When Mack Simmons was just 17 years old, he selflessly donated his kidney to try and save his sister’s life. But when he was still caring for his ill sister, he wound up becoming sick himself with kidney failure.
His pain grew worse every day to the point where he lost his ability to walk and had no choice but to quit his job.
After his sister sadly passed away in 2019, Simmons faced homelessness with his son, John.
He was still not feeling well, and doctors at UPMC McKeesport Hospital ran tests and eventually found a blockage in his aorta.
He ended up undergoing emergency surgery, which was thankfully a success.
While Simmons was recovering at the hospital, doctors learned from the social workers that Simmons was facing a homeless situation.
After everything that Simmons had been through, staff at the hospital knew that they had to help. Since Simmons would need frequent dialysis, along with physical therapy following his surgery, staff knew Simmons needed to have a proper living arrangement.
Simmons and his son were placed in a homeless shelter, but he was soon surprised with a house of his own just in time for the holidays, all thanks to the kind staff at UPMC McKeesport Hospital who saved his life now in more ways than one.
“What’s unique about Mack, and I think the reason why we all caught onto him so much, is his genuine kindness,” Dr. Fanny Alie-Cusson said. And possibly one of the reasons why we really wanted to go above and beyond for him.”
Not only is Simmons pain-free and can now walk again, but he and his son finally have a place to call home.
Hear more of his story in the video below: