Lakeland group hopes to increase number of people registered as organ donors

Sheenah Betz and Keith Williams don’t like to be called heroes, but what they did saved lives — two of them.

“I mean, it’s a wonderful feeling. People use a lot of big words to describe what I did, and I appreciate that kindness, but for me, it was a really easy decision,” said Betz, who’s from Lakeland.

Betz, inspired by a coworker who did the same, donated a kidney to a complete stranger.

“I was informed the day after my surgery. What they could tell me is that my kidney did arrive to its intended recipient. I was told that they did have a successful surgery,” she said.

Williams, also from Lakeland, donated a kidney of his to his sister-in-law, Kitty.

“It’s probably one of the biggest things that I’ve done in my life that I’ve had the most peace at,” he said.

Both Williams and Betz will be part of a ceremony on Friday. The Rotary Club of Lakeland South will honor donors and recipients, while encouraging others to donate life.

“There’s a tremendous need for it, and it can really help save a lot of lives,” Betz said.

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