'Hero’ school employee to donate kidney to a student

When a Cherokee High School student was urgently in need of a kidney transplant, an employee of the school district stepped forward in an incredible act of kindness — offering to donate one of hers to the student she had never even met.

“I’m so thankful that there are people in this world that would go through pain for someone they don’t even know,” said Maggie Haynes, 14. “Joy is giving me a gift of being able to enjoy life again.”

Joy Silk, who works as a supervisor of digital learning for the Cherokee County School District, learned of Maggie’s need several months ago when speaking to her friend Alyson Counts, Maggie’s aunt.

“I casually asked what her blood type was and once Alyson told me, I told her that was also my blood type and to keep me in mind when the time came – I would be happy to see if I was a match,” Silk said.

After a screening along with several other candidates, Silk was found to be a perfect match for Maggie. The surgery is scheduled for Friday.

It’s the second such procedure for the Haynes family. Maggie’s sister, Lily Haynes, 17, was diagnosed at age 4 with cystinosis. Their mother, Ashley Haynes, donated a kidney to Lily four years later, meaning an outside donor was needed when Maggie received the same diagnosis and learned that she, too, would need a transplant.

“When we got the call telling us that Maggie had it too, we were devastated,” Ashley Haynes said. “We went through three weeks of sheer frustration, trying to get into the routine of mixing and giving medication that tasted horrible around the clock. But our family worked together and, within a few months, we had the hang of it. Bit by bit, things got easier.”

Maggie’s and Lily’s condition is a rare genetic disease that results in a build up of cystine within cells, forming crystals that can be damaging, especially to the kidneys.

“We are so grateful for Joy’s determination to give such an amazing gift,” Ashley Haynes said. “I would love for everyone to know that giving a kidney to a person in need of one is one of the most selfless gifts a person can give. It is the act of a hero. In our eyes, Joy will always be a hero for giving Maggie the opportunity to gain her quality of life back.”

She added her amazement at Silk’s willingness to be the family’s hero, despite never witnessing the results of Maggie’s failing health: exhaustion, her inability to do regular activities with friends, nausea and headaches.

“This gift that Joy is giving me, is giving me a chance to do what I love again,” said Maggie, who had to quit playing softball due to her health.

Silk met Maggie and her family on Sunday when both of their families had lunch together.

“The whole process has been the most humbling, spiritual experience of my life,” Silk said. “I am honored that God has allowed for me to be able to help this precious family. I cannot imagine what it must be like for Maggie’s parents, to not only face this with Maggie, but to also experience the same heartache of such an awful disease and a kidney transplant with Maggie’s older sister, Lily.”

Coincidentally, Silk’s mother, a retired CCSD teacher, also donated a kidney to someone in need whom she’d not previously met. Her mother’s selfless act led Silk to feel that her donation to Maggie was meant to be.

“It’s definitely something I would do all over again,” she said.

Silk’s act of kindness didn’t come as a surprise to Superintendent of Schools Brian Hightower.

“I know the attitude, determination, positivity and servant’s heart that Joy brings to the workplace and that she gives the same of herself in everything she does,” Hightower said.

Silk had already been recognized for her positive impacts in her work before. Hightower awarded Silk one of his top annual honors last year and she was also a previous teacher of the year recipient for the district.

“It’s very heartwarming to see our CCSD family come together and support one another,” Hightower said. “We all can’t wait to see Joy back in the office and Maggie back at Cherokee with her friends, enjoying everything that a 14-year-old should enjoy!”

The Haynes family has a goal of $60,000 they are trying to raise to pay for transplant-related expenses. They are accepting donations through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, which helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance.