Mom Of Four Donates Kidney To Save Stranger’s Life After Meeting Him On Hiking Trail
We all dream of making a difference in the world, but how often do we get the chance to be someone’s literal lifeline? For Krissy Miller, a 49-year-old stay-at-home mom of four, that chance came unexpectedly on a Utah hiking trail in September 2023.
Picture this: a regular day, a casual hike, and an impromptu conversation that would forever change the lives of two families. It’s one of those stories you hear and think, “This could be a movie,” except it’s all real—and it’s the kind of modern-day miracle that reminds you kindness still exists.
Now, Krissy didn’t exactly set out to become a kidney donor that day. In fact, her journey to this moment started nearly a year earlier when she first came across a Facebook post about a man in need of a kidney.
She felt drawn to help but was turned down due to high blood sugar levels. The goal of losing weight to become eligible seemed daunting at first, but after months of hiking, intermittent fasting, and shedding thirty-seven pounds, Krissy had transformed her health.
Yet, the idea of donating a kidney had drifted to the back of her mind—until that fateful hike on September 14th, when her path crossed with Shiller Joseph.
Shiller Joseph and Krissy Miller share a heartwarming moment post-surgery
PHOTO: Courtesy of Krissy Miller and Shiller JosephAs Krissy stood at the base of the Y Mountain trail in Provo, Utah, she felt compelled to say a prayer—something she didn’t typically do before a hike.
She asked for guidance, saying, "Heavenly Father, help me know if I should pursue this or if I need to let it go." Little did she know that prayer would be answered in the most unexpected way.
As she made her way up the trail, Krissy met Shiller Joseph, a 46-year-old father of three, who was hiking with his wife, Rhona. Their conversation started casually, with Krissy commenting on Shiller’s Miami Heat jersey. But when Krissy asked what brought him to Utah, the story took a surprising turn.
Krissy Miller and Shiller Joseph on a trail hike that marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey—one that would ultimately save Shiller’s life.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Krissy Miller and Shiller JosephShiller shared that he had moved from Florida in 2020 and was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. Diagnosed with lupus at 20, Shiller’s kidneys had been ravaged by the disease, and he had been on dialysis since 2021. His wait time for a kidney, particularly with his blood type, O+, could stretch six to eight years.
As soon as Shiller mentioned his blood type, Krissy’s heart skipped a beat. She had the same blood type, and without hesitation, she looked him in the eye and said, “I’m giving you my kidney.”
The moment was overwhelming. Shiller and his wife broke into tears, barely able to believe what they were hearing. To cap it all, Krissy ended up being a near-perfect match.
Their smiles say it all!
PHOTO: Courtesy of Krissy Miller and Shiller JosephThe transplant took place on April 2, 2024, at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, and was a complete success.
Dr. Donald Morris, a nephrologist and the kidney transplant director at the Medical Center explained that the chances of two strangers meeting on a hiking trail and being a match are, “One in a million—or even more.” Even Shiller’s own brother wasn’t a match despite having a 25% chance of being one.
Miracles can happen anywhere, even on a mountain trail
PHOTO: Courtesy of Krissy Miller and Shiller JosephToday, Shiller is healthier than he’s been in years, and Krissy has fully recovered.
Krissy says the experience has been life-changing, not just physically, but spiritually. She hopes to encourage others to consider organ donation, saying, “You recover, and you go on with life.”
While Krissy may have given up a kidney, she’s gained lifelong friends and a profound sense of purpose. Shiller confirmed it himself—the entire experience was nothing short of a modern-day miracle.
