Maine Content Creator’s Story Leads to Life-Changing Kidney Donation
Let’s just say that the power of social media has really outdone itself with this local story.
What started out for Katie Zarrilli- Doyen as a heartfelt post online, turned into a life-saving miracle for her husband, as per WMTW.
You may know of Katie, an incredibly enticing and fun content creator who is mostly known for her sharing funny videos on Maine life.
She has more than 20,000 Instagram follows and she’s growing.
But a little while ago, she started posting more personal updates about her life and her husband Matt and his need for a kidney transplant.
Her husband’s health journey has been tough. Trying to find Matt a kidney was filled with highs and heartbreaking lows, and Katie bravely shared every step along the way.
I still remember crying while watching the video of the moment they were called to the hospital with what they thought was a match, only for it to fall through.
Her posts on his health updates received a lot of love and some volunteers.
According to WMTW, one amazing person named Sarah Konchalski, a 30 year old pharmacist, was so moved she decided to get tested to donate her kidney to Matt.
Check out the full interview with Katie and Matt, via WMTW-TV YouTube below. Unfortunately she wasn’t a match, but she still chose to donate a kidney through the National Kidney Registry on Matt’s behalf.
But the moment came when Matt was thankfully able to receive a kidney from an anonymous donor. We may never know if the donor saw the post, but there’s no denying the magic created by this family and the people who stepped up to help.
View this post on Instagram
�� A post shared by Katie | Maine Storyteller & New England Enthusiast (@katiezarrilli)
On January. 15th Matt received his kidney transplant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, as per the article.
The couple are overwhelmed with love and gratitude.
Social media isn’t always perfect, but stories like this prove that when positivity catches on, it can truly change lives.
15 Most Unusual Last Names You’ll Find in Maine
Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder
10 Maine Snacks You Can Only Buy Locally
Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder
More From WWMJ Ellsworth Maine
