I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: News Articles => Topic started by: okarol on August 21, 2007, 01:19:24 PM
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Jack Marschall To Donate Kidney
2 hours, 11 minutes ago
A member of "Good Morning Cleveland" is giving the gift of life.
NewsChannel5's Jack Marcshall said the experience has been an amazing journey for him and his brother-in-law, Ken Jakubecz. Not too long ago, Marschall's 23-year old daughter, Lauren, said she wanted to be tested because she and Ken had the same blood type.
Marcshall said it takes more than having the same blood type. After extensive testing, she was found to be a perfect match.
"I was initially tested nearly two years ago at the Cleveland Clinic. I wanted to give Ken a kidney, but we are not compatible matches," Marschall said.
Marschall's kidney will be donated to a stranger through the paired-donor consortium at the Cleveland Clinic.
Ken has been on dialysis at the Veterans Administration Center at Wade Park for nearly eight years. He has been on the waiting list for a kidney for about two years.
Marschall said Ken needs a new kidney in a hurry or his deteriorating condition will make him unsuitable for being a recipient.
The double transplant will be done consecutively at the Cleveland Clinic on Sept. 11. Lauren and Ken will go first, and then Marschall will donate his kidney.
Marschall added that he will be off for about four weeks.
You can e-mail Marschall at marschall@newsnet5.com.
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Jack's Blog: Final Thoughts Before Surgery
Tue Sep 11, 10:46 AM ET
NewsChannel5's Jack Marschall will undergo surgery to donate a kidney on Sept. 11. He will not be on the air for about three weeks, but Jack has agreed to blog from home during his recovery.
You can find out how he felt about the surgery, how is is recovery process going by checking out his blog frequently.
Tuesday, Sept. 11
I'm about an hour away from surgery at The Cleveland Clinic -- tired, excited, overjoyed and in a state of bliss at just the idea of what is about to take place -- giving the gift of life.
My daughter, Lauren, and her uncle, Ken Jakubecz, are in the OR, and we have been told all is going well. I had tears in my eyes when Lauren was wheeled away. I hugged her tightly, and said words cannot describe the pride her family has in the love and life she is sharing with my wife's brother. As you may know, Ken has been on dialysis for eight years. He's a Vietnam vet who has had a rough time of it, dealing with serious health issues for much of his adult life. The kidney Lauren is donating will change that, not in solving all of his problems, but rather giving Ken a shot at improving the quality of his life for several years. What a life-changing experience for both donor and recipient.
My kidney donation is going to someone whom I have not met. I hope that will happen at some point so I can tell him or her what an honor and privilege it is for me to share my good fortunes with another human being. Like I wrote yesterday, time is one of our most valuable commodities we possess. Helping in the healing of another person is a gift I will keep with me for the rest of my life. They, too, will hopefully feel even better than me as a result of my donation. The gift can be simply in the asking, "Can I do something for you?" It shows we care.
Think about living organ donation. Think about creating a miracle that will change your life. And I'll be thinking of all of you, the folks who are praying for the Marschalls on this very special day. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. I will share mine with you after today's surgery. It's time to go. Say a prayer.
Jack Marschall
Monday, Sept. 10
How does one begin to write a blog that speaks with all due humility about giving the gift of life? I must tell you that I am the lucky one who has benefited from a blessed, lucky, healthy and beautiful life. My good deed is merely my own way of giving back for all that I have been given. There is no hidden agenda or great expectations that I have -- all but one, I should say. And that is simply helping to improve the quality of someone's life.
Like you, I live one day at a time and never assume tomorrow or the next minute is guaranteed.
Like you, I have had hardships along the way while my wife and I reared four beautiful children and three grandchilden.
Like you, I have tried doing the best that I could do at home and at work.
But don't you wonder what more you can do to help someone in need of a happier, healthier life?
Don't you, too, want to give a little bit more when you feel a personal calling to aid in the hardships of others -- to ease their pain, so to speak?
That's all I'm really doing. Giving part of me to help someone's brother, sister, mom, dad or child. What an overwhelming feeling it has given me. What a privilege this journey has been for my family at home, and my extended family of which we are all members in this beautiful world of ours.
How proud I am of my daughter, Lauren, who volunteered and proved to be a donor match for her Uncle Kenny. Lauren told me today she lives in the now, not in a world of "what ifs." Like many of you, we are living The Golden Rule. And I am silly enough to believe there is someone out there who might be willing to donate a life-saving organ to me or my loved ones if the need arose.
That's what life is all about. If not, then why the heck are we here; what is our purpose?
I am speaking for myself when I ask you to think about living organ donation -- giving the gift of life. Take it from me, the miracle is shared by the donor as much as the recipient.
This will be a big week for the Marschalls. Then again, this has been quite a life for the Marschall family since I was a kid growing-up in East Cleveland. I had hair back then!! But I'm pretty much the same guy today.
Thanks for all the support you have shown my family and me and the prayers you have shared. September 11 will be a good day for us thanks to the power of positive thinking and good wishes from all of you.
Lauren and I are taking a very small step to change the world for the better. Share whatever gift you have, especially your time, to help another. In the long run, it makes our extended family happier and healthier, and makes our world a better place in which to live.
Jack Marschall
http://news.yahoo.com/s/wews/20070911/lo_wews/14082089
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What an awesome man :2thumbsup; Now if only we can get more people to think the way he does, ohhhh wouldnt that be something? ::)
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Jack's Blog: 1st Trip Out
Mon Sep 17, 7:34 AM ET
NewsChannel5's Jack Marschall underwent surgery to donate a kidney on Sept. 11. He will not be on the air for about three weeks, but Jack has agreed to blog from home during his recovery.
You can find out how he felt about the surgery, how is is recovery process going by checking out his blog frequently.
There was a time when weekends were made for Michelob. Now, they are precious for family time, rest and recuperation. This past weekend, Lauren and I went to the mall, "to feel normal again," as we said. We did, and boy, are we tired. As many of you know, there is a fine line between staying moderately active following surgery, and making sure you get proper rest in between walks to make sure the body is healing. That is what we are trying to do.
Every day is better than the next, but we still start and end our day walking like Herman Munster. I should say that I look like Herman. Lauren more resembles Lillie. For most of our day -- it's all good -- taking walks in the neighborhood, the back yard or going to the grocery store like we did on Saturday with my wife, Sharon. Considering surgery was on Tuesday, Sept. 11, we are doing great. My brother-in-law, Ken Jakubecz, came home from the Cleveland Clinic on Sunday. Ken says he is tired but feeling wonderful after receiving one of Lauren's kidneys last Tuesday. Doctors say my kidney recipient is also progressing well and was expected to leave the hospital shortly if there were no complications. That, of course, makes us happier than we can put into words. Sunday was spent visiting my daughter, Sarah, and her family in Medina. Like I say, family time has never been more special.
I think you would appreciate this. Much of our healing is trying to get the body back to routines that we all have. And for the record, my adult children seem to have inherited their sense of humor from dad. Like me, they have great personalities. Like me, they are humble. (smile) Unlike me, they all have a full head of hair! While eating my bowl of Raisin Bran cereal at the dining room table Saturday morning, a loud "tooting" noise was heard coming from the chair on which I was sitting. Lauren and I were both having breakfast. Lauren looked at me and said, "Was that you?" I said, "Yea, it felt great." Lauren replied, "Awesome." We both started laughing -- so hard that we had to look away from one another, the laughter causing pain in our bellies. It doesn't get much better than that!
This you already know -- that pain helps to put the pleasures of life in perspective. You tend not to take much for granted any more; we seem to appreciate the routine, simple things in life. While we were at the mall on Saturday, a nice woman came up to me with tears in her eyes and said, "Thanks for what you did." We chatted for awhile, and before long I, too, had tears in my eyes -- trying to say thank you -- trying to briefly explain it was my pleasure to help someone else. This journey has been an emotional roller coaster of the desirable kind. My family and I again want to say thank you for your prayers and your support. It made all the difference. We are a close knit community that cares for one another. Greater Cleveland is truly Great because of the people who live her. The Marschalls consider ourselves lucky to know so many of you truly care, and that the journey is as much yours as it is ours. Sharing this experience is the greatest gift of all.
Jack Marschall
Thursday, Sept. 13
My daughter, Lauren, and I will be going home today, just two days after we each donated a kidney to recipients at The Cleveland Clinic.
Before giving the gift of life, doctors at The Transplant Center told us what to expect after this amazing laparoscopic surgery. There is definitely pain one must deal with -- both from the incisions and also from gas that builds in the stomach before our plumbing got back to normal.
I know that may sound kind of funny, but it can get pretty intense at times. Still, Lauren and I were up and walking down the hallway much of Wednesday in order to build our strength and prevent blood clots in our legs and other parts of our bodies. We're doing amazingly well, and everyone says we look great. Hey, I always look great!
But the Clinic's team of specialists also reminded us we have gone through major surgery, and taking it slow when we get home is critical for a speedy recovery.
Yes, I want to go home and get life back to normal. But as I have said before, the memories and personal impact from our journey will stick with us for the rest of our lives.
My brother-in-law, Ken Jakubecz, received Lauren's kidney. His health continues to improve as Lauren's gift is shared with someone she loves. That is so awesome.
My recipient also continues to do well. I have a feeling I will have an opportunity to meet him or her in the weeks to come -- a chance for me to say thanks for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Someone else is walking around with my kidney inside them, making them healthier and hopefully happier. That feeling for me is indescribable.
Happiness and success are measured in different ways by different people. Lauren and I are sore, but the pain is eased when it's caused to help somebody who was suffering much worse than us through no fault of their own.
In my humble opinion, the Cleveland Clinic Transplant team is World Class in every way. To say we have been in good hands would be an understatement. And we have been in wonderful hands spiritually and emotionally thanks to you and all the folks who have been praying for us.
We did it! Thanks for your prayers and positive thoughts for everyone involved, especially my wife, Sharon, who was given the most difficult assignment of all -- keeping an eye on her husband, daughter and brother.
I will stay in touch in the coming days to update you on our recovery. It's hard to put into words how grateful we are for your support -- how proud I am of Lauren, and how thankful I am for our family and friends who stood by in support and love of our effort.
Give organ donation some thought. It will change someone's life for the better, and both of you will never be the same.
Jack Marschall
Tuesday, Sept. 11
I'm about an hour away from surgery at The Cleveland Clinic -- tired, excited, overjoyed and in a state of bliss at just the idea of what is about to take place -- giving the gift of life.
My daughter, Lauren, and her uncle, Ken Jakubecz, are in the OR, and we have been told all is going well. I had tears in my eyes when Lauren was wheeled away. I hugged her tightly, and said words cannot describe the pride her family has in the love and life she is sharing with my wife's brother. As you may know, Ken has been on dialysis for eight years. He's a Vietnam vet who has had a rough time of it, dealing with serious health issues for much of his adult life. The kidney Lauren is donating will change that, not in solving all of his problems, but rather giving Ken a shot at improving the quality of his life for several years. What a life-changing experience for both donor and recipient.
My kidney donation is going to someone whom I have not met. I hope that will happen at some point so I can tell him or her what an honor and privilege it is for me to share my good fortunes with another human being. Like I wrote yesterday, time is one of our most valuable commodities we possess. Helping in the healing of another person is a gift I will keep with me for the rest of my life. They, too, will hopefully feel even better than me as a result of my donation. The gift can be simply in the asking, "Can I do something for you?" It shows we care.
Think about living organ donation. Think about creating a miracle that will change your life. And I'll be thinking of all of you, the folks who are praying for the Marschalls on this very special day. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. I will share mine with you after today's surgery. It's time to go. Say a prayer.
Jack Marschall
Monday, Sept. 10
How does one begin to write a blog that speaks with all due humility about giving the gift of life? I must tell you that I am the lucky one who has benefited from a blessed, lucky, healthy and beautiful life. My good deed is merely my own way of giving back for all that I have been given. There is no hidden agenda or great expectations that I have -- all but one, I should say. And that is simply helping to improve the quality of someone's life.
Like you, I live one day at a time and never assume tomorrow or the next minute is guaranteed.
Like you, I have had hardships along the way while my wife and I reared four beautiful children and three grandchilden.
Like you, I have tried doing the best that I could do at home and at work.
But don't you wonder what more you can do to help someone in need of a happier, healthier life?
Don't you, too, want to give a little bit more when you feel a personal calling to aid in the hardships of others -- to ease their pain, so to speak?
That's all I'm really doing. Giving part of me to help someone's brother, sister, mom, dad or child. What an overwhelming feeling it has given me. What a privilege this journey has been for my family at home, and my extended family of which we are all members in this beautiful world of ours.
How proud I am of my daughter, Lauren, who volunteered and proved to be a donor match for her Uncle Kenny. Lauren told me today she lives in the now, not in a world of "what ifs." Like many of you, we are living The Golden Rule. And I am silly enough to believe there is someone out there who might be willing to donate a life-saving organ to me or my loved ones if the need arose.
That's what life is all about. If not, then why the heck are we here; what is our purpose?
I am speaking for myself when I ask you to think about living organ donation -- giving the gift of life. Take it from me, the miracle is shared by the donor as much as the recipient.
This will be a big week for the Marschalls. Then again, this has been quite a life for the Marschall family since I was a kid growing-up in East Cleveland. I had hair back then!! But I'm pretty much the same guy today.
Thanks for all the support you have shown my family and me and the prayers you have shared. September 11 will be a good day for us thanks to the power of positive thinking and good wishes from all of you.
Lauren and I are taking a very small step to change the world for the better. Share whatever gift you have, especially your time, to help another. In the long run, it makes our extended family happier and healthier, and makes our world a better place in which to live.
Jack Marschall
http://news.yahoo.com/s/wews/20070917/lo_wews/14082089
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Wow! Very inspiring story! Thanks for posting this :cuddle;
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Jack's Blog: Jack, Daughter Feeling 'Great'
UPDATED: 4:55 pm EDT September 25, 2007
CLEVELAND -- NewsChannel5's Jack Marschall underwent surgery to donate a kidney on Sept. 11. He will not be on the air for about three weeks, but Jack has agreed to blog from home during his recovery.
You can find out how his recovery process is going by checking out his blog frequently.
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I think it's time to write a blog that doesn't exceed ten thousand words. I'm trying to show mercy for those of you kind enough to keep up on the condition of the Marschalls. We've got that healing feeling, and it feels so good.
In a word, Lauren and I are feeling "great." I don't mean to say we're not still sore and aching in our lower belly area. But we are feeling wonderful compared to those first few days after surgery. I marvel at what the doctors were able to do in accomplishing our goals: giving the Gift of Life. We entered a new world on September 11, having become organ donors in a procedure called Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy. Is that a mouthful or what? It was two weeks ago Lauren and I walked into the Cleveland Clinic at approximately 6:00 a.m. to start preparing for our busy day and our unforgettable experience. Right behind us was my brother-in-law, Ken Jakubecz. He is now walking around his home with Lauren's kidney giving him a new lease on the physical part of his life. We pray Ken keeps Lauren's kidney, and we say the same prayers for my recipient, too.
It is still difficult for Lauren and me to comprehend a part of our body is now hard at work inside another human being. I see miracles every day in the small things that we might consider coincidences or plain lucky situations. And I certainly consider our kidney donation a miracle, and then some. We have indeed been lucky to have suffered no complications from the surgery. Our recovery is progressing slow but steady. And let me tell you, we have been a doctor's best patient. Honest! We've taken it easy while walking every day for simple exercise and strengthening. No running, jumping or lifting more than 15 pounds. We're eating healthy and drinking lots of water. Like I say, the intense pain that followed immediately after surgery is gone. We now have more of a dull, tender pain that can be handled by taking Tylenol. I've said before, our pain is eased by the gift we have given. Was it worth it? You bet. Would I do it all over again knowing what I know now. You bet.
We go to see our surgeon on Thursday. I think Dr. Jihad Kaouk will be pleased. He is an awesome physician and a good friend. His title is Director, Robotic Urologic Surgery. He is truly down to earth, possessing a gentle, personable and caring bedside manner. We have been in good hands, literally. Dr. David Goldfarb is my recipient's and Ken's doctor. He was nice enough to pay Lauren and me a visit in the hospital after the procedures were completed. Like other physicians you know, they, too, are dedicated to their profession. They have a passion for what they do, and they have a passion for people. I will let you know if we get a passing grade on Thursday. Again, thanks for your prayers and positive thoughts. You made all the difference in helping to get us back to a somewhat normal routine. We really are doing well. Our health is good. Life is beautiful. That says it all.
Jack Marschall
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It may come as a surprise, but every once in a while I have to check the dictionary for either spelling or to find out what the heck a word means. I call this The Marschall Plan -- walk softly but carry a big Webster's Dictionary! Not many years ago I looked at my Webster Handy College Dictionary (Third Edition) to find the meaning of the word, "altruism." I had a pretty good idea it was just being a Good Samaritan kind of person. And I was close. The word is defined as, "regard for the welfare of others; benevolent practices." Long definition short, it's simply choosing to help folks and to do the right thing.
The reason for the English lesson is that I first heard the word altruism when it was used in connection with Living Organ Donations. It sounded like Superman was going to donate his kidney. Well, I have come to realize we are all altruistic beings in that most of us help others in our family, our neighborhood or in our community. No, you don't have to donate an organ -- it's about donating your time -- lending an ear -- giving of yourself in some small fashion for the betterment of others. And doing something good is something good to think about.
In fact, I found several books online that we can all read having to do with acts of altruism in our everyday lives. You don't have to read about cutting your elderly neighbor's lawn, volunteering for groups like Meals on Wheels, spending time at area homeless shelters or helping out at countless agencies that help babies, children men, women, and families who may have fallen through the cracks of our shaky and brittle economy. As you know, the reward is just as great for the helper as it is for those whom are helped. It's a circle of love that never stops giving once the process has begun. It's kind of like the movie, Paying it Forward. The cycle of helping becomes contagious, a positive self-sustaining engine that runs on caring and sharing and giving of yourself. It's a beautiful continuum. But reading about different forms of altruism can give us all some unique ideas for the future.
I have not read these books, but they sound interesting and inviting for those of you who might want to learn more about acts of altruism, from A to Z. As you'll see, even kindness can be controversial. I found these books on Amazon.com and Borders.com:
The Brighter Side of Human Nature: Altruism Empathy in Everyday Life by Alfie Kohn (Paperback - April 1, 1992)
"Drawing from hundreds of studies in half a dozen fields, "The Brighter Side of Human Nature" makes a powerful case that caring and generosity are just as natural as selfishness and aggression. This lively refutation of cynical assumptions about our species considers the nature of empathy and the causes of war, why we (incorrectly) explain all behavior in terms of self-interest, and how we can teach children to care."
Unlimited Love: Altruism, Compassion, and Service by Stephen G. Post (Paperback - May 2003)
"What if we could prove that love heals mental illness and is vital to successful therapeutic outcomes in all areas of health care? What if we could prove that people who live more for others than for self have greater psychological well-being? Professor Stephen G. Post, who heads the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, is developing a new positive scientific program that integrates practice with high-level empirical research and religious-ethical ideas in order to explore these questions. The goal is to understand how our complex brains, unique imaginations, communicative abilities, reasoning powers, moral sense, and spiritual promptings give rise to the remarkable practice of unselfish love for our neighbors—or for those we do not even know."
Last Best Gifts: Altruism and the Market for Human Blood and Organs (Paperback) by Kieran Healy (Author)
"More than any other altruistic gesture, blood and organ donation exemplifies the true spirit of self-sacrifice. Donors literally give of themselves for no reward so that the life of an individual—often anonymous—may be spared. But as the demand for blood and organs has grown, the value of a system that depends solely on gifts has been called into question, and the possibility has surfaced that donors might be supplemented or replaced by paid suppliers. Last Best Gifts offers a fresh perspective on this ethical dilemma by examining the social organization of blood and organ donation in Europe and the United States."
That last book really caught my eye. We have all read about either people or nations that condone the selling of organs for big profits. And that would be the typical attitude of someone seeking a monetary reward for their live-saving organ. But that euphoric feeling I speak of evaporates when you give the Gift of Life only in return for something, anything, especially money. And then I wonder, what is my kidney worth? Or a portion of my liver? How about a lobe of my lung? And who sets the price? And HOW do you put a price on a pieces and parts of a beautiful human body? That is beyond my comprehension.
In my opinion, to give the Gift of Life willingly, lovingly, and asking for nothing in return is the only path we can take in a system that is based on passion for humanity. It goes back to altruism and regard for the welfare of others. The gift is in the giving -- that is the profit or the reward that I can feel in my heart. It's not something you deposit in the bank, but yet it has become a huge part of Lauren's and my life that is priceless -- a simple act of kindness which has left us humbled, proud and privileged because we did a favor for two people that needed help. A "payment" of "thank you" carries more value than all the money in the world.
Jack Marschall
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My bio at the station and my station in life, so to speak, is one of humor, happiness and smiles. Yea, I joke around a lot!
To this day, I can remember walking down Charles Road in East Cleveland and saying hi to friends, neighbors and even strangers. The greeting was usually returned with a similar smile, and many times it came from people I had never seen before. Today, I think you might tell your children to be careful in saying hello to anyone they don't know. I think that is smart. But the reality is that in most cases, our children seldom have the chance to meet or greet someone whom they don't know because our guardian angels are always close by, mom and dad, grandma and grandpa or an older sibling.
The analogy is weak, I admit. But it is later in life that we might meet that same, friendly stranger who is now in need of a life-saving organ. They are a good person we may discover; they are much like us, in fact. But unlike us, they are literally dying for an organ transplant. It might be someone we can help through a Living Organ Donation. Or possibly, it is someone your family will meet at the hospital when you are considering donating your loved one's organs following an accident.
As Lauren and I have learned, the process of organ donation is life-changing for both the donor and the recipient. It is also an issue that needs to become a priority in order to help our brothers and sisters in need, those in our own family, and those in our extended community family who are suffering every day, waiting, hoping and praying.
The following information is from the LifeBanc website. It says a lot:
"We live in a nation that continually honors heroes in uniform, such as military, police force, firefighters and medical professionals. But there are less frequently acknowledged individuals who also deserve our thanks-organ and tissue donors.
"Currently nearly 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for organ transplants, with more than 1,500 of those individuals right here in Northeast Ohio . Every 13 minutes a new name is added to the national waiting list.
"On average, 17 people will die today because an organ isn't available in time. The people on the waiting list are not waiting for a cure to be discovered, a new therapy or new drug to be approved. They are simply waiting for a family -- in the deepest moments of grief -- to help a stranger by donating life."
LifeBanc.org
Unos.org
If you know Jack Marschall, you know I'm not a visibly opinionated kind of guy. I enjoy helping folks in my own way -- under the radar, if you will. I have donated time to help local agencies help others. And my only fault is that I can seldom say no when asked to pitch-in.
I DO pitch-in because making a positive difference in an individual's life is the greatest impact we can make. Boy, talk about a natural high! I admit is IS the gift that keeps on giving.
My personality has been slightly altered by giving the Gift of Life. I can say the same for my daughter, Lauren. I humbly believe we have a greater responsibility to make you and yours aware how easy it is to be tested and screened for becoming a Living Organ Donor.
There is a greater responsibility for you to say "yes" when asked by the BMV folks, "Do you want to be an organ donor?"
And there is a greater responsibility for our community and nation to answer the call to meet the needs of good people who are dying every day because they failed to receive a life-saving organ transplant. Right now, you can go to LifeBanc.org and join the Ohio Organ Donor Registry. Why not check it out?
Paireddonationnetwork.org
Kidney.org
Knowledge is a wonderful thing. Organ donation starts with your willingness to learn more, to talk more with your family about the issue, to read more of the online volumes of information to help you make a wise choice that could lead to the biggest decision of your life.
And how grateful and pleased it would make Lauren and me to have played a small role in your journey.
Do yourself a favor and give The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals a call to learn about organ donation testing. And read more about this critical issue in this world of ours where people helping people is the only way to pass on the love, health and blessings we have been given. Louis Armstrong sang, "What a Wonderful World." He was right, it is wonderful in every way possible. And you can make it that much better by just thinking about giving the Gift of Life. Thanks again for your prayers, thoughts and good wishes. You have made our journey more beautiful than you will ever know. We are forever grateful.
Jack Marschall
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In case you're wondering, I have changed the Sirius channel in our car from CNN to "Movin' Easy." That says it all.
Lauren and I are movin' easy these days, but taking great strides to stay healthy, strong and active while resting when our bodies tell us it's time for a break.
It's a delicate balance that many of you, your loved ones or friends have faced after major surgery. We want so badly to get back to normal, yet we know pushing too hard will undo all the positive steps we have taken, literally. We are feeling fine, still sore, but doing quite well. And so is my brother-in-law, Ken Jakubecz, and my recipient, who is now home with his family.
Here's a funny note that I'm sure you'd appreciate.
The other night we were sitting on the couch watching the Emmys. My four year-old granddaughter, Skylar, motioned for me to come closer. When I did, she whispered in my ear, "I think we should give Uncle Adam a kidney."
From the mouths of babes ... Adam is one of my two sons and was visiting at the time, half-asleep on the couch. He heard Skylar's "whisper" and said, "Don't worry Sky, Uncle Adam's kidneys are working just fine." Thank goodness!
The emotional part of Lauren's and my journey is constantly with us, thanks to your thoughts and prayers and the unexpected greetings I have been blessed with in public.
My wife, Sharon, drove me to Marc's at Southland this afternoon. While inside, a nice lady glanced my way a few times and finally said, "Are you who I think you are?" I smiled and said, "I think I am." She laughed and said how surprised she was to see that I was walking around and looking so well. Those are her words, but I admit I was looking pretty cool! (smile)
She then asked how Lauren was doing, and I said just great. I said we're all doing quite well -- donors and recipients. And then with tears in her eyes, she put her hand out and we shook hands. She said, "Thank you for doing what you did." Holy Toledo. I'll be a basket case before this is all over. I mean, I cry at Disney cartoons! I teared-up and thanked her for her comment. Minutes later, the same thing happened with another very nice customer who wanted to make sure everybody was okay, even Uncle Kenny.
On the one hand, it's so difficult to comprehend the tremendous love and compassion shown by so many of you around Greater Cleveland. On the other hand, I'm not surprised because that is what makes our community so unique and strong.
The tall buildings are great, our museums and tourist destinations are second to none, and I, too, love the Indians, Browns and Cavs.
Yet, we tip our hand as to where we're from because Clevelanders care. It's that simple.
I previously made a reference to this journey one day "being over." But I have come to understand it will never end in the minds and the hearts of the Marschall family, and especially in the lives we have touched across the region.
Lauren and I are proud of what we have accomplished. And that pride extends beyond our family and Uncle Kenny's to you and yours. We are so lucky to be alive and living in an area known as, "The Best Location in the Nation." I've heard that line since I was a kid, but never appreciated it true meaning until now. Y
ou have made our Gift of Life contribution special simply by your words, actions, thoughts and prayers. How profound. We will be forever grateful. We are Cleveland. And we are special because of you. From my heart to yours, thank you so very much.
Jack Marschall
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Marschall Forever Changed After Donating Kidney
POSTED: 10:55 am EDT October 18, 2007
UPDATED: 11:22 am EDT October 18, 2007
CLEVELAND -- Jack Marschall is back to work and feeling good about his recovery both mentally and physically.
"In the weeks that I've had off, I've been able to look back at what I've done and really appreciate what we were able to accomplish," Marschall said.
Marschall and his daughter, Lauren, donated their kidneys on Sept. 11.
Lauren's uncle Kenny was tethered to dialysis several days a week. Marschall wanted to give him a kidney, but wasn't a match.
Marschall had already made the mental commitment to part with a kidney, so he donated to a stranger. On the same day, his daughter's kidney was donated to her uncle Kenny.
"You know, the recuperation was really tough and we expected it to be tough, but was it worth it? Yeah," Marschall said.
Marschall has not met his kidney recipient yet. He will meet his recipient on Monday.
"I think I'm looking so forward to meeting him," Marschall said. "It's hard to put into words and just to give him a hug and wish him the best. I feel as if I've benefited as much as he has."
Marschall said he would not be quite the same after donating his kidney.
"It's miraculous," he said. "It's a miracle and that's really the only way to put it."
Lauren has also returned to work in an orthodontist office and will resume her responsibilities as a firefighter soon.
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Jack Marschall Meets Kidney Recipient
POSTED: 12:33 pm EDT October 22, 2007
CLEVELAND -- It was an emotional meeting on Monday when NewsChannel5's Jack Marschall met the man who received his donated kidney for the first time.
Marschall had been waiting for the introduction for five weeks. He underwent surgery to have his kidney removed on Sept. 11, the same day his daughter Lauren donated a kidney to her uncle.
He returned to work at NewsChannel5 last week.
Don Norman, a 44-year-old from Beckley, W. Va., is the man who received Marschall's kidney.
Norman had a condition called polycystic kidney disease and had been on dialysis for 15 months.
He said the moment he received Marschall's kidney, his life changed.
Norman said that the morning before his surgery, he was watching NewsChannel5 and saw Marschall's co-workers wishing him well before his surgery, but that he didn't put it together.
However, he said he recognized Marschall when the two met at the Cleveland Clinic on Monday.
SEE VIDEO http://www.newsnet5.com/health/14394610/detail.html