Courtesy photo Carlos Vivero, Shannon Vivero, Bryce Fox, and Jesika Fox pose for a photo together. Bryce Fox is donating one of his kidneys to Carlos Vivero.

ALPENA – A journey through rehabilitation made it possible for a local man to provide a miracle that could save his friend’s life.

Carlos Vivero, of Alpena, has been dealing with a rare aggressive form of chronic kidney disease known as Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis ( FSGS).

When Vivero made his diagnosis public, his friend, Bryce Fox, who he went through substance recovery with, offered to be tested to see if he was a match for a kidney transplant.

He was and now a surgery is scheduled in two weeks where Fox will donate one of his kidneys to Vivero.

“Carlos is a really close friend of mine from recovery. When he told me he had a rare kidney disease and mentioned his blood type, I realized we had the same one,” Bryce said. “I told him right then I’d get tested. If I can help save his life, there is no hesitation.”

The transplant is scheduled for Jan.14 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Although both men and their families are nervous about the operation, they understand this must be done sooner than later.

“My kidneys are failing, and with only about 10% renal function remaining, daily life has become increasingly difficult,” Vivero explained. “Fatigue is constant, and even simple tasks are a challenge. This transplant represents more than a medical procedure, it represents hope.”

Vivero described what this gift means for his future and his family.

“Receiving a kidney will allow me to truly live again, to be present for my children as they grow, and to give my wife the partnership she deserves, he said. ” I am endlessly grateful for this gift, and I carry that gratitude with me every single day.”

Fox’s sobriety and commitment to his health made it possible for him to qualify as a living donor. He described how the transplant gives him added motivation to remain sober.

“Going forward, my focus is staying strong in my recovery and taking care of my health.,” Fox said. “Donating a kidney means being more mindful of how I live, and I’m committed to that. Recovery gave me this chance, and I want to honor it.”

Bryce Fox’s wife Jesika Fox explained what it’s been like to witness her husband’s journey to recovery, and how they got to this point together.

“Bryce and I have known each other through school, dating off and on in adulthood, and finally stabilizing our relationship while stabilizing our lives in recovery, together, building a family and watching each other grow,” Jesika Fox said. “Getting to walk alongside him as he chooses to support another man’s life, so that man can continue his growth within his family just the same, is absolutely beautiful, and a testament to his growth.”

One thing has brought all these people together, and made this miraculous gift a possibility, that is recovery. Carlos’s wife Shannon Vivero explained how they all got here.

“What makes this moment even more meaningful is that Bryce, his wife Jesika, Carlos, and I are all in recovery,” Shannon Vivero said. “Sobriety is what brought us together, and recovery is what made this miracle possible.”

Shannon Vivero also described how both families are active in the community, and how both men devote themselves to recovery, and their families.

“Both of these men show up every day–not just for each other, but for their families and for our community,” she said. “Their lives today look very different than they once did, and this transplant stands as living proof of what recovery can do.”

Shannon Vivero summed up the entire situation by sharing a conversation she had with Bryce Fox’s nine-year-old daughter recently.

“One of the most touching moments for me came at Christmas during a quiet conversation with Bryce’s nine-year-old daughter. I asked her if she knew her dad was giving his kidney to Carlos,” She said yes,” Shannon Vivero said. “I then asked if she knew her dad was a hero? Without hesitation, she smiled and said my daddy is a hero.”

Both men are self-employed, adding another layer of anxiety for the families. Recovery for a kidney transplant can take months. Because of that both families are hoping those in the community that can, will help in any way possible.

“Bryce’s recovery made this gift possible, but the physical recovery ahead means we will need support simply to stay afloat while he heals,” Jesika Fox said.

If you are interested in helping these families in any way email Jesika Fox at Jesika2289@gmail.com or call 989-590-1222