Young woman with liver disease needed organ donor, got much more after a NASCAR race

Nicole Munda was on the brink of turning 29 in 2001 when she received a disheartening diagnosis from her doctor. She was told that without a liver donor, she may not live past her 30s. This news was devastating for someone so young, as liver transplants are not typically required for people in their 20s. But Nicole was an exception, and her disease was progressing rapidly.

Despite the grim prognosis, Nicole was invited by a friend to attend a NASCAR race at the Phoenix International Raceway. Initially hesitant, she decided to go in hopes that the excitement of the event would provide a temporary escape from her worries. Little did she know that this decision would change her life forever.

As she settled into her seat at the raceway, Nicole struck up a conversation with a stranger sitting next to her. To her utter disbelief, the man, Jess Coleman, revealed that he knew her through a carpool with her mother, who lived 750 miles away in Carlin, Nevada. The unlikely connection left both Nicole and Jess in awe of the serendipitous encounter.

Their conversation took an even more astonishing turn when Jess mentioned that he had a picture of Nicole on his shelf from a whitewater rafting trip they had both been on years ago. The series of coincidences seemed too incredible to be true, almost like a divine intervention.

As Nicole and Jess continued to talk, they discovered more shared experiences and interests, leading to a deep connection between them. Jess began making the 750-mile drive from Carlin to Las Vegas every weekend to spend time with Nicole. Their bond grew stronger, and within four months, they were engaged to be married.

Amidst the excitement of their upcoming wedding, Nicole received devastating news that her liver might be cancerous. Surgery was required to confirm the diagnosis, but it could only proceed if a donor was available to provide 60% of their liver. In a remarkable twist of fate, Jess volunteered to be tested as a donor, and the results were nothing short of miraculous.

Jess was a perfect match for Nicole, with the same rare blood type and physical size. He was in perfect health, making him an ideal candidate for the life-saving transplant. The couple proceeded with their wedding, and shortly after, Jess gave Nicole the most precious gift of all – the gift of life.

As they recovered side by side in the hospital, Nicole and Jess marveled at the series of Godwinks that had brought them together and saved Nicole’s life. Their love story was a testament to the power of fate and the incredible ways in which life can unfold in unexpected ways.

The remarkable journey of Nicole Munda and Jess Coleman serves as a reminder that miracles can happen when we least expect them. Their story is a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of love and faith.