No Good Deed Goes Unnoticed

One man needed a kidney, the other, a boost during hard times. Through Facebook, both wishes were fulfilled.

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Carlos Baires Escobar is a police officer in Minneapolis who was diagnosed with lupus six years ago, and needed a kidney to survive. Though his name was included on the national transplant list, Carlos decided to create a Facebook page last July to see if anyone could help him find a match, and it ended up saving his life.

"This is a battle that I thought I could fight alone, but I have come to the realization that I need your help (actually, your kidney)," Carlos wrote.

Six months later, Carlos' message was received. The Huffington Post reports that in January, 20-year-old Sebastian Rivera, a stranger with a big heart, offered his kidney to Carlos, and gave the cop a chance to have a future. Both underwent surgery and came out healthy and happy.

"Thank you all for keeping me and Sebastian in your prayers," Carlos posted afterwards. "He's definitely a role model for me and for many other people who know what he has done. To this day I have not words to express to him how thankful I am for his gift. It's one of those things where I know no matter if I spend my whole life thanking him, it will never be enough to repay for what he's done for me."

It was a gesture that paid off for Sebastian in more than just gratitude, however, as Carlos did find a way to repay him. Sebastian had recently gotten into a car accident that set him back thousands of dollars, and soon thereafter, Carlos rallied the local police and firefighter squads together to organize a fundraiser for Sebastian and his family. The "Help a Hero" fund was established to collect the money, and it's currently bringing in donations by mail after a weekend launch party.

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"For me it's kind of hard because the face of police officers is that you're helping people," Baires Escobar said. "You're not asking them to help you because it kind of contradicts what the role is. So I kind of had to swallow my pride a little bit."

While Sebastian and Carlos' medical journey together may not be over, it seems the duo will share something even greater than the kidney, and for a lifetime.

More of the Good News:
This Son Gave His Kidney to a stranger… and Saved His Mother's Life
This Man Donated a Kidney to a Stranger on the Internet and Saved His Life
Blind Man's Life Saved by Seeing-Eye Dog