New Kids on the Block Fandom Inspires Kidney Donation and Life-Saving Story

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

Theresa, a polycystic kidney disease patient, received a life-saving kidney transplant from a fellow New Kids on the Block fan she met during a fan cruise, with the operation coordinated between Wisconsin and UCLA. This unique community connection not only saved Theresa’s life but also helped her sister secure a transplant, highlighting the powerful role of fandom networks in patient advocacy and support.

Theresa, an educator diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), faced a critical health turning point after discovering her kidney function had dropped to 15 percent. Despite initially experiencing no symptoms, a kidney test following treatment for a urinary tract infection revealed her condition had progressed to the point where she qualified for a transplant. With long waiting lists that can extend up to a decade, Theresa was encouraged to advocate for herself to find a donor.

Drawing on her passion for the 1990s boy band New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), Theresa sought to leverage her fandom to raise awareness. In May 2022, attending a New Kids concert in Anaheim with her son Connor, she presented Donnie Wahlberg—a member of the group—with a homemade poster explaining her need for a kidney transplant. Donnie took the poster and later shared her story on social media to millions of followers. Although the outreach generated significant support, it did not immediately lead to a donor.

As Theresa’s kidney function continued to decline, she and Connor participated in a New Kids fan cruise from Miami to the Bahamas, using the event to spread the word about her transplant needs. They displayed a banner with a QR code providing information on her condition. It was on this cruise that Theresa met Christina Meyer, a Wisconsin-based family medicine doctor and fellow New Kids fan. After learning about Theresa’s situation, Meyer voluntarily put herself on a transplant donor list.

Following medical evaluations, Meyer was found to be a compatible donor. The two women coordinated with UCLA Health for the transplant surgery, which was scheduled for August 31, 2023. The day before the operation, Donnie Wahlberg connected with both women in a lengthy video call to provide encouragement and expressed admiration for their courage and the supportive nature of the New Kids fandom.

The transplant surgery involved Christina undergoing the kidney donation procedure at her hospital in Wisconsin, followed by the transport of the kidney to Theresa at UCLA. Theresa credited the widespread support from the fan community and medical staff for helping her remain positive during the process.

While recovering, Theresa experienced the loss of her mother, also a PKD patient, which underscored the urgency of helping her sister, Sandy Henson, who was also on a transplant waiting list. In an extension of the fandom’s support network, Sandy later received a kidney through a donor exchange program facilitated by another New Kids fan, Tricia Spencer from Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Since the transplant, Theresa has become an advocate for patient support programs through UCLA’s CORE Kidney initiative. She continues to engage with the New Kids community, attending residencies and concerts with her son and sister’s donor. Reflecting on her journey, Theresa emphasizes the profound impact of shared identity and connection within fandoms, crediting the bond formed through their love of the band for the life-saving chain of generosity and support.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.