Donor's Test Reveals Own Cancer Diagnosis

Robb Layne's selfless offer to donate a kidney to his ailing friend, Doris Pittell, led to a startling personal revelation. Pittell, 79, was in need of a transplant due to end-stage kidney disease, and Layne, despite not being a perfect match, was prepared to donate through a voucher program. This altruistic gesture, however, uncovered a critical health issue for Layne himself.

During the extensive pre-donation medical evaluations, Layne, who was adopted and lacked a complete medical history, underwent a mandatory colonoscopy. This routine screening revealed that he had stage-one colon cancer, a diagnosis he received at just 45 years old without any prior symptoms. The discovery profoundly impacted him, bringing thoughts of his family and his future into sharp focus.

Following the diagnosis, surgeons successfully removed a foot of Layne's colon, and he has since been declared cancer-free, avoiding the need for chemotherapy or radiation. Although he can no longer donate to Pittell, Layne views the experience as life-saving for himself. He is now dedicated to raising awareness for colon cancer screenings and living organ donation, finding a renewed sense of purpose.