Every now and then, a story comes along that reminds us why workplace culture matters so much. Not just for productivity or employee satisfaction, but for the profound human connections that can happen when people spend their days working side by side. Today, we're sharing an extraordinary story from Verizon that shows just how far workplace relationships can go – from colleagues to lifesavers. Get ready for a story that will make you see your office friendships in a whole new light.

When Cleo Scott shares her story about finding her kidney donor, she doesn't start with the medical details or the years of searching. Instead, she begins with something much more profound: "Who would have thought that your match was sitting right across the office from you that whole time?"

A silent battle 

Twenty years ago, Cleo was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease. Like many facing such news, she knew that one day her kidneys would fail, but she couldn't have predicted how her workplace would become central to her journey toward healing.

The search for a donor was a four-year marathon of hope and disappointment. Even when a family member stepped forward and was just 48 hours from surgery, an unexpected health issue halted everything. But sometimes, the greatest gifts come from the most unexpected places.

An unexpected hero 

Enter Janine Paavola, Cleo's colleague at Verizon's Global Learning and Development team. When Janine heard about the cancelled surgery, she didn't hesitate. "I wondered if I could be tested," she recalls. "I thought, why not?"

But Cleo's response wasn't immediate excitement. After years of setbacks, she was protective – both of herself and potential donors. "I proceeded to tell her everything as to why she shouldn't," Cleo shares. "This is really hard."

Beyond the office walls 

What makes this story particularly powerful is how it challenges our perceptions of workplace relationships. In an era where we often discuss the importance of work-life balance and maintaining professional boundaries, here's a story that reminds us that sometimes the most profound human connections can form right beside our desks.

The support extended far beyond just Janine's incredible gift. Their Verizon colleagues rallied around both women, creating a support system that carried them through the challenging times before and after the surgery.

A new chapter 

The surgery was successful – remarkably so. "The kidney worked immediately," Janine shares with pride. For Cleo, it wasn't just about receiving a kidney; it was about receiving a second chance at life. "I think of it as my new birthday," she says. "I was given a new life."

Today, Cleo and Janine share more than just an office space or a kidney – they share an unbreakable bond. Their story is a powerful reminder that workplaces can be more than just where we earn our living; they can be where we find our extended family.

More than just colleagues 

This story exemplifies why we at Flexa believe so strongly in the power of workplace culture and human connection. It shows how companies like Verizon, who prioritise creating supportive, inclusive environments, enable these extraordinary moments of humanity to happen.

"We just have to remember, as much as we support each other for work, when these personal issues and medical issues come up, we support each other just as much," Cleo reflects. "Our team is amazing. Verizon is amazing."

In a world where we often hear about toxic work cultures and disconnected teams, stories like Cleo and Janine's shine a light on what's possible when companies foster genuine human connections and support their people through life's biggest challenges.

Their journey from colleagues to family reminds us that sometimes, the greatest gifts in life can come from the person sitting just across the office. And that's something worth celebrating.