Actor in hit series 'Off Campus' donated a kidney, saving a stranger's life

The new series "Off Campus," adapted from Elle Kennedy's popular "Kiss Me" book saga, has generated significant buzz on the Prime Video platform, exceeding expectations with its eight-episode run.

Amidst the show's success, a remarkable personal story has emerged about Belmont Cameli, the actor portraying hockey player Garrett Graham. In 2018, at the age of 20, Cameli volunteered to donate a kidney to his friend Brendan Flaherty, who urgently needed a transplant.

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I had the blessing and the privilege of saving a life. The reality is that most of us have two healthy kidneys, but thousands of people struggle day by day with a single failing kidney. Every day, 20 people die waiting for a kidney transplant. Patients spend an average of 3 and a half years on the waiting list before receiving a transplant, and that's only if they are very lucky.

While Cameli was not a match for his childhood friend, doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago identified another potential recipient, Clotilde Ruíz. Cameli agreed to the donation, enabling Ruíz to receive the life-saving organ. This act initiated a chain of organ exchanges involving 14 participants, ultimately benefiting seven patients, including Ruíz.

Cameli shared his experience on Instagram in February 2018, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to save a life. He highlighted the critical need for kidney donors, noting that 20 people die daily waiting for a transplant, with an average wait time of 3.5 years. His altruistic gesture not only aided Ruíz but also facilitated the recovery of his friend Brendan, who eventually received a compatible organ through the exchange program.

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I am very grateful to be part of this organ exchange program in which 14 people participated and which blessed seven patients with new organs and a better future.