By Rev. Michael Fischer-chaplain, Country Meadows of York
Rev. Michael Fischer with his wife, Rose, as he prepares to donate his kidney.
In August, 2015, I was blessed to share my gift of good health by becoming a living kidney donor through Pinnacle Health’s Transplant Center at Harrisburg Hospital. This was a journey with much learning and discovery.
Several years earlier, while watching the national news, I was intrigued by a story describing a living kidney donor chain. This was the first time I had heard of such a thing. Who knew that donating one kidney could trigger a “chain reaction,” literally improving the quality of life for multiple individuals in need of kidney transplants? I was intrigued.
Being intrigued led to some internet surfing & research on my part. And then it happened … life. Life happened! My wife and I moved from western Pennsylvania to York. And with two new jobs, a new residence, and all that goes along with a major move, life became very full and the idea of donating was put on the back burner.
Lo and behold, while watching the national news one evening, another story about a living kidney donor chain aired. Now, feeling settled in York, I was set in motion. After discussing with my wife, Rose, I made contact with the Transplant Center, simply to explore possibilities. From that first phone call, I was impressed with the team at Pinnacle.
Over the next few months, the team educated both Rose and me. Having been married for a while now, one of the life lessons I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) is how important it is to make sure my life partner is involved in major decisions.
One by one we worked through all the questions, the fears, and the “what-if’s.” All the while, Pinnacle put me through the best physical I’ve ever had –and ever will have! The team went looking for hidden problems with my health. This was to ensure that my health would not be compromised by donating.
As it became clearer that there were no hidden health problems with me, attention turned to who would receive my kidney. I was completely satisfied and, truth be told, relieved that the transplant team and their partners would figure this out. Following comprehensive protocols, the team found what they identified as the best possible match for my kidney.
After several weeks I learned that six people received kidney transplants as a result. My kidney donation had indeed triggered the hoped for “chain reaction!” And in the process, Rose and I were blessed in so many ways. Not the least of which was the love and support of friends, family, co-workers, our employers and the entire team at the transplant center and Harrisburg Hospital.
While I do not yet know who received my kidney, and perhaps never will, I am blessed with the peace of mind of knowing that many lives were transformed by my gift. This was a journey to share my gift of good health, and I give thanks to God for the opportunity to give a piece of myself away for the sake of the world.