Hero of the Week: Bonnie O’Reilly

 

Throughout the week, our ACC Team searches through emails and news articles looking for someone who deserves to be the Hero of the Week… Find out how you can nominate a Hero of the Week at the bottom of the page.

 

This week, we head North to Canada to honor Bonnie O’Reilly. Bonnie stepped up to donate a kidney to Graham Nesbitt, the manager of the area’s local ice-skating rink. According to Bonnie, Graham kept her boys busy practicing at the ice rink day and night. He kept that place open all the time. Getting there early and staying late, even when a bad storm was rolling in, he was still there watching over the kids on the rink.

Bonnie is grateful to Graham because her two boys, Ryan and Cal, benefited from all those hours of practice. Both of them went on to play in the NHL. Ryan serves as captain of the Stanley Cup-winning Saint Louis Blues, and Cal is currently on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms roster.

Even though Graham retired from managing that ice rink in 2003, Bonnie is still forever grateful. When she heard Graham, now 65, was in need of a kidney, she discovered that she was a match and didn’t think twice about offering to help. The surgery took place back on March 3rd and both Graham and Bonnie are doing great!

Learn more about this story as highlighted as part of The Good News Network.

Kix’s Response:

Wow! Never underestimate the appreciation a parent has for those who have helped, nurtured, and taught their children.

To Graham and Bonnie, I feel like both of you are our ACC Heroes this week! We’re glad to hear that you are both on the mend!

 

 

 

Nominate a Hero of the Week

Now, we want to know who has made a difference in your life. Nominate a local firefighter, police officer, EMT or someone who is serving our country in the military. It could even be a neighbor, family member or friend who lent a crucial helping hand. Let us know all about the person who you feel is a real life hero by emailing us here and please feel free to send us a picture!

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