A touching video of a woman revealing to her sorority sister that she’s a match for a kidney donation has taken the internet by storm. With nearly 1 million views on TikTok and growing, the heartwarming clip showcases a beautiful act of friendship.
Jess Hause, who shared her story with “Good Morning America,” was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease late last year. She recounted the unsettling symptoms: numb knees and hands, no urination, and extreme fatigue.
Following her diagnosis, Hause began dialysis immediately. She then moved back to her parents’ house in Cincinnati for the added support she needed during this challenging time.
“I needed caretakers through this new journey,” Hause explained, emphasizing the importance of family.
Discovering the Power of Social Media
Doctors advised Hause on the benefits of finding a live donor, and she quickly turned to social media to spread the word. She began sharing her daily life on TikTok and Instagram—detailing her dialysis routine, workouts, and more—to show that despite the diagnosis, she could still live positively.
In January, she posted about her need for a kidney donation, and to her surprise, Schultz, her sorority sister, immediately offered to help.
“I don’t know if it’s for you or your family, but I want to help,” Schultz wrote. Haus clarified that the donation was for her, and Schultz began testing right away.
Learning that her friend Jess needed a kidney moved Schultz deeply. Despite having considered organ donation in the past, she had never taken action—until now.
“I knew Jess and her family from college. I just loved all of them. When I saw her post, I thought, ‘This is the time. I can do this and I want to do this for her,’” Schultz shared.
Schultz underwent extensive testing at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati to become a donor, all while keeping it a secret from Jess. The day she found out she was a match, Schultz was overwhelmed with emotion.
“As soon as I found out, I started crying right there in my office. I couldn’t wait to tell Jess,” she said.
Jess’s transplant surgery is scheduled for November 12, and until then, both she and Schultz will attend a few necessary appointments. They plan to document their experience together to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.
“It’s a bit time-consuming,” Hause said of the donation process, “but it’s such a wonderful thing. I’m living proof that it saves lives. Megan is saving my life.”
The journey has also strengthened their friendship. “It’s one of my best friends, my sorority sister, one of my roommates, which makes it even more special,” Hause remarked.
