Stranger Donates Kidney to Save Young Man's Life

Alabama woman's selfless act gives 22-year-old a second chance

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:07am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a human kidney, its intricate internal structure visible as glowing lines against a dark background, symbolizing the gift of life.A selfless act of living organ donation gives a young man a second chance at life.Hoover Today

A 44-year-old married mother of three from Hoover, Alabama, Angie Chermer, donated one of her kidneys to a 22-year-old stranger, Travis Bellar, who had been on dialysis for two years while waiting for a transplant. Chermer saw a Facebook post about Bellar's need and decided to get tested, ultimately becoming a perfect match. The successful transplant surgery at UAB Hospital in April 2026 has given Bellar a new lease on life, allowing him to get engaged to his girlfriend Ember Danford shortly after the procedure.

Why it matters

This story highlights the critical need for organ donors, as over 100,000 Americans are currently waiting for a kidney transplant. Chermer's selfless act not only saved Bellar's life, but also serves as an inspiring example of the power of human compassion and the difference one person can make. It underscores the importance of raising awareness about living organ donation and the life-changing impact it can have.

The details

Bellar was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease, at age 5 and had been on dialysis for two years before Chermer came forward as a donor. The transplant surgery, performed using robotic techniques, was a success, and Bellar is now recovering well and planning his wedding to Danford. Chermer, who is pursuing a kinesiology degree to become a physical education teacher, hopes her story will inspire others to consider living organ donation.

  • In March 2024, Bellar had only 4% kidney function and was put on dialysis.
  • In the spring of 2025, Bellar was placed on the national transplant list.
  • On Dec. 3, 2025, Bellar was informed that an anonymous living donor had been found.
  • The transplant surgery took place on April 3, 2026.
  • In April 2026, Bellar was discharged from the hospital and is now recovering well.

The players

Travis Bellar

A 23-year-old from Anniston, Alabama, who was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy at age 5 and had been on dialysis for two years before receiving a kidney transplant from a stranger.

Angie Chermer

A 44-year-old married mother of three from Hoover, Alabama, who decided to donate one of her kidneys to Bellar, a stranger, after seeing a Facebook post about his need.

Ember Danford

Bellar's fiancée, who was overjoyed when Bellar received the kidney donation and was able to propose to her shortly after the successful transplant surgery.

Dr. Michael Hanaway

The surgical director of the UAB Kidney Transplant Program, who performed the first robotic kidney transplant surgery in the Southeast on Bellar.

Dr. Margaret Romine

The surgeon who performed the kidney transplant surgery on Bellar.

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What they’re saying

“I just wanted to help him. He is now getting married, and I wanted them to have a long, happy life together.”

— Angie Chermer, Kidney Donor

“For her to donate part of herself to someone she didn't know makes me so thankful. I got engaged just a few weeks ago. I'm getting married in October of 2027. Her gift to me reminds me there really are good people in the world.”

— Travis Bellar, Kidney Recipient

“The fact that Travis waited until he had a kidney donor to ask Ember to marry him told me a lot about his character.”

— Angie Chermer, Kidney Donor

What’s next

Bellar and Danford are planning their wedding for October 2027, and Chermer is returning to school this fall to earn a kinesiology degree and become a physical education teacher.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the profound impact that living organ donation can have, not only on the recipient's life but also on the donor and their community. Chermer's selfless act has given Bellar a second chance at life and inspired others to consider becoming living donors themselves, potentially saving thousands of lives.