Ann Marie Hassett from Coram made a life-changing decision by donating her kidney to Scott Scannell of Nesconset, whom she had never met before. The two were introduced for the first time on July 10 at Stony Brook University Hospital.
The meeting was a celebration of their connection, attended by their families and medical professionals including Frank Darras, MD, and Adam Kressel, MD, from Stony Brook Medicine.
“I don’t see myself as a hero,” Ann Marie said. “I believe I was simply meant to help this person. I’ve lived a full life — running marathons, competing in triathlons, finishing an Ironman, volunteering as a firefighter at Coram Fire Department, and teaching chemistry for 22 years at Newfield in Selden. I just wanted to give someone else the chance to live their life fully, too.”
Before this meeting, the only contact between Hassett and Scannell was through a letter sent while he was hospitalized.
Scannell needed the transplant due to polycystic kidney disease diagnosed ten years ago. His children were unable to donate because they tested positive for the same condition. After being on the transplant list for three years and undergoing dialysis since May 2024, his family sought out potential donors through social media and news segments.
Hassett learned about Scott’s need through an email and decided to become his donor despite initial hesitation from her family. She underwent surgery on April 22 after matching with Scott.
“The entire transplant team was incredible,” said Scott. “They turned what could have been a difficult, even frightening experience into something positive. I’m so grateful to the team at Stony Brook.”
Frank Darras highlighted the importance of altruistic donors like Hassett: “We’re fortunate sometimes that we have altruistic donors… That’s what this story is about.”
Since receiving his new kidney at Stony Brook University Hospital in April, Scannell has regained energy and freedom from dialysis constraints. He looks forward to activities such as fly fishing and traveling with his family.
“She saved my life and my family’s — made us whole again,” said Scott. “She’s a miracle worker, an angel. Thanks to her, I got my life back.”
