SPRINGFIELD, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) — Father Andy Hook, an Episcopalian priest at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Springfield, is preparing for a life-changing surgery. After three years of dialysis and countless prayers, he’s receiving the ultimate gift—a kidney donation from a live donor, Nettie Pinell, of North Carolina.

The transplant is scheduled for Jan. 14 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

“It’s surreal,” Hook said. “I’ve been praying and waiting.”

Pinell’s husband, also an Episcopalian priest, had a connection to Hook, which led her to discovering the need for a kidney. Her brother underwent a heart transplant years ago, and she felt the call to donate after learning about Hook’s situation.

“When I found out I was a match, I was so excited to call him,” Pinell said. “I’ll be honest, if the crossmatch showed I wasn’t a match, I would have been devastated.”

Donations needed to cover expenses

While the surgery is a moment of hope, the financial burden remains heavy. Hook and Pinell are raising money to help cover expenses.

Hook’s insurance situation complicates matters. After three years on dialysis, Medicare became his primary insurance.  That, he said, unknowingly, then required him to have Medicare Part B coverage. Hook said he doesn’t have Part B, since he has a policy through the church. The revelation means he now has significant gaps in coverage that will lead to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses related to the transplant.

Pinell and her husband will travel to St. Louis for the surgery, incurring expenses for transportation and lodging in addition to being away from work for an extended period. Additionally, they are also flying a grandparent to North Carolina to care for their children while they are away.

Donations can be made online through Angelink. If more money is raised than is needed by Pinell and Hook, both have committed to donating the money to help other transplant patients.

A journey of faith

For Hook, the past three years have been physically and emotionally taxing. While working full time, he spent 12 hours a week on dialysis. He also had to carefully monitor every sip of water and every bite of food due to his kidney failure.

“Dialysis is exhausting, but I leaned on my faith,” he said. “God has been with me every step of the way, reminding me that I am not alone.”

Several potential donors weren’t matches, but Hook stayed hopeful.

“God’s faithfulness has carried me,” he said. “And now, thanks to Nettie, my life is about to change in ways I can’t even imagine.”

The gift of giving

Pinell hopes her story inspires others to consider becoming donors.

“If people could understand what a difference this makes—not just for the recipient, but for their families—it might encourage them to take that step,” she said. “It’s an incredible feeling to know you’re giving someone a second chance at life.”

A moment to remember

When Hook and Pinell finally meet in person, they expect it to be emotional.

“We joked about it being like a movie scene, running toward each other in slow motion,” Hook said with a laugh. “But truly, I’ll just be so thankful to hug her and say thank you.”

The transplant will bring big changes for Hook, including freedom from dialysis and improved quality of life.

Hook said going through this challenge has brought him closer to Christ. “I’ve had to rely on Him more each day, strengthening my faith and helping me persevere.”

For those interested in supporting Hook and Pinell’s fundraiser, donations can be made through Angelink at https://angelink.com/fundraiser-public/6dadb37d-45eb-4ae1-8f5e-778828a13834.