On August 16, 2024, an event was held at Methodist Hospital, Specialty and Transplant in San Antonio to mark the 25th anniversary of a special kidney transplant.
In 1999, less than three months after the San Antonio Spurs won their first world championship, Noel Elliott donating a kidney to his younger brother, then Spurs forward and University of Arizona legend, Sean Elliott.
Six months later, Sean returned to the NBA, his first score being a dunk down the center of the lane. He became the first pro athlete to return to a major sport after a kidney transplant.
Noel was a stock clerk in Tucson at the time of the transplant.
The National Kidney Foundation honored him with a “Gift of Life Award.” Sean became the foundation’s spokesperson and elevated kidney disease awareness. One year later, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported the largest increase on record for organ donations from the living at 16 percent.
“The Elliotts are both an inspiration and have made a great impact on our mission,” Troy Zimmerman, special projects director for the National Kidney Foundation, told SanAntonioReport.org.
Noel now drives an 18-wheeler for a cement company in Tucson while Sean is a Spurs broadcaster.
When Noel arrived for Sean’s first game after the transplant, TV cameras filmed him walking into the Alamodome. The 26,708 in attendance chanted Noel’s name.
The Elliotts grew up as best friends, sharing a bedroom. They have always been close.
“My faith gives me a perspective that this life is not for us to do whatever we want, but to live sacrificially,” Noel told SanAntonioReport.org.
Recommended for you
