Pilot eventually was cleared to proceed with the surgery a few months later , in fall 2018 . However , Mother Nature had other ideas . On Oct . 10 , 2018 , Hurricane Michael – a devastating Category 5 storm – wrecked the Florida Panhandle when it made landfall . It was a direct hit on the place that Meyer and Pilot call home . The storm caused catastrophic damage , and almost nothing was left untouched . The majority of homes were severely damaged , and schools , churches , restaurants , businesses , and everything else within their community were turned into huge piles of debris .
PATIENT STORIES – KIDNEY
“ Just imagine that for a moment – no power , water , cell service , radio signal , no means to travel away from where you are . And the worst part was a period of time when 911 did not work ,” Meyer says . “ If you ’ ve never been through a natural disaster of that magnitude , it ’ s hard to comprehend how much it truly impacts everyday life .”
Jessica Meyer and Anthony Pilot
“ Jessica wakes up every day with a relentless desire to make a positive difference in the world ,” Vandergrift says . “ It ’ s just how she lives her life . She is intentionally thoughtful and kind with no need for recognition .”
Pilot agrees . “ She said we need to do this ,” he recalls . “ Her whole mindset is , ‘ Why are we making a big deal about this ? Aren ’ t we supposed to do this for people ?’ She understands the magnitude of what is happening . People are supposed to help each other .”
WEATHERING THE STORM After starting the process in November 2017 , the surgery was finally scheduled for June 18 , 2018 . Pilot and Meyer were admitted to UAB Hospital the day before the surgery , but unfortunately , Pilot was too ill for the surgeons to feel confident in proceeding . Meyer was discharged that night , while Pilot was required to stay for a few weeks .
A RAY OF HOPE Due to the destruction , Pilot ’ s lifesaving surgery had to be postponed again so that both families could focus on picking up the pieces and putting their lives back together . But finally , just as the sun eventually peeks from the clouds after a storm , a ray of hope appeared for Pilot on June 6 , 2019 .
After having her kidney removed by UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute Director Jayme Locke , MD , Meyer ’ s kidney finally found its new home with Pilot . Now , Pilot is doing well and back home to Panama City . “ I had no idea how bad I felt all those years until now ,” he says . “ I feel like I ’ m 25 years old . I ’ ve gained 10 pounds and have so much more energy .”
It is Meyer ’ s passion for kindness that Pilot admires so much , and what connected them before – her father-in-law and work relationship – pale in comparison to what connects them now .
“ She ’ s a friend of mine ,” Pilot says . “ I look at her like a real sister . I am so blessed and honored to know her .” uabmedicine . org / refertransplant 21