Flex Wheeler is a bodybuilding icon who held the record for the most Arnold Classic wins for over a decade. Many believe no other bodybuilder since Wheeler has replicated the balance of muscle mass, proportions, and symmetry. However, the legendary bodybuilder’s career ended abruptly when he got diagnosed with a rare kidney disease in 1999. While he competed for a few more years, in 2003, Wheeler required a kidney transplant to save his life. That’s when he met Reesa, the woman who saved his life.

However, in a cruel twist of fate, Reesa found out she had cancer shortly after the transplant. Earlier, the four-time Arnold Classic winner penned a heartfelt note for his late kidney donor.

Flex Wheeler gives a tribute to a selfless woman

Earlier today, Flex Wheeler took to Instagram and posted a photo with a woman. The five-time Ironman Pro winner revealed who she was in the caption. “Reesa was my angel,” wrote Wheeler. “She saved my life in 2003 when she donated her kidney… I would not be here today if it wasn’t for Reesa,” added the body transformation coach.

The former Arnold Classic champion revealed that the woman had donated him her kidney in 2003. Interestingly Flex Wheeler and his donor knew one another long before he required a kidney transplant. “I met her in a church that I was a member of an LA, never knowing that one day she would save my life,” wrote Wheeler.

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However, he also revealed his donor lost her battle with cancer “a couple of years ago,” after fighting it for over a decade. The bodybuilding legend also highlighted how selfless his donor was. According to the former champion, his donor “found out that she had breast cancer,” shortly after the transplant. However, she felt more concerned for Wheeler than herself.

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“Facing a terminal deadly disease her first thought was to call me while I was still recovering in the hospital,” said the bodybuilding legend. She even called Wheeler’s doctor to make sure he wouldn’t face any complications. “She lives on inside of me… Love you, Reesa and your amazing family and your devoted husband, Eric,” he wrote.

Wheeler continues to defy the odds

Since the late 90s, the bodybuilding icon has faced numerous health issues. He has gone under the knife over 40 times in the last two decades. Despite his issues, the former Arnold Classic champion continues to defy the odds. Last year, Wheeler revealed his kidney donor was considerably smaller than the bodybuilder.

“It’s a stress for that kidney anyway because it’s so small,” Wheeler revealed last year while appearing in The Menace Podcast. According to Wheeler, the average transplanted kidney doesn’t last more than seven years. However, despite showing signs of “wear and tear,” his donor’s kidney has lasted for 20 years.

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What did you make of Flex Wheeler and his donor’s story? Write your thoughts in the comments.