Bride Plans Wedding After Best Friend Donates Kidney, Saves Fiance's Life

Megan McIver and Alexandria Lawson have been friends since meeting as children in Southold. And last year, Lawson gave McIver the greatest gift of all, when she donated her kidney to McIver’s fiance, Matthew Botchler — saving his life.

In December, the trio celebrated their “one year kidney transplant” anniversary — and now, McIver is busy planning her wedding and just recently found her bridal gown.

It’s a story of deep friendship, abiding love, and the prayers of a community that stood strong for the couple while the search for a kidney commenced.

Botchler was in Stage Four kidney failure and in a race against time when her lifetime friend stepped up and learned she was a match.

One year later, McIver, who lives with Botchler in Selden, said she sometimes still worries. “Every time Matt goes to have bloodwork, I find myself holding my breath until we get the results to see if the kidney is still going strong,” she said.

But for the most part, those moments of fear are fleeting, and normal life is something she and Botchler savor each and every day. “I am so grateful to have our life back,” McIver said. “To enjoy the simple things like going for a walk, having somewhat normal conversations consisting of, ‘How was work today?’ instead of ’How do you feel?’”

And the couple agrees they are forever grateful to Lawson for her courage and steadfast friendship. “I will always be in debt to Alex for her selfless act. Of course, she is in the wedding party!” she said. “There would be no wedding without her. There are no words to ever truly capture the feelings and emotions of the gratefulness that I feel toward Alex. She truly is a miracle.”

Meanwhile, two weeks ago, McIver added, “I said, ‘Yes to the dress,” choosing her gown in an exciting bridal moment.

For Botchler, life is “great.” He said he’s adjusted to his new lifestyle, gotten his meds under control, and experienced lab checkups that have all come back with good numbers.

Botchler was also able to return to work in November and is busy with pre-nuptial plans in advance of the couple’s upcoming October wedding.

During his free time, he’s even able to pursue his passion for woodworking.

2015, Botchler said, was an “awesome” first post-transplant year. He and his bride-to-be were able to enjoy trips, and also, everyday joys such as hiking and visits with friends.

“2016 will be even better,” he said. “I have so many things I want to do.”

Lawson, he said, is also doing well and just recently came to visit. After donating her kidney, she was able to run a number of 5K races. Post donation, her lab reports are “better than before the surgery.” Lawson, he said, has just accepted a job offer in Houston, Texas.

“I am happy for her and very proud of her but will definitely miss her,“ he said

On her end, Lawson said she has “no regrets” and highly recommends organ donation.

Of his ”crazy journey,” Botchler said he has “learned so much about myself and others. I spread as much awareness as possible and, since my transplant ,I have been able to give back and help others that are going through this, as well.”

By sharing his story, Botchler hopes to shed light on the benefits of organ donation, and to inspire hope in those battling kidney disease, encouraging them to “keep up the fight.”

He’s even had friends and co-workers change their status on their drivers’ licenses to state that they are organ donors.

“Every day is a blessing,” Botchler said. “I thank Alex for giving me a second chance at life.”

Patch photos courtesy of Megan McIver and Matthew Botchler.