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PORT SALERNO, FL (WPTV) – Local poker buddies will undergo surgery that will save the life of one of the men.

Matt Doolin is currently living without both kidneys after both failed and had to be removed.

“For the last 20 years I’ve dealt with kidney issues,” said Doolin.

He began looking for a donor, but it turns out, he didn’t have to look far. His poker partner, Colin Delahunty, was ready to help.

“He’s a good friend and he deserves it. All these people are here for him,” said Delahunty.

Dozens came out Sunday in Port Salerno to the Manatee Island Bar to raise money for Doolin’s surgery.

It’s a surgery that doctors told Doolin was rare.

Doolin and Delahunty are a 99 percent match, percentages rare for a non-related donor. The best friends are just playing their cards right.

“It is a new life for me,” said Doolin.

The two friends say the surgery will take place this Thursday.

By Jon Shainman