In September 2013, Indian River Club’s PGA Head Golf Professional Joe Kern went on a fishing trip to Lake Okeechobee with one of his members, and had no idea the impact that this trip would have on his life let alone the life of this member.
        Joe has worked at Indian River Club for 15 years and one of his favorite hobbies is to fish. Having the ability to connect with his membership outside the facility has always been a joy for him. While on this fishing trip the member, Bill Sedleckis made mention to Joe that this could potentially be his last fishing trip due to kidney failure. Sedleckis was soon to go on dialysis and when doing so he would be unable to lead his normal life of fishing and golf.
        Without hesitation Joe made a selfless sacrifice by offering to be his donor if he was a match. Joe asked “what is your blood type?” Ironically they were both A positive.
        A few months later Kern went in for testing to ensure that his kidney would be a viable option for Sedleckis and on April 1st 2014 both traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to have the transplant procedure. Though the first couple of days took a toll on Joe, he almost immediately went back to normal feeling minimal soreness.
        Now back in good health, Joe is enjoying a summer of competitive golf having already competed in Nelson Cup Matches just four weeks after the procedure. “I plan on playing in every section and chapter event possible, I have been rejuvenated by this experience and am thankful that I could impact someone’s life that way,” said Kern.