Two Peas in a Pod

As alike as two peas in a pod.

That is how Danny Martin described his friendship with Katie Walton. They trained together and began serving as LifeQuest Ambassadors two years ago. They immediately hit it off and have volunteered together ever since.

“We are very close, and it’s very sweet,” Martin said. “Katie’s a special person in my life. We work well together. It’s a special kind of chemistry.”

By all accounts, Martin and Walton are a powerful pairing and a perfect fit. Two friends on a joyful mission. Neither craves the limelight. She is easygoing. He is a prankster. Together, their unique traits lead to unimaginable success and positive results.

Simply put, some people just work better in pairs.

“Danny is just the best,” Walton said. “He’s my friend and my transplant buddy. We think the same way. We practically finish each other’s sentences.”

The dynamic duo are passionate regulars at countless events in the Gulf Coast region, where they host information tables, distribute brochures, and speak at schools, hospitals, and community events to help raise awareness about organ donation. They rarely work alone.

Day or night. Near or far. It does not matter. The Pensacola residents are willing to go just about anywhere to share their stories.

“I have the time and want to do it,” Walton said. “I don’t care if I have to go to Timbuktu. If I can put a spark in one person’s mind, it’s worth it.”

More than 112,000 people currently are awaiting  life-saving transplants. Martin and Walton were two of those people. Strangers before transplant, they are now best friends who serve their communities together. They work to support organ donation and honor the donors who saved their lives.

Martin received the gifts of a heart and a kidney at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville. Walton received a kidney and a liver transplant at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, thanks to a selfless 19-year-old donor.

“Somebody died so that I could live, and that means a lot to me,” said Walton, who knows what it means to lose a loved one. Her brother was killed in a bicycling accident at a young age.

The experience upended Walton’s everyday life and forced her to appreciate the little things.

“I rejoice in my life,” she said.

It is worthwhile to celebrate everyday heroes who offer their time and talent to their community. Without generous volunteers, LifeQuest would be unable to fulfill the life-saving mission of helping to save patients in need.

Jane Wilhoit, LifeQuest Senior Hospital Services Coordinator in Pensacola, works with both volunteers on a regular basis. She said their unbreakable bond and harmonious spirits are a delight to everyone around them.

“Danny and Katie are truly special,” Wilhoit said. “They’ve become the best of friends and are dedicated volunteers who participate in many different venues to promote organ donation.”

While circumstances may have brought Martin and Walton together, their camaraderie is real. They genuinely like each other. They meet for coffee and bagels about once a month and have come to rely on each other in times of need.

What’s more, they communicate easily, trust one another and feel understood.

“We can talk to each other,” Martin said. “She’s an awesome person. She understands my situation. I understand her situation. We just click.”

“We sure do enjoy being together,” Walton said. “He’s got so much to offer.”

Mutual respect is also key. Walton said she admires how Martin handles adversity. His wife passed away shortly after his transplant surgery.

“He was, is, still so upbeat, kind, and passionate, as am I, about honoring our donors,” Walton said.

The fear Martin and Walton experienced while waiting for an organ transplant played a transformative role in both of their lives. They fully understand the brevity of life and the sheer joy of living it.

“It’s just fun to get involved with somebody who feels the way I do,” Walton said. “Danny’s funny, too. Oh gosh.”

At one community event, Martin reached out his hand to retrieve a signed organ donor registration card from a close friend at an information table. The woman hesitated.

“She said, I’ll think about it,” Walton said, laughing. “Danny said, ok, I’ll be by later tonight to pick it up.”

Martin and Walton recognize shared experiences like these strengthen the foundation of their friendship, much like their passion for motivating others to register as organ donors.

“I’m the follower. She’s the leader,” Martin said. “She keeps me straight on everything. I’m always available. Just check with my boss, she’ll let you know when and where we go.”

Using the links below, watch Danny and Katie’s video on our YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np9HlOoTzHA