Giving of self
This week, north Spokane resident Jo Lal went to Seattle to deliver an unusual present. She’s donating her kidney to a 29-year-old man she’s never even met.
Lal has a compelling reason. Her husband of 34 years, Jay, is suffering from kidney failure. Because she’s donating her kidney, Jay will be moved to the top of the donor recipient list.
“I’m not being brave,” she said. “I’m just doing what I have to do for my husband.” Nine years ago, Jay, a former Gonzaga University professor, underwent a heart transplant. His kidneys are failing due to the anti-rejection medication he must take.
The original plan was for Jo to donate her kidney to Jay. None of their four children was a match, but Jo was. The day before the surgery a final cross match revealed an incompatibility.
“I was distraught,” she said. “You gear yourself up to this stage with the knowledge that there’s hope…,” her voice faltered. “It was very difficult.”
The staff at Sacred Heart Medical Center’s Kidney Transplant program was also taken aback. “Jo has been as determined as possible to help Jay,” said Dr. Richard Carson, the program’s medical director. Carson and his staff looked into other options, but in the end, donating to the National Registry became the fastest way to expedite Jay’s surgery.
Calling Jo’s gift “hugely magnanimous,” Carson said, “it’s not often that people feel compelled to donate to a stranger.”
But, the Lals know better than most the blessing that can come from a stranger’s gift.
“I’ve had nine great years with my donor heart,” Jay said. “I’m always grateful for someone donating their heart to me. In the midst of death you can choose life.”
He finds it fitting that now two families will benefit from Jo’s gift. “It will make someone else’s Christmas very memorable.”
Others have been inspired to give as well. Lal’s fellow teachers at Garfield Elementary are donating their sick leave hours so she can have time to recover without loss of income.
Jo insists this surgery is just the next step in the road to her husband’s recovery. According to Carson, Jay’s surgery could occur anytime within the next few weeks.
“When you see someone you love so ill,” Jo said, “You will do everything you can to make them well.”
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