For JoAnn Lemons of East Haven, joining the Red Hat Society (RHS) proved to have benefits far beyond exciting social outings and great times; Lemons' decision to become a member just might have saved her life. Lemons, who suffered from an incurable genetic disorder known as polycystic kidney disease, found an unforeseen kidney donor – and lifelong friend – in fellow RHS member Patti Moreno of Waterbury. Having met through the Red Hat Society, the world's largest social network of women approaching fifty and beyond, both Lemons and Moreno never thought that their friendship could be life-saving.
Moreno first learned of Lemons' condition after the two had formed a fast friendship through regular Red Hat Society member trips. After learning that Lemons' kidneys were functioning at a mere 13 percent capacity and that without a transplant she would imminently experience kidney failure, Moreno decided to help her fellow Red Hatter by getting tested to determine whether she was a donor match.
Moreno turned out to be a perfect match. On March 31, 2009, both Red Hatters underwent surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Months later, both women are thankful for the bond that saved Lemons' life – and the lifelong sisterhood the Red Hat Society helped them form.
"I get a reward every time I see JoAnn and she looks so absolutely fantastic and has her energy back," says Moreno. "That's my gift."
The Red Hat Society's emphasis on camaraderie and sisterhood is exactly the reason Lemons and Moreno became members of the worldwide social network in the first place.
"As you get older, your friends die, divorce or move to different communities," adds Moreno. "In the Red Hat Society, we dress up in purple and red, and we turn heads when we walk into a restaurant. It makes us young again."
Now happy and healthy, both ladies are focused on planning a trip to Aruba together next spring to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Moreno's donation.
About the Red Hat Society
Red Hat Society offers a vital community for gathering and connecting like-minded women, as well as relevant services and social events to instill a renewed sense of pride, confidence and optimism in each member. Together, Red Hat Society members are redefining the traditional notion of aging in contemporary society.
The Red Hat Society is the largest international social organization for women, approaching 50 and beyond, dedicated to making the world a better place for our members by actively promoting and supporting fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment and fitness for each individual, as well as demonstrating the value and contributions of older women to society at large.
RHS members can usually be spotted adorning red and pink hats. RHS members are the mothers, daughters and grandmothers of society - women from across the globe sharing a passion for life.
Joining the Red Hat Society opens the doors to a world of fun, friendship and sisterhood. In addition to local, national and international events, members of the Red Hat Society receive special benefits such as discounts, and much more.
To learn more about the Red Hat Society please visit http://www.redhatsociety.com.
For all media inquiries, please contact Tyler Barnett at 323.937.1951.
Contacts:
Red
Hat Society
Tyler Barnett
Media Representative
Ph.
323-937-1951
Cel. 818-929-8166
Tyler@TylerBarnettPR.com
