Local Theater Practitioner Donates Kidney to Save Friend’s Husband
Denver, CO – In a remarkable act of friendship and generosity, local theater veteran Mare Trevathan donated a kidney to her best friend’s husband, Yancey Lee Anderson, on April 3, 2024, after his kidney function plummeted to just 7%. The donation has allowed Anderson to forgo challenging dialysis treatments and improve his quality of life alongside his wife, GerRee Hinshaw, and their 12-year-old son, Jackson.
Reflecting on the experience, Trevathan described the donation not merely as a gift but as a reciprocal relationship, saying, “Having the opportunity to show up for somebody is an amazing gift to receive.” Anderson, who initially perceived little goodness in the world, has been profoundly affected by Trevathan’s selflessness. He stated, “This whole experience has completely changed the way I look at people… I feel like I’ve gotten the greatest gift.”
Prior to the transplant, Anderson faced years of declining health, with his medical journey beginning in 2004 when he noticed alarming changes in his urine. Over the years, he attempted various lifestyle adjustments, but by early 2024, he found himself on a daily dialysis regimen—a treatment that was inconvenient but necessary.
Trevathan, who previously expressed her interest in being a living donor, took the first step by filling out the donor application and was thrilled to learn she was a compatible match. Both she and Hinshaw were suitable candidates, but it was Trevathan who ultimately decided to donate to prevent both parents from recovering from surgery at the same time.
Eight months post-surgery, Anderson’s kidney function has significantly improved to 60%. Trevathan encourages others to consider organ donation, emphasizing that almost anyone can become a living donor and “there’s zero risk to filling out the application form.”
The heartfelt exchange underscores the profound impact of kindness and the power of community support as Trevathan and Anderson embark on renewed lives, connected through a generous act of friendship.