Abraham Rohrig: A Risk to Save a Life

With all the things that have occurred in the past year, very rarely do we hear a story about goodwill and selflessness. 22 year old Abraham Rohrig , donated his kidney in 2019, which saved the life of a young man with Lupus. Abraham’s story is one that inspires and shows us how organ donation is a safe and effective way to help save someone’s life and make a change.

Abraham was only seventeen when he was inspired by a journalist who wrote an article about his experience donating his kidney to a stranger. Surprised by how safe it was, Abraham realized it was easier to donate a kidney than ride a bike, saying, “If I would be willing to take that risk to have fun with my friends, I have to be willing to take that risk to save a life.” As soon as he turned 18, Abraham found a hospital who told him to come in for a screening and told him he was medically eligible, but to wait a year to see if his mind would change. A year went by and nothing changed, therefore he scheduled the surgery. Abraham was admitted to the hospital for two days, and then recovered for a week from home. 

Abraham had no prior knowledge about organ donation before he read the article about the journalist. It was really his research that inspired him to donate. Abraham learned that recipients receive 6 to 10 years added to their lifespan. Abraham says the experience was excellent and he does not regret it. Abraham even inspired his mother and his friends to donate their kidneys a year after he did as well. 

Abraham’s willingness to help others is truly inspiring. Abraham keeps in contact with his recipient. The last thing he heard from his recipient is that he is back in school and even playing football. Abraham’s organ donation journey is as heart warming as it is inspiring. Organ donation can change the lives of the donor and the recipient in a positive way. Abraham saved a life and inspired many,  only because he wanted to help someone in the best way he could.