MILTON TOWNSHIP, WI - (RNN/CNN) – When a Wisconsin police officer read a mother’s plea on Facebook saying that her 8-year-old son desperately needed a kidney transplant, she didn’t think twice.
Officer Lindsay Bittorf got tested and found out her healthy kidney was a perfect match and fit for Jackson Arneson, who was born with a a condition that called for the surgery.
“I took an oath to serve and protect my community,” Bittorf said to Jackson, “and now my kidney is going to serve and protect you.”
Kristi Goll, Jackson’s mother, said everyone in the room was in tears.
Why would a perfect stranger make such a donation?
“My mom always told me it takes a village to raise a child,” Bittorf said. “And this is one child in my village that I can help.”
The June 22 surgery was a success, though Jackson had some fighting left to do. Both lungs collapsed and he got pneumonia, but he stayed strong while Bittorf remained at his side.
“I think his bravery and everything made me feel a lot more comforted,” Bittorf said of that frightening time.
But Jackson was walking around the hospital within four days, and he was able to go home in 11 days.
“I was really proud of him,” Bittorf said, her voice shaking a little.
Ever since Jackson got out of the hospital, he’s been feeling great. He likes to show off his scar.
“He’s been eating like crazy,” his mom said. “I don’t know. I blame Lindsay.”
Jackson and his new best friend have matching T-shirts now that say, “I’m glad we match.”
“This little boy is like my own son,” Bittorf said, holding Jackson close. “I just love this little boy with everything.”
Jackson is soft-spoken and a man of few words, but he had a straightforward message to his new friend, his hero.
“Thank you for giving me a new kidney,” he said.
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