Michigan nurse donates kidney to her patient

Iris Zink, MSN, RN, went above and beyond the call of duty to keep patients healthy by donating a kidney to one of her longtime patients at Lansing (Mich.) Rheumatology, reports Fox 47 News.

The rheumatology-certified nurse practitioner has treated the patient, Ginny Holcomb, for more than 15 years. When Ms. Holcomb was diagnosed with kidney cancer, Ms. Zink said she didn't think twice about donating a kidney.

"There was just no hesitation. I didn't want to see her die. I couldn't watch it," Ms. Zink told Fox 47 News.

The women learned they were a perfect match after about a year of tests and underwent the transplant in July. Ms. Zink has fully recovered from the surgery, and Ms. Holcomb's condition is improving.

"We're bonded for life; she's got part of me in her," Ms. Zink told Fox 47 News.

Ms. Holcomb responded, "It's a beautiful thing to have someone else's body part in you."

The women said they hope their story inspires other people to consider organ donation.

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