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Lindy Noel is a corporate communications specialist for the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team in Ohio. Noel earned both her bachelor's degree in communication studies  (‘11) and her master’s degree in public relations and policy analysis (‘14) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Then, in 2024, blood donor and, eventually, a bone marrow donor, Noel performed a selfless act of service when she donated her kidney to her colleague.

Noel noticed a post from Aaron Portzline, a senior writer for The Athletic NHL, who announced on social media in 2023 that he needed a kidney. Portzline has a genetic Polycystic kidney disease, which meant he was going to have difficulty finding a match.

“I was really moved by the story,” Noel said. “I had lost my father to esophageal cancer in 2018, after he was first diagnosed in 2014. From there, I decided that I wanted to do more to make a difference.”

Noel said she was also moved by the amount of attention Portzline’s post was receiving from the public.

“I saw all of the likes and comments from everyone. I thought, ‘I’m sure so many people are signing up to see if they’re a match,’” Noel said. “I should also be one of those people. I always said if I could do something like that, I would try.”

To find out if she was a match, Noel filled out a questionnaire and did four rounds of tests. She then discovered she was the perfect match for Portzline. Noel told Portzline she would be his organ donor before undergoing surgery on April 26, 2024. The surgery was successful.

Noel is currently a board member for the SIUE Alumni Association. She said she is proud to be an SIUE alumna.

“I take a lot of pride in the fact that I went to this school,” Noel said. “It taught me everything I know, and it got me to the place I needed to go. I made so many connections there. If it were not for the personal and professional relationships I made, I would not be where I am today.”

While studying communications studies at SIUE, Noel was introduced to the Alzheimer's Association. She said this association helped launch the trajectory of her career and a life of service.

And when it comes to donating an organ to save the life of a colleague Noel says do not hesitate. “I would encourage everyone, whether living like myself, or on their license, to become a living donor,” Noel said. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

PHOTO:  (left to right) Aaron Portzline's daughter Grace Portzline, his wife Kate, Portzline, Lindy Noel, Lindy’s fiancé Chris Blakely