Two Super Bowl Champions and brothers celebrated the successful surgery that transplanted older brother Ma’ake Kemoeatu’s kidney to Chris Kemoeatu. Both brothers’ careers in the NFL have ended due to Chris’ disease, but there are no regrets, only love, according to members of the Kemoeatu family.Originally from Kahuku and alumni of Kahuku High School, the brothers founded Pacific Elite Sport Fitness Center in Kaneohe. Both men have made names for themselves in the NFL, but they are known now for the selfless love between the two brothers and their family.At a press conference in Baltimore, Ma’ake Kemoeatu told the media, “I’m the oldest of the seven kids, and it’s my responsibility to take care of my younger brothers and sisters. If my younger siblings need blood, it’ll be my blood. If they need a kidney, it’ll have to be my kidney.” Jared Ang, a senior at BYU-Hawaii and big fan of the Baltimore Ravens, commented, “I would do the same if it was my brother. I think it’s definitely worth leaving an NFL career for. When it all comes down to it, family is most important.”According to Associated Press, members of the Kemoeatu family were tested to see if their kidneys were compatible with Chris’ body. Ma’ake was the most compatible family member with a 99 percent match. He immediately agreed to help his brother.“I think what Ma’ake did for his family shows his love for them and shows that he’s not all about the money. He is a great example for us in putting family first,” stated Roman Benioni, an undeclared sophomore at BYUH.Chris Kemoeatu had experienced kidney pain since eighth grade, says AP, but was able to play football through it and even began an NFL career as an offensive lineman with the Pittsburg Steelers in 2005.In 2012, however, he ended his career upon learning about his kidney disease, increased pain, and finding out he needed a kidney transplant to survive. Soon after, Ma’ake found he was a match for his brother and quit playing football in 2012 as well. Ma’ake had started playing for the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent in 2002. Both brothers have Super Bowl wins; Ma’ake in 2013 and Chris in 2006 and 2009, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Writer: Meagan Crowell ~ Multimedia Journalist
