“The reason why I did this is very simple—my daughter needed a kidney, and I’d do anything to help her. But if we could help other people in the process, why not pick someone else up and carry them with you on your journey? You’re going there anyway, why not pick them up and take them with you? If this will help any family, it only makes sense to do it.
“We didn’t go looking for this. We didn’t ask for this, but just the same it found us. Life is going to deal you adversity. I told my daughter that at some point in your life, you’re going to face something that’s going to define who you are. I never dreamed that that adversity would come at the tender age of 18.
“I knew that was coming for my daughter, but I never thought it would come before mine did.
“I just wanted to help get my daughter back on track, and I think she’s well on her way. As a father, you’re always proud of your children. She makes good grades. I was proud of her when she won her karate tournament. But I have been impressed with the way she’s handled this adversity. To see the inner strength come out in her that I didn’t know was there, I just beam with pride. And I know that pride is not a good thing, but I’m sorry. That’s just the way I am. I’m her daddy, and I’m 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds, and if you don’t like it, tough.”
Earl Pickel - 17
"The reason why I did this is very simple—my daughter needed a kidney, and I'd do anything to help her. But if we could help other people in the process, why not pick someone else up and carry them with you on your journey?"