Celebrating a miracle

From the Bayland Educator News Reporter

On June 20, 1982, Jerry Brien of Bayland Educators was able to provide a miracle for his brother, Jim. Jim had a kidney disease that would soon drive him to dialysis and a future kidney transplant. The doctors suggested that family members be tested to see if a match could be found.

In Jerry’s words: “My other two brothers and I were tested with my kidney being the best match. I was asked, ‘Would I do this for my brother?’ Without hesitation, I said yes even though there would be risks with a major surgery. The transplant team at UW‐Madison Hospital performed the transplant. As I came out of recovery, the doctor told me the words that I wanted to hear: The transplant was successful and the kidney began to function immediately. The miracle of this was that my brother could now live a healthy life. He was able to have children. Both of his daughters are now out of college and working in their professions; one is a teacher in a public school in Minnesota. The miracle continued as Jim was able to continue his work with the DNR in fire protection. Jim could now resume his love of skiing. He later developed an interest in running and biking. He has competed in several US & International Transplant Games. This past summer he won his first gold medal in a walking division. This past Christmas he presented me with his gold medal.

“While not everyone can be a living donor as I was, all can consider giving a gift of life. There are currently over 100,000 people on an organ transplant wait list, 3,000 people added to the wait list every month, and 18 people who die each day awaiting a lifesaving gift. Start by talking to your immediate family or legal next of kin of your wishes to donate your organs. This is important so that when the time comes that a decision needs to be made it can be done with a greater ease. In Wisconsin you can legally consent to donating by signing the Anatomical Gift Statement on the back of your driver’s license or state issued ID card. You can also indicate your support through a living will or healthcare POA documents. One donor has the potential to save up to eight lives, give sight to two people, and enhance the lives of up to 40 or more people. Jim’s miracle still continues as we approach the 27th anniversary of the transplant. Please consider being a miracle for others. If you want to experience a truly heartwarming experience, look for the US Transplant Games in Madison in the summer of 2010. You can hear and see the stories of miracles from all over the United States.”

Jerry Brien is working in Kaukauna as a speech and language pathologist for his 35th year. He is also a member of the Bayland Educators Board.

Posted January 30, 2009

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