According to an announcement on Nice N Easy's website, many years ago, Rick offered to donate one of his kidneys to his father, Ron Sr. His father refused to accept Rick's kidney because the disease runs in their family and he was deeply concerned for his children's future.
While Ron Jr. was serving in the Navy, he found himself battling kidney disease [image-nocss] and had to undergo dialysis three times a week. Again, Rick unselfishly offered to donate a kidney but later found out that he could not be considered a candidate because he was on medication for high blood pressure. Their sister, Sue, was also a match and had passed all but one test. The final test before the procedure could take place revealed Sue was prone to kidney stones and could not be considered as a donor. This was very disappointing for all.
Rick then decided to take action and was determined to do whatever was necessary to donate his kidney. It was a long hard road and a lot of work had to be done, to even be considered a candidate. This meant having to lose 35 pounds through diet and exercise, lowering his blood pressure enough to be taken off of the medication, and making many trips to Albany to pass test after test.
Rick's determination paid off with the help of his family and support of his coworkers. He finally achieved his goal.
On January 11, 2011, a successful transplant was performed and everything is going well, according to the company. Recovery for both is ahead of schedule, "most likely due to their positive attitudes."
Ron and Rick were also told they were the quickest transplant "team" for recovery that the hospital staff has ever witnessed.
Rick returned home January 31 and will be returning back to work very soon, the company added.
"Rick does not want, or expect the recognition of being called a hero. He simply stated, 'I did it for the love of my brother.' Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes is proud to have Rick Miller as a part of our organization and wish him and his brother the best through their recovery," the company said.
Separately, Nice N Easy Join congratulated the employees at its Clay, N.Y., location for their exceptional 2010 Community Involvement.
As part of its Nice Pledge program, the company encourages stores to be involved in the community and awards points for various criteria. Employees give substantially of their time, talent and donations to help nonprofit organizations, schools and the less fortunate throughout the communities served by the chain. Many employees take leadership roles for fundraisers and events. Other employees involve themselves by giving their time and energy to volunteer at an event or fundraiser.
The Clay team is headed by Diane Conger, store manager, and Tracy Lawton, foodservice manager. They knew that for their new store to compete in its saturated market, they needed to be heavily involved in the community. Among many initiatives, it raised more than $400 for the American Heart Association, hosted a luncheon for the Clay Seniors Chorus, volunteered at the Little League concession stand and hosted a Tuesday Night Classic Car Cruise-In all summer long. The cruise-in grew to more than 200 cars and became the store's busiest day of the week.
As Nice N Easy's way of saying "thank you" to the employees involved in these events, it will present the store with a plaque of distinction and a store dinner for all employees to celebrate their outstanding performance. At the dinner, the store will present a $1,000 check to a spokesperson of the charity of their choice.
Nice N Easy operates more than 80 stores throughout the state of New York.
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