Ann Marie Hassett from Coram made a significant impact by donating her kidney to Scott Scannell of Nesconset, whom she met for the first time on July 10 at Stony Brook University Hospital. This event marked the celebration of their life-saving connection alongside their families and medical professionals from Stony Brook Medicine.
Hassett expressed her motivations, stating, “I don’t see myself as a hero. I believe I was simply meant to help this person.” She shared her life experiences and desire to give someone else the opportunity to live fully.
Scott Scannell, aged 61, required a kidney transplant due to polycystic kidney disease diagnosed a decade ago. His children were unable to donate because they also tested positive for the disease. After three years on the transplant list and undergoing dialysis starting in May 2024, his family sought help through social media and news outlets. In January, they received hopeful news about a potential donor who had seen their story online.
Hassett learned about Scott’s need through an email and decided to proceed with donation despite initial family concerns. She underwent surgery on April 22 at Stony Brook University Hospital, where Scott received his transplant.
“The entire transplant team was incredible,” Scannell said. “They turned what could have been a difficult, even frightening experience into something positive.”
Dr. Frank Darras praised altruistic donors like Hassett during a press conference at Stony Brook University Hospital: “We’re fortunate sometimes that we have altruistic donors... What we do is give them the opportunity to give to someone else.”
Since receiving his transplant, Scannell has experienced newfound freedom and energy. He looks forward to enjoying activities such as fly fishing and spending time with his family in Montauk and Florida.
“She saved my life and my family’s — made us whole again,” said Scott about Hassett's donation. “She’s a miracle worker, an angel.”