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* I already told you that my friend Marcus Lucas passed away last week. Marcus’ services info is here.
His family has since given me permission to tell you that he died while waiting on a kidney transplant.
This is the second friend I’ve lost because they didn’t receive a kidney in time. Another good friend of mine received his transplant last year and is doing really well. It’s like night and day.
* The Question: Do you have any stories from your life about people who were saved by an organ donation? Tell us about them. Conversely, if you know of anyone who didn’t make it while awaiting a donation, please let us know about their struggles.
By the way, if you haven’t yet signed up to be an organ/tissue donor, please click here.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 9:21 am
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I know two folks with wildly different circumstances and backgrounds that have transplanted hearts. I’ve met both of them post-transplant.
The world is better with both of them still in it. Endlessly grateful for everyone who agrees to be a donor.
Comment by Humboldt Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 9:33 am
After listening to this Freakonomics episode, I decided I wanted to be a living kidney donor. We all have a spare kidney we don’t really need while people are dying waiting for them. It can spark a chain reaction that can yield kidneys for multiple people. Alas, I am too fat and they won’t take my spare kidney. But for those with lower BMIs, listen to this and think about whether you might be a good fit for this: https://freakonomics.com/podcast/make-me-a-match/
Comment by Jessica Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 9:39 am
Lost my father years ago, he was an organ donor that resulted in a successful corneal transplant. Lost a nephew who was not yet 30 and also a donor. The hospital lowed the flag and provided an Honor Walk – very moving. I am signed up as a donor.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 9:45 am
Marcus was a frat brother of mine, and a very good friend. I wasn’t even totally aware of his health issues. He was a generous brother, giving off his time and energy to serve so many people selflessly. I, for one, will truly miss him immensely. I know I’m not the only one either. Prayers to all who knew him.
Comment by SpfldWestsider Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 10:10 am
Taking this opportunity to thank you Rich for you Friday post, my sincere condolences to you, and all of Marcus Lucas‘ friends and family. I remember you sharing that “pop up” wedding and how wonderful that was, that day was, I’m saddened to hear of his passing.
Yes, members of my family have been donors, both in life and in passing, the lives changed, one we all knew and were so grateful for having the donor (family) and the recipient (family friend) share the bond they had after that was only strengthened.
I am a donor on my license, I do need to test to be in a database to be a living donor, as someone I know has a relation needing help with a donation now.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 10:17 am
A story with a happy ending: my aunt was a living kidney donor. The recipient was one of her coworkers; when he was told he would probably die without a new kidney, she immediately had herself tested to see if she was a compatible donor. The transplant was successful, and she occasionally asks the recipient how “their” kidney is doing.
Comment by Benjamin Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 10:50 am
A humble plug for everyone under the age of 40 to sign up with Be The Match to be a blood stem cell donor if you’re matched — https://bethematch.org/support-the-cause/donate-blood-stem-cells/how-to-join-the-donor-registry/.
Comment by GV Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 10:54 am
I donated my kidney to my daughter. It has helped her quality of life in a big way. We have been able to stay out of the hospital so much more now. She received her kidney last January 2022. Its been a big game changer for us.
Comment by Greg Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 11:06 am
Rich, sorry to hear about your friend.
I do have a little bit of a story. Found out two years ago that my uncle was in liver failure and was getting on the transplant list. I decided I wanted to see if I could be a match for him. I wasn’t but decided to try a “paired donation” (where they find another pair in a similar situation who match “across” the pair). They ended up finding a solo “altruistic donor” that matched my uncle, and he had his surgery last fall.
I’m an atheist, but I felt that I had made an “agreement with the universe” that if my uncle got a kidney, I would donate mine, so in early January this year, I had my donation surgery. From what little they can tell me, it sounds like the recipient is doing well, and if they’re interested, hopefully I can meet them later this year or maybe next year.
Comment by Scott Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 11:08 am
My cousin’s life was saved by an anonymous donor kidney. Yes, everyone should be on the donor list.
Comment by New Day Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 11:11 am
A former boss of mine lived for years knowing that he would eventually need a kidney transplant. As the time came, his son stood up to be a living donor. Both are doing very well.
Comment by Leslie K Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 11:13 am
We lost a friend who was on a donor list. When his “turn” came up, his health had deteriorated so much that he was no longer a viable candidate. He passed away about a year later, a wonderful man, beloved by family and friends. I’m a donor on my license.
Comment by froganon Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 11:20 am
Sorry to hear of your pals passing.
Comment by Dotnonymous Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 11:32 am
Yes, with multiple organ transplants. One passed away after living a long time. They lived pretty much full lives—had careers, children, etc. Signed up to be an organ donor years ago.
There’s a hilarious “Curb Your Enthusiasm” episode dealing with this, “The Ski Lift.” Larry David is a donor match for his sick buddy Richard Lewis but doesn’t want to give up his kidney and schemes to get out of it.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 11:48 am
I have a good friend and former train buddy who over a short period of time developed multiple conditions and could not survive without a lung transplant. They finally received a lung over 8 years ago and are still building strength and endurance, but doing very well. They also speak at events promoting organ donation. Signing up as a donor can save lives.
Comment by stateandlake Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 12:08 pm
A very good friend of mine was faced with relatively sudden kidney failure. His prospects were not good, but the generosity of an organ donor provided an almost ideal match. Ten years later, my friend is doing well, is as cantankerous as ever, and continues to manage his business.
I’m a registered organ donor and have been for years.
Comment by Flapdoodle Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 12:58 pm
My daughter’s longtime boyfriend was saved by a kidney transplant, donated by a friend he grew up with. I heard a story a few years ago on NPR about how a single un-designated organ transplant can enable a whole series of designated ones; it becomes the final piece in a 10-way trade.
Comment by Ben Tre Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 3:17 pm
A few years ago my brother was the recipient in a successful liver transplant. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cancer that took him just two short years later.
Comment by Former State Employee Tuesday, May 2, 23 @ 4:44 pm
in 2011 I spent a little lower five months in the hospital dying from a serious heart problem. on November the 13th I received a heart transplant from a young man whose name is Jonathan. God blessed me with Jonathan’s hard beating in my chest for the last 12 years. Now I need a Kidney
Comment by Howard A Peters III Wednesday, May 3, 23 @ 12:51 am