How did Jeff Deckman find a kidney donor?

Jeff Deckman's wife posted a plea on Facebook, which led to a stranger, Robin Phelan, seeing the post and becoming a match.

What is IGA nephropathy and why did Jeff need a transplant?

IGA nephropathy is an autoimmune kidney disease that had progressed, making Jeff Deckman in immediate need of a kidney transplant.

How long does a kidney transplant typically take to find a donor?

The transplant list can be quite long, often with wait times of five to seven years.

Home / Health / Stranger's Kindness: A Life Saved Through Online Appeal

Stranger's Kindness: A Life Saved Through Online Appeal

1 Jan

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Summary

A Maryland man received a life-saving kidney transplant from a stranger.
A heartfelt social media plea from his wife led to the donor match.
The donor felt an immediate connection and chose to give the gift of life.

Stranger's Kindness: A Life Saved Through Online Appeal

Jeff Deckman, a father of three from Aberdeen, Maryland, recently received a life-changing kidney transplant, offering him a renewed sense of hope and a brighter future. His journey began when his autoimmune kidney disease, IGA, progressed to the point of requiring an immediate transplant, a procedure with a daunting five-to-seven-year waitlist.

Desperate, Deckman's wife, Jen, turned to social media, sharing their story on local Facebook pages, including "This Is Havre De Grace." This plea reached Robin Phelan, a stranger who was deeply moved by the family's situation. After contemplating the decision and discussing it with her husband, Kevin, Phelan underwent compatibility testing and was found to be a match.

Following months of medical evaluations and a shared message of "Let's do this" between Robin and Jen, a surgery date was set for November 11, 2025. Seven weeks post-operation, the two families, who first met in September 2025 after the surgery's approval, expressed their gratitude. Jeff Deckman now looks forward to future milestones with his children, forever bonded with his donor, Robin Phelan, who considers the experience a profound blessing.