Rotarian Kathy Pruss shared that 9 years ago she donated a kidney when her husband needed one. Though she was a match for her own husband, another woman was a stronger match for him, just as Kathy was a stronger match for that woman’s husband. They formed a paired exchange, however, anyone can donate a kidney that will be matched to whomever is compatible. Because Kathy donated a kidney, if her remaining kidney ever fails, she would be moved up ~5 years on the 7 year wait list. Kathy also described a family voucher, utilized when a donor does not know someone in immediate need of a kidney transplant and wants to help others in need by starting a chain and donating their kidney to a stranger. The Family Voucher Program allows for up to five family members of the donor to receive vouchers that can be activated if one of the family members ever needs a kidney transplant. Once the first voucher is redeemed, of course all other vouchers related to that donor become void.
An estimated 37 million American adults (about 1 in 7) live with chronic kidney disease, and roughly 90% of them do not know they have it; about 830,000 Americans are living with end-stage kidney disease. Kathy emphasized the importance of having blood work to assure your kidneys are functioning as they should.
Rotarians with stories to share, please contact Dinoli Rowlands to be a meeting speaker and receive a free lunch!
Rotarians Spotted in the Community
Pictured below at the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army Harvest Festival & Auction are Rotarians Ginny Kirkwood, Pat Forney, Dinoli Rowlands, TJ Price, Danica Hartenfels, Grace D'Amico, and Ted Butz. Present but missing from the photo are Charlie Kirkwood, Rose London, and Phil Weber. Rose lead an amazing event!
Please text pictures of your participation in non-profit community endeavers to Grace D'Amico at 570-977-0536 for inclusion in Rotarians Spotted in the Community.
Stroudfest earned $321 for Stroudsburgs Rotary - thank you to everyone who helped this year!
