Ed Kranepool, a beloved member of the Miracle Mets of 1969, has received a kidney, ending a two-year search for a match.
The story behind his new kidney is quite Amazin’.
Brian Cooney, a Port Authority police officer, set the miracle in motion after deciding to donate his kidney for no reason other to just pay it forward.
“I just felt like it was a good chance for me to do good,” he told News 12.
Al Barbieri, a volunteer firefighter from Glenwood Landing, ended up getting Brian's kidney.
Al's wife, Deborah, was so thankful that Brian was a match that she decided to donate her kidney. She was a match for Kranepool.
“I am a Mets fan and I am so glad I got to save his life. I really am,” she says.
“I’m so grateful for so many people that came forward,” Kranepool told News 12. “It’s another miracle for myself, and I’ll be there for the celebration in June. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
The Mets are planning to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their unlikely World Championship of 1969.
There are more than 80,000 people nationwide that are waiting for a
kidney donation.