In the heart of Kinston, where stories of compassion and bravery often go unnoticed, one remarkable individual has emerged as an unsung hero, leaving a trail of selfless acts and profound impact. Meet Liz Hengst, a woman whose journey from New York to North Carolina is a testament to the power of faith, kindness, and the extraordinary lengths one can go to make a difference. 

Hengst's journey began with an act that epitomizes the spirit of giving—she donated one of her kidneys to a woman she had crossed paths with through her church. With unwavering conviction, she embarked on a path that transcended familiarity, explaining, "We all have a knowing inside of us. The sense of I know that this is good and this is what I'm supposed to be doing." 

The decision to gift her kidney wasn't taken lightly. It required a thorough process of evaluation and a steadfast belief in her calling. "We all have something that we're being pulled towards," Hengst shared. "There's a little piece of all of our stories that's the unsung hero in some way. Sometimes it's giving a kidney, and sometimes it's doing the little tiny things." 

The process of organ donation was fraught with challenges, but Hengst’s faith in the present moment never wavered. Her family rallied behind her, offering support that underscored the strength of their bond. "My husband was just so sweet," Hengst recalled. "He said, 'this is something we could do.'" 

As the surgery was successful and the kidney began its new life in another body, Hengst was reminded of the miraculous ways we can positively impact others. "I received a video from one of her grandchildren who said, 'I now think about me being at graduation and being at things that are years away,'" Hengst shared.

But Hengst’s story isn't just about organ donation; it's a journey of self-discovery and listening to the call of her faith. Hengst's story reminds us that heroes aren't just those who make headlines. They're the individuals who heed the call of their hearts and make an impact on those around them.

"We all have a little piece of that somewhere in our story," Hengst emphasized. 

As Hengst humbly shares her story, she encourages others to recognize the potential within themselves to create change, whether through monumental acts or small gestures of goodwill. Each individual has the capacity to be an unsung hero, a beacon of hope in the lives of others. 

Liz Hengst—a name that may have been unfamiliar until now—is a true embodiment of the unsung hero, reminding us that courage, faith, and compassion can transform lives in ways we might never have imagined.