In 2012, Larry Swilling found out his wife of 57 years was in desperate need of a kidney. Jimmy Sue Swilling had lived with one her entire life, but it was failing and the odds were against them finding a donor match in time. So, Larry did something totally unconventional and began walking the streets of Anderson, SC with a signboard, asking strangers to help find a match.
Video from the original news reports in December 2012:
He didn't expect much, but to his surprise, his phone started ringing off the hook. And now, it looks like Larry Swilling's hard work has paid off:
The wait now appears to be over, as the Swillings said The Medical University of South Carolina have found a donor.
"I knew it was going to happen because I know him," said Jimmie Sue Swilling. "He wouldn't have stopped until he got me one."
Not much is known about the donor, but the Swillings believe it's someone who was tested for donation after someone saw their story.
"(The donor) retired out of services, and she's in Virginia Beach. That's all we know," Jimmie Sue Swilling said.
They are due in Charleston next week, where final testing will take place. If all goes well, the surgery could take place Sept. 12.
A follow-up interview with the Swillings can be found
here.