But Kevin recognized that it was time for a daunting and potentially difficult conversation with his would-be college coach Tom Walter. He worried about the ramifications—he could lose his scholarship— but he had to tell his coach that he may not be able to compete for Wake Forest after all.  

What Kevin didn’t know at the time was that the conversation they would have would change both of their lives in more ways than they could imagine. Two people in very different places in their lives with very different backgrounds, hopes and dreams would come together to teach each other—and the world—a very valuable lesson. Their blood was the same. 

After Kevin reached out to share the news of his illness, Coach Walter urged him to come to Wake Forest in the fall and said they would figure things out together. The two of them met with doctors and talked about options with Kevin’s family. When they learned that there were no familial matches, Coach Walter didn’t hesitate to get tested. When he learned that he was a match, he knew exactly what he was going to do. He considered it one of the greatest gifts of his life to help a young man who had taught him so much in such a short time.

One day, in the weeks leading up to the surgery, Coach Walter shared with a dear friend his intention to donate his kidney to Kevin. His friend replied, “Can you do that? Isn’t Kevin...Black?” Stunned, Walter replied, “Yes. My blood and his blood are the same. That’s all that matters.”