Love is a powerful force. It can drive people to do the unthinkable, and when the unthinkable saves a life, it's all the more touching. When Jimmie Sue Swilling was born, it was with only one kidney. She didn't realize this, however, until she was trying to start a family with her husband Larry Swilling. Doctors told her that it was unlikely that she could have children. Against all odds, Jimmie Sue gave birth to not one, but three healthy children. Still, she knew that one day a kidney transplant would be required. That day finally came last year, when, at the age of 76, Jimmie Sue was told that her one kidney was about to fail and she was in need of an urgent transplant. With no kidneys available, she was put on a long waiting list. Her husband, however, couldn't stand the thought of life without his wife, so he decided to take matters into his own hands.
One morning, Larry woke up with an idea. He made a sandwich board sign that read "Need kidney 4 wife," strapped it to his body, and set out with a heart full of hope. Larry pounded 15 miles of pavement in 97-degree heat and a bad knee. After that walk, he received nearly 2,000 phone calls. Still, until a confirmed donor was found, Larry refused to give up, and a few days later, he walked another 54 miles. Larry's awe-inspiring love and devotion to his beloved wife, whom he says he loves more now than when he married her 56 years ago, was the reason that a 41-year-old woman from Virginia was so touched that she decided to donate her kidney to Jimmie Sue. Luckily, it was a match, so Larry can now put down his sign and doesn't have to worry anymore.
1. How did Larry and Jimmie Sue beat the odds?
(A) They found a kidney doctor.
(B) Jimmy Sue survived cancer.
(C) They had three children after being told they couldn't.
(D) They stayed together throughout their ordeal.
2. What is NOT mentioned as a reason that drove Larry to look for a donor himself?
(A) He didn't want to live without his wife.
(B) He loved his wife dearly.
(C) There were no donors available.
(D) His three children begged him to do it.
3. What does "Larry pounded 15 miles of pavement" in the second paragraph mean?
(A) He angrily hit the pavement with his fists for 15 miles.
(B) He walked the streets for 15 miles.
(C) He put signs up along 15 miles of the road nearby.
(D) He asked all potential donors within 15 miles to donate a kidney.
4. What is the reason Jimmie Sue finally found a donor?
(A) Her story moved a woman in another state.
(B) It was her turn on the waiting list.
(C) She received 2,000 kidney donations.
(D) Her husband walked to Virginia and found a donor. |