Cory Collyar, a certified support assistant who works in the emergency room at Banner Gateway Medical Center,  donated his kidney April 1 to his longtime friend — who is also his colleague’s husband.

Gabriel Chavez had been on dialysis and waiting for a healthy kidney for almost two years. Both Cory and Gabriel are recovering well.

Collyar and Chavez met in 2010 and became close friends through their wives. Alba Porchas, an intensive care unit nurse at Banner Gateway and Brittney Collyar, associate chief nursing officer at Banner Del E. Webb Medical and Banner Boswell Medical Center, met in 2000 through participation in a high school organization, and have remained close ever since.

Porchas and Brittney Collyar met Chavez in 2002, and Cory Collyard moved to Phoenix to be with Brittney in 2010. The friendship between the four grew and has remained strong for years now.

During a Collyar family dinner in September 2023, Chavez's need for a kidney was the topic of conversation and  testing for a live donation was discussed.

Brittney and others in her family had already tested and were not a match. Cory knew it was his turn to try and after multiple months of tests, he was told he was a match in early 2024.

“I didn’t even think twice," Cory Collyar said. "I knew what Gabriel needed and I needed to see if I could help. I love my job because I work day in and day out to improve the lives for our patients. Knowing I’ve been able to do that for such a close friend in this way, it’s just indescribable. I am just so glad I could do this.”

“Cory is like a brother to me, but it’s still overwhelmingly amazing that he even considered doing this for me and for my health,” Chavez said. “Sitting here now, there are no words to describe my feelings. I am just so thankful to Cory.”

April is Donate Life Month, an initiative to encourage people to register as organ and tissues donors and honor those who have saved lives through a donation. In 2022, the United States reached a historic milestone, achieving its one millionth organ transplant — more than any other country in the world.

“Our yearslong friendship is so special to me, and this selfless act by Cory makes our bond even deeper," Brittney Collyar said. "I am so proud of him for giving the gift of life and easing the burden on Gabe and Alba."

Added Porchas:  “Gabe’s life — and my family’s life — has been changed in the absolute best way possible. This has been a long journey for our family, and to know my husband is going to be alright, I am just so grateful.”