Heartwarming Kidney Donation Between Two Poker Players Hits Setback
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One of the most heartwarming poker stories of the year hit a setback this week as a planned kidney donation between two players ended up falling through.
When New Jersey's Debbie Troncone learned she needed a kidney transplant, members of her poker group were the first to step up. One of them, Lisa Pickell, ended up being a match offered to give up her kidney for her friend.
But the group later learned that Pickell's kidney output "was not strong enough to work independently," according to a GoFundMe page, leaving the group of poker friends on the search for another match.
Poker Player Planned to Donate Kidney
Troncone has been a part of the poker community for decades. Her first tournament cash dates back to 2005, when she finished runner-up in the $100 Trump Classic in Atlantic City for $2,392.
Pickell is also a longtime poker player and was a guest on PokerNews' LFG Podcast in 2019.
In a GoFundMe launched last week to raise money medical expenses, travel and lost wages, Florida poker player Dawn Wilno announced that Pickell would be donating her kidney to Troncone, who she described as "pure sunshine" and "the life of the party, the first one to say 'I’m in!', the loudest cheerleader at the table, and the friend who shows up — every single time."
"Now it's our turn to be there for her," Wilno wrote for the GoFundMe titled "All In for Debbie and Lisa’s Transplant Main Event."
Wilno also praised Pickell and Regina Auletta, who had also volunteered to donate her kidney but wasn't a match, for stepping up for the occasion. "That’s who they are — fiercely loyal, selfless beyond measure, and the kind of friend everyone hopes to have in their corner. Their willingness to give such an incredible gift — the gift of life — leaves us in awe."
Several poker players donated to the cause, according to GoFundMe records, which showed the fundraiser as having raised around $19,000 of its $100,000 goal as of Thursday morning.
"Unexpected Setback"
In an update on Tuesday, Wilno announced an "unexpected setback" as the final preparations for the surgery revealed "that Lisa's kidney output was not strong enough to work independently."
"This news has been heartbreaking ... But if there’s one thing that defines them—and all of us who love them—it’s resilience."
The poker group is now looking for a new kidney donor, whose blood type would need to be Type B or Type O.
Just like she is at the poker table, Troncone has remained positive throughout her health problems and the latest setback.
“I am so deeply grateful for each and every one of you," Troncone said in a written statement posted on GoFundMe. "Your love, support, and encouragement mean more to me than I can ever fully express. I am humbled and honored to be in this fight surrounded by such incredible people. While this setback is hard, I am still determined and holding onto hope with everything I have. Thank you for standing with me.”
*Lead image courtesy of Dawn Wilno via GoFundMe
