A message from Tim Janus.

I want a kidney. Not for me. Not for dinner. But for my mom because hers are failing.

You can help if you pass this information on to people you know or if you'd consider undergoing laparoscopic surgery* to donate one of your kidneys. First, however, it's important that you understand that Transplant Ethics and Law require that neither I, nor anyone, give you anything in return for your generous intention and the gift of life you are giving when you give your kidney. Your transplant expenses would be covered, but the gift must be freely given.

My mother is a good person, a caring friend to many and a therapist who helps others cope with life’s challenges and make positive changes in their lives. I can't begin to adequately express my admiration and love for her. It exceeds anything of which many of you would think me capable. Now she needs a living kidney, and neither my sister nor I are good matches for her.

To be a donor you need to be a generally healthy adult with Type “O” blood, who has not had any of the following health problems:
Cancer
Diabetes
Elevated blood pressure (although elevated cholesterol may not be a problem)
Serious heart problems, such as previous heart attack or use of stents.

If you're interested, please contact Lucinda’s Transplant Coordinator at Hartford Hospital (Hartford, CT) and tell her that you are considering becoming a kidney donor for Lucinda Hannon. She'll keep your inquiry confidential. She can answer your questions, and she'll ask you a few questions about your interest in donating as well as about your health. All your answers will be held in strict confidence.

If you decide to be tested, she'll make an appointment for you to have a free blood test. If you are from outside Connecticut, she will mail you several vials to be taken to a lab near you for use when your blood is drawn. The tests will be paid for by my Lucinda’s insurance, except for the small charge of having a lab technician draw your blood. Instructions will come with the vials.

Please contact:
Emily L. Berger, RN, BSN. Kidney Transplant Coordinator
Hartford Hospital Transplant Unit
85 Seymour St, Ste. 321
Hartford, CT 06118
Tele: (860) 545-4156 Fax: (860) 545-4208
Email: elberge@harthosp.org

Tell her you're considering donating to Lucinda Hannon. Thank you for your generosity in considering giving this lifesaving gift.

*Laparoscopic surgery has made donating a kidney far easier than it had been in the past. Today a kidney donor can expect a couple of days in the hospital, a couple of very small scars, and couple of weeks at home away from work to fully recover. Most donors are back to their normal routines within 2-3 weeks. The surgery does not impact one's quality of life or life expectancy. Statistically, childbirth is six times as dangerous as laparoscopic kidney surgery.

And please, if anyone would link his or her own website to this story, I'll thank you very much.