Colorado teacher donates kidney to former student

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By: Matt Renoux, KUSA – STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO (KUSA) - Teachers give a lot to their students. In Colorado, almost a decade after school, this former teacher didn't hesitate to help when her former student needed the gift of life.

Tracy Bye has spent her life helping other lives. 25 years getting animals back on their feet and 30 years as a teacher in Steamboat, Colorado.

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Those who know Tracy say she's one of the most caring people around.

Henry Howard,her former student, said "She was always just the most gentle kind-hearted teacher. The miracle has come in the form of a person like people were created to be miracles in people's lives"

20 years ago he was in elementary school, back when Tracy helped give Henry the gift of knowledge. About two weeks ago she helped save his life.

For years Henry has been sick, his kidneys failing and at 29 was just about out of time. When she heard how sick her former student was, without hesitation, she decided she would donate her kidney.

"I just thought if I'm healthy enough that's something I can do," said Tracy.

That's where this teacher has one more lesson about giving. "It's a huge thing and it impacts both your lives for the better I feel like," she said.

For Tracy, the greatest gift is giving.