Neighbor Saves Neighbor's Life By Donating Part Of Her Liver
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Struggling with a rare auto-immune disease for years and in desperate need of a liver transplant from a living donor, Linda Duckworth finally received one from her neighbor.
Teri Basil's selfless act saved Duckworth's life and brought together a community, too.
"I probably had 5 to 7 days left," said Duckworth.
Although Duckworth and Basil live in different cities right now, they're connected at the hip, or as they say 'connected' at the liver.
"She's my liver sister. I'll never forget it. She saved my life," said Duckworth.
After learning about Duckworth's story at a neighborhood Fourth of July barbeque, Basil was determined to donate her liver to her neighbor. And as fate would have it, Basil was a match.
"I'd do it again in a heartbeat," said Basil. "To be an organ donor is very important and it can save lives."
Through Basil's selfless act -- neighbors, started to feel more like family.
"It gave our daughter back, she gave us our daughter back," said Duckworth's mother, Sue Leverette.
Their tight knit community helped both women during surgery and recovery. They organized meal drop offs, doctor's visits and cleaning duties through the Next Door App.
Nextdoor is even recognizing Basil with its 2016 "Good Neighbor Award."
"It took the whole community to make this happen for her and for me," said Duckworth.
