Give A Kidney

Remember This blog is to be read backwards. If this is your first time here, please go to the bottom of the page, then ‘« Previous Entries’, then ‘« Previous Entries’ again until you can start with January 31, 2007. The first entry is there, then work your way up.

On February 23, 2010, Yale/New Haven Hospital removed the left lobe of my liver and transplanted it to an 11 month, 10 pound, baby girl. I regret not blogging that whole adventure also. Time just got the best of me and before I knew it, the moments were gone.

Due to the unending spam comments, I have closed the comments option.

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Thank you,

Harry Kiernan

Well this is it, one year. Kate & I met Eileen & Jessie for lunch today. It was too bad Jim couldn’t make it. It was really great to see her doing so well. Every month, the amount her meds get smaller and smaller. That makes it all worth doing. I’m glad Kate was home from college so she could join us. Everything is more meaningful with someone to share.

As you know, last week along with the ‘Gift of Life Award’, I received an ‘Official Statement’ from the Governor. Well, not to be outdone, today I received an ‘OFFICIAL CITATION’ from the Attorney General of Connecticut with his sincerest congratulations. Do I get to wear my tux again?!

This evening, Connecticut’s National Kidney Foundation held their annual ‘Gift of Life Gala’ in Hartford. I was presented with the ‘Gift of Life Award’ for donating the kidney. It was quite an honor, but all I had to do was lay there and go to sleep while Dr. Hull did all the work. If you ever meet him, thank him for saving my life too. The things I won’t do for a reason to wear my tux. I received a very nice award plate along with an ‘Official Statement’ from the Governor of Connecticut. It stated that I’m an ok guy. Thanks!

The Transplant Team from Hartford Hospital held their annual holiday party/gathering this evening at First Church in Glastonbury. I’m not sure how many years this had been occurring, but I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of it. Of course Eileen, Jim and Jessie were in attendance, as I sat with them. It was great to see the Nurses, PA’s and Doctors outside the hospital.

There were many people with many stories. I’m glad I was able to attend to see and hear of other people’s struggle for a kidney. I need to find a way to let people know they too can help save a life by being an organ donor. Just sign your driver’s license and let your family know of your intentions. It really is very easy.

Today was my six month checkup, and once again, I passed with flying colors. It’s great to see the transplant personnel so pleased with my recovery. From the way I see it, I have more than recovered. I feel, both physically and mentally, much better than I did before the surgery.

Jessie, Eileen and Jim’s daughter, graduated from college today. I stopped by their house this afternoon and stayed a couple of hours. This is a really nice family! It was very nice, once again, to be included in yet another one of their family gatherings. Eileen was so happy to see her daughter graduate. There was a time when she wasn’t sure she would be able to attend.

I know I’ve said this before, but I so glad my kidney went to this family. They are so real with their love and respect for each other. And even more, I’ve been made part of that great family.

Thank you, Eileen, Jim and Jessie!

Katie & I visited Eileen and Jim tonight at their home. Katie was home from college for Thanksgiving and wanted to go with me to see them. Every time I see them and how great they are doing, I get an unbelievable feeling inside. I truly feel I got just as much out of this as they did, if not more.

Eileen cooked a great turkey dinner for us and even delivered it to our home. It was, and continues to be, a very tasty feast.

Recently I was interviewed by a local media outlet about this kidney story. They had spoken to Eileen and Jim, Audrey and then Ted (he got my blog started and kept it going while I was in the hospital). Then they got around to me and asked why I did it. Basically, I reiterated what I’ve been saying here all along plus saying ‘It’s the right thing to do!”. When they asked: “What’s it like to be a Hero?”

My only response was: “Has the world become so cowardly that doing the right thing makes you a Hero? I hope not!”

Well, my September check-up was this morning and nothing exciting to pass along. Everything is continues to get stronger and better every day. I really am so glad I did this. I can’t imagine not having done it. Everyday bring this unbelievable great feeling and I wish I could do it again!

OK, I’ve been out of the hospital for three months now and I’m sure I feel better physically than I did ten or fifteen years ago. Three months is such an insignificant amount of time to be ‘inconvenienced’ in being able to give someone a new live. In the grand scheme of things, the time and all the after effects this is just a drop in the bucket for me. This has, and will continue to be, one of the greatest experiences of my life. Every time I see or talk to Eileen, and feel how great she is doing, I feel great!