DONNA WILES & BEAR WILES, CGC, TDI

“ What is a friend?” A single soul in two bodies, “ says Aristotle. Donna Wiles met and became friends after attending Hospice volunteer training in 2003. While it is not an unusual occurrence for people to become friends through a shared experience. It is what happened after the training that makes Donna’s friendship so special.

Donna Wiles, another member of the same training class, and her Bernese mountain dog, Bear, also visit patients in nursing homes or at Broome Developmental Center. Bear and Donna have donated over 100 hours. It was while sharing these experiences that Maureen and Donna’s friendship blossomed.

Donna decided to investigate whether she could become a donor to Maureen. She proceeded through the initial testing protocol to confirm she was a match. Then she gave Maureen the good news. She was a match, and she would donate her kidney to Maureen. This act of human kindness is the ultimate testimony of a caring and giving soul. “Friendship without self interest is one of the rare and beautiful things in life.”

The preliminary testing is done, and they’re on their way to Pittsburgh for final testing. Please keep Donna in your prayers. You will be updated on this beautiful love story as it continues to unfold! “A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope.”