What's the nicest thing you've ever done for a friend? Dropped her a card? Taken her out for lunch? Maybe planned a surprise party or shower?

Gary Gorby has us all beat. He shared a life saving donation with his good friend and neighbor, Joann Schaefer.

Yes, the two are prominent doctors. In fact, I've talked to Dr. Schaefer several times in her role as Chief Medical Officer for Nebraska. But this isn't about their careers, it's about the gift of life.

Several weeks ago, Dr. Gorby became a living donor, giving part of his liver to Dr. Schaefer. Two teams of doctors at The Nebraska Medical Center went to work. One team removed Dr. Schaefer's diseased liver, the other team removed part of Dr. Gorby's healthy organ, then both teams worked together to transplant it.

There were risks to Dr. Gorby, a ten percent chance of complications and less than a one percent chance of death. He wasn't sure if his sons would understand why he wanted to become a donor. It turns out they did, after all, they'd want to do the same thing for a friend.

Dr. Schaefer could tell the difference as soon as she woke up. The transplant had a tremendous affect on her health, and her outlook. This wife, mother, and doctor now savors every minute with loved ones.

Dr. Schaefer and Dr. Gorby's story is on omahamomtomom.com

They shared it to encourage the rest of us to think about becoming organ donors. But at the same time, it makes us think about what it really means to be a friend.

Tracy