Kidney or Money? March 8, 2008
Category:
Compassion
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Show Description: I was struck this week by the case of a woman donating her own kidney to save a child at her child's school. It got me thinking about why we don't donate things like kidneys and livers more often. Join the discussion as we look at saving people lives in a real and tangible way.
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Allen's Legal Pad for Kidney or Money?
Andy and I have same routine when we do the show on Sundays
Drive down to WSB
Traffic light red 90% of time – Robert there
Homeless, gentle, kind man
Sits with sign – gets up when we roll down the window – speak to each other by name
We give him change from our wallets - $1, $5, $20 – depending on what is there
But what if..
I pulled up and he looked terrible
“Allen, my kidneys are failing. Not going well.”
“How can I help?”
“Well, they have put me on the transplant list. Do you know anyone who might be willing to give me a kidney?”
Can I give him your name?
We have a hard time lending or giving money
But a body part? Why so selfish?
Sarah Dickman – 8 years old
Genetic disease – juvenile nephronophthisis – slowly destroys the kidneys
Usually die before age of 15
Parents registered on national waiting list for transplant recipients after learning that neither of them was a match
Sarah's condition was deteriorating – dialysis in September
Had to leave school early most days – exhausted and irritable
But put up fliers as a shot in the dark at same time
Put one in Sarah's school
Laura Bolan, 34, saw it there – two of her kids go to that same school
Smiling face on the flier
Bolan knew she had same blood type as little Sarah
Talked it over with her husband – did some quick Web research on the surgery
Called number on flier that night – to offer one of her kidneys to a complete stranger
“It breaks your heart to know there's a little girl out there who you could help”
Dickmans got two calls from flier – Bolan was better match
So couple of weeks ago, Sarah and Laura had surgeries on same day across the street from each other in hospitals
Initial tests showed the new kidney was working well
Sarah said she was looking forward to being free from dialysis machine so she can spend night at her best friend's house
Can't wait for catheter to be taken out – take bubble baths again
Can go to Kangaroo Bob's – rec center with inflatable slides and obstacle courses
“I'll get to go there on my birthday because I won't have this anymore” - catheter
Here's the best part
Lori – Sarah's mom - “We need more people like Laura in the world”
Joe, dad, wants to add his name to living donor list so he can help someone else
Least he can do to repay he says
“A thank you doesn't fit for what she's doing. She can call me at four in the morning for a gallon of milk. I don't care. I'm indebted to her for life”
Can you imagine that feeling? Wow
A complete stranger - unbelievable
Seriously, see someone in need, a lot of us comfy giving some money
But what about a kidney, bone marrow, even blood
donating a body part or an organ
Why are we selfish when it comes to body parts?
Why have such a hard time with that?
Give $5000 but never consider a body part
Ever given one? Received? WWJD?
Make you less of a Christian if do not give blood or organs?
Allen's Top Five Georgia Sport Spots
1. Rome Speedway - world's fastest half-mile dirt track. Say no more.
2. Luther Williams Field - Classic, historic minor league ballpark in Macon
3. Atlanta Motor Speedway - Fastest tri-oval in motor sports
4. The Drum - Home of the Mount Pisgah Christian Patriots basketball team
5. Augusta National - would not be a list with out this one
Quotes to Live By
"The Word of God is not a self-help book nor a placebo to calm our fears. Neither is it a guide to career success or greater effectiveness in ministry. It is, in truth, a love letter that invites us to be embraced by the Lover who wrote the letter."
-Fil Anderson
Prayer Request from a Listener
I am 27 years old smoker with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I cant seem to find the strength to quit smoking, eat better and start exercising. I have 2 children and want to be around as long as I can for them. Please help me pray for the motivation and strength to make these changes in my life. Thank you.
- Nate :: jacksonville, fl
E-mail From Listeners
"Honest, refreshing, very enjoyable. Keep it going Allen "
