. The thought sparked an overwhelming sense of purpose in Cindy, as she realized the profound impact this gift could have. But anxiety mounted, and Cindy found herself questioning God. “Why should I sacrifice a part of myself for someone else?” she asked.
“I didn’t hear a voice,” Cindy explains, “but it was as if Jesus were saying to me, ‘Cindy, I sacrificed myself for you. What have you done with the gift I have given you?’ I knew right then what I must do. I also knew that if the way were cleared for this kidney donation, God would take care of me. And, as the only Christian in my birth family, I wanted Jesus to use me as a conduit to reveal Himself to my family and to others.”
When the time came to tell Jodi about her decision, Cindy wasn’t able to speak to her sister-in-law in person. Instead, she contacted her virtually. Overjoyed with Cindy’s offer, Jodi agreed to move forward with all her required testing.
Cindy remembers that when she shared her resolve, “So many people were afraid for me. And with good cause. The risks were many. What if the donated kidney didn’t function after the transplant? What if, years later, my one remaining kidney became diseased?”
Brian shared these concerns. Before his wife began to consider becoming a living donor, he knew little about the magnitude of kidney issues and the great need. “I wasn’t really excited about Cindy doing it,” he admits, “but when I realized the predicament Jodi was in, and when I saw that Cindy felt the Lord was convicting her, I didn’t want to stand in the way. I wanted to be supportive.”
After numerous appointments and procedures for both women, they finally received the long-awaited news. Cindy was a good candidate for kidney donation, and she was a perfect match. This news was further evidence of an unfolding miracle for Cindy, because she and Jodi were not blood relatives. Along with more counselling and preparation, the surgeries were scheduled to take place at the University of Michigan Transplant Center in Ann Arbor.
On May 7, 2025, the day of the surgeries, all went according to plan. The transplant was a success. Cindy was amazed by how well she felt following surgery. “I didn’t have anywhere near the amount of pain I was expecting,” she says. “Our medical teams had Jodi and me up and walking so soon.” Still ringing in Cindy’s ears is Jodi’s voice as she marveled, “I feel more energetic right now than I have at any point during my last 30 years! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
Cindy remains very grateful for all the prayers and support she and Jodi received before, during and after the successful transplant. “The quilting ministry from my church in Paw Paw made a beautiful blanket for Jodi,” Cindy notes fondly. “They even used Jodi’s favorite colors — purple and black. Before it was completed, the quilt was placed in the foyer of the church so members could participate in its construction. Individual members did the final tying, and with each tie, a prayer was offered. When she received the quilt in the hospital before her surgery, Jodi could hardly believe that strangers would be so kind.”
People from much farther away were also praying for Cindy and Jodi. Through years of earlier employment with It is Written, Cindy developed contacts worldwide. Messages poured in from around the globe. “Even my chiropractor said he would be praying for us at the time of surgery,” Cindy recalls. “So many people stepped up and helped in practical ways, too. Much of my travel and additional expenses were covered by a charity that helps donors and their designated supporters.”
Among Cindy’s supporters was Brian’s sister, Elise Damron. Elise accompanied Brian and Cindy to Ann Arbor for the surgery. “I was impressed with Cindy’s peace, always desiring to show Jodi the love of God by this gift of life,” said Elise. “It was so thrilling to witness and be a part of the beautiful miracle of life through organ donation.”
A passage of scripture that spoke powerfully to Cindy throughout every stage of this process is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3.5–6, NKJV)
When asked what she would say to anyone considering becoming a living organ donor, Cindy is quick to respond: “Yes, there is a huge need, but I would never tell anyone else what to do. For me, God’s leading and miracle-working were clear. He continuously opened doors.”
Beverly Matiko, associate professor emerita of English and communication, Andrews University, lives in Niles, Michigan.
