Belmont Cameli once gave up a kidney through a swap programme to help his childhood friend

Belmont Cameli, the 28-year-old star of Off Campus, once donated his kidney to a stranger in the hope of helping his childhood friend Brendan Flaherty, who was suffering from kidney failure and dependent on dialysis. The act of generosity set off a chain of events that ultimately ended up saving the lives of seven people.

According to a report by Daily Mail, Cameli was not a direct match for Flaherty, which meant he could not donate to him directly. Instead, he became part of a 14-person organ donation chain, entering at the beginning so that his donation could eventually facilitate a match for his friend further down the line.

How Belmont Cameli's kidney donation worked

The chain continued until Flaherty received a kidney from someone he had never met, with seven patients in total receiving life-saving donations through the complex but ultimately successful kidney matching programme. It was a process that required patience, coordination, and a willingness to help complete strangers.

Cameli shared his thoughts during his 2018 hospital stay in an Instagram post that has since resurfaced and captured the attention of fans.

“I was blessed with the opportunity and privilege to save a life,” he wrote. “The fact of the matter is that most of us have two good kidneys, but thousands of people struggle to live day to day with only one failing kidney. Every day, 20 people die waiting for a kidney transplant. It takes patients an average of 3.5 years on the waitlist before receiving a transplant, and that is only IF they are so fortunate.”

He continued, “Thankfully, after 6 years of strenuous waiting and anticipation, Brendan has been gifted the organ he has so long awaited, and my new friend Clotilde will finally have a healthy kidney and a fresh new start to life. I am so grateful to be a part of this swap program involving 14 people and blessing 7 patients with new organs and brighter futures.”

Belmont Cameli’s current project

Cameli is currently starring in Off Campus, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video and has already been renewed for a second season. His kidney donation story has resurfaced alongside his rising profile, shining a light on a remarkable act of kindness that took place long before his name became widely known.