b'A Heroic Act Helping patients has always been special to me, said Kelly. As a recovering addict, I know how valuable our health is and how it impacts every aspect of our lives.of Kindness Part of Kellys recovery has included speaking engagements with youth across the United States. On a trip to Florida, something happened to Kelly that she could never have anticipated.I wasnt in a very good place mentally or spiritually. So, when I found How Kelly Avella saved a life out Richard Condina was going to be speaking, I almost skipped his part of the presentation, Kelly recalled. But I ended up staying, and I was completely blown away by his words. I was struck by how many When Kelly Avella started her position as an administrativepeople he had helped as part of his recovery journey.assistant in our Riverhead Office four years ago, she never would have imagined that she would be responsible for saving aDuring the hotels breakfast the following day, Richard invited Kelly life. But healthcare has always been a calling for Kelly, and herto sit and dine with him. They bonded over the shared loss of their compassionate nature made her just the right person to make aparentshis mother and her fatherand Richard explained to her sacrifice for someone she barely knew. that he was currently going through kidney dialysis. Unfortunately, his kidneys were slowly shutting down.It just hit me, Kelly described. I told my husband later that day I wanted to look into organ donation. My husband was floored. But I wanted to see if I would be a match.Perhaps it was the recent loss of her son or her father. Or maybe it was the unwavering support she received from her husband in everything she did. Whatever the reason, once it dawned on Kelly that she wanted to donate one of her kidneys to Richard, she went full speed ahead.She completed a very rigorous screening process through Cornell. On January 29, 2022, she discovered she was a 100 percent match. When it came time to complete the donation process, Kelly underwent a laparoscopic procedure. After a few weeks of fatigue, she felt completely normal. The only sign that remains is a two-inch scar inside her navel.Its hard to imagine someone who would give of themselves in this way, but Kelly is a very special person, said Richard Condina. I have my health back, which is priceless. She is a real-life super hero!Kellys unparalleled generosity inspires our whole community. Today, Kelly works as a medical assistant in Dr. Fang Chens office, where she continues to put her heart into healthcare daily. We are so lucky to have her on our team. Kelly, we celebrate you and your incredible selflessness. Thank you for being you! Way to GO!Please join us in congratulating Dr. Agostino Cervone, program director, and Denise Furst, program coordinator along with the robotic surgery teamon their accreditation by Surgical Review Corporation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery! Additionally, Dr. Agostino Cervone and Dr. Brett Ruffo have been awarded Surgeon of Excellence status.6'