When Bill Sumiel stepped into Tim Letts’ Uber in 2021, little did he know that his life was about to change in the most unexpected way. 73-year-old Bill Sumiel had been living with diabetes for 20 to 30 years and had suffered kidney failure as a result. According to sources, doctors had told Bill that he would require a kidney transplant to survive. They also advised that rather than waiting on the transplant list, he should actively look for a kidney donor.
A Chance Encounter and an Immediate Bond
Bill had been receiving treatment at a dialysis center and relied on Uber to get him to and from his appointments. In 2021, on one such trip, Bill met his Uber driver, Tim Letts. Tim had been working his last day for the ride-sharing company and had picked up Bill from a location further than he was used to driving. Nonetheless, Tim felt that Bill needed the ride, given the odd time and day of his request.
According to Tim, when Bill got into the car, they both struck up a conversation immediately and bonded really quickly. Tim noted that Bill had a “brilliant personality” and that after just a few minutes with him, it was evident that he was a kind and caring person.
During their conversation, Bill confided in Tim that he needed a kidney transplant. Tim recalled sensing the despair in Bill’s eyes and knew that he had to help in any way he could. “I could see in the rearview mirror this hopelessness. He looked like he was at the end of his road,” Tim said. Following the conversation, Tim quickly offered to donate his kidney. For Tim, donating a kidney was something he had always felt called to do. It was a selfless act of kindness that would save Bill’s life. When Tim arrived at Bill’s house, he left his name and number, indicating that he was serious about his offer.
Bill admitted that he was initially concerned that Tim wasn’t going to be a match. However, Tim miraculously turned out to be an excellent match.
After getting approval from the transplant team, Bill and Tim underwent a successful surgery in December 2021. Bill was incredibly grateful to Tim, whom he referred to as an “angel”. “He’s like a son but I love the man. He’s an angel. He saved my life, literally,” Bill said. The two have remained in touch; with Bill even texting Tim on his birthday.
