Chicago Teen Donates Kidney To Stranger To Save Mom

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago teen who was unable to give his mother a kidney is giving one to a stranger, so that his mother can get a transplant from another donor.

WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports Tevin Hamilton was just six years old when he learned his mom needed a kidney.

"When I first found out, it was kind of sad, because I was like, 'Now she's helpless,' and I want to save her," Hamilton said.

His mother, Rhonda McClarn, has been on dialysis for years.

As her son approached age 18, when he could donate his kidney, Hamilton told his mother to call the doctor, but it turned out his kidney wasn't going to work for her.

Instead, he agreed to what is known as a paired kidney exchange. He would give a kidney to a stranger, and his mother would get a kidney from a stranger.

She recently learned doctors found a match.

"I just cried and prayed, cried and prayed, because I didn't think I would ever hear that," McClarn said.

Hamilton and McClarn both will have surgery on Nov. 25.

McClarn said she has a pretty special son.

"Yes I do. I love him so much," she said.

For his part, Hamilton said, "I'm excited. I'm ready to go."

Hamilton said he's eager to help someone else, so his mother can have a better life.