A Touch Across The Nation

WNY story touches hearts across nation

Updated: Monday, 23 Apr 2012, 5:59 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 23 Apr 2012, 5:59 PM EDT

Diana Fairbanks
Posted by: Eli George


BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A heartwarming story we brought to you on News 4 is now reaching people across the nation.

Anderson Cooper heard our story about the incredible connection between two unsuspecting western New Yorkers and wanted to share it with viewers coast-to-coast. He welcomed the families and our news crew to his New York City studio for the surprising next chapter of this Buffalo miracle.

Gail Bowden lost her 17-year-old son when he suddenly fell ill.

"It was very peaceful. It was quiet. I tell people he went back to heaven with as much love as they sent him here," Bowden said.

Years later, she hired a painter to spruce up her living room. Through a little small talk she discovered that painter, Ken Kittenger, is alive today thanks to a kidney donation. The donor was Bowden's son, Brendan.

Bowden recounts, "She says, "His name is Ken Kittenger." I said, "He has Brendan's kidney!" (gasp) And I almost drop the phone. And he says, "It's me isn't it?" And we both started crying and we hugged."

It's a story that changed not only their lives, but the lives of everyone who heard it.

Anderson Cooper stated, "I just find this amazing, the series of events that had to take place for you two to end up meeting"

We were there as these two camera shy western New Yorkers shared their "hand of God" story under the bright lights of a Big Apple studio in front of a national audience. A few quick phone calls from producers and the pair and their families were flown to New York City for two days in the spotlight.

"It's been amazing and the story thanks to you guys brought us all together," said Bowden.

Kittenger added, "It's something I never thought would happen, but it has and I know it's a great story and it does ease the pain of Gail and her family and they see it."

Cooper asked, "What has this meant for you Gail?"

She responded, "It's just been an extremely uplifting experience for me personally."

The Anderson Cooper show is a long way from their Buffalo living room where they first had that fateful encounter, but they would find out that spreading their message would soon be well worth it and change their lives even more.

Cooper announced, "Also joining us with our affiliate WIVB in Buffalo, NY is Mark Simon, he's the CEO of UNYTS the service that arranged for Ken's transplant. You have something to show Gail?"

Simon said, "Yes, I have a very special surprise for her. Thanks to a very generous donation here in western New York, we are going to name our family center after her son. It will be the Branden E. Baker Family Center here in western New York."

"I can't believe it. I'm so thankful and I'm so amazed. This story continues to spread joy," beamed Bowden.

Kittenger added, "I was in trouble and they saved my life and I love you for that and thank you."

The Anderson Cooper Show determined the odds of Bowden and Kittenger meeting by chance were .008 percent.