Inspector takes on a different kind of lifesaving role

[okarol]

Inspector takes on a different kind of lifesaving role

By Alan Burke , Staff writer
Salem News
2-23-07
—
PEABODY, MA - Fire Inspector Joe DiFranco is coming to the rescue - with a spare kidney.

DiFranco startled the City Council last night by announcing that he is donating one of his kidneys. At the same time, he asked the members to adopt a state law that will help him through the process, allowing a maximum 30 days of sick leave without loss of pay or benefits.

"Joe, you make the city proud," Councilor Mike Garabedian said. "I'm proud to say that I know you and you're a friend."

Because they're not sick, DiFranco said, donors are not eligible for sick leave or, in some cases, health insurance.

The council voted after receiving a recommendation from Mayor Michael Bonfanti, who called the firefighter's decision "a selfless and admirable act."

Meanwhile, DiFranco himself offered an upbeat presentation.

"This is my friend Jen," he said, introducing would-be kidney recipient Jen Allen of Salem. "Jen and I will be sharing something special in about one month."

"What Joe is doing for me," Allen said, "is giving me the gift of life." A fifth-grade teacher in Lynn, Allen will undergo her third transplant. Two previous donors, her mother and father, Judy and Jim Miles of Beverly, attended the meeting.

As the council voted, Allen sat expectantly between her husband, Stephen, and DiFranco. Her smile grew as the votes mounted and, when the measure carried unanimously, she clasped her hands together in excitement.

With up to 90,000 people requiring kidneys across the nation, there are only 6,000 donors, DiFranco told a City Hall audience. "As you can see, the numbers are way off."

He hopes that his actions and the council's vote will inspire others to become donors.

Certainly, other city employees can now take advantage of the law if they wish to become donors.

"The third time's a charm," Jen's dad predicted in an interview outside the council chambers. Citing the vote, he said, "It's a great thing. A great thing."

DiFranco learned of Jen through her mother, who once worked a part-time job with the firefighter, the two becoming friends. About three years ago, he heard that Jen's kidney was failing. "I got tested. And it turned out I was a match. It was all incredibly random."



The father of three children himself, DiFranco will go through the transplant process with the blessing of his wife.

"It's a big relief for us as a family that Jen will be taken care of," Judy Miles said.

To prepare for his donation, DiFranco talked to Public Services Director Dick Carnevale, who received a donated kidney only last summer - as well as Carnevale's friend and donor Ed Pesce.

"Dick has been very, very supportive. ... Also my chief, Chief (Steve) Pasdon, has been just phenomenal."

Following the vote, DiFranco told the council they'd made him proud to be a public employee.

Charges associated with the transplant will be covered by the Kidney Acquisition Fund.

URL http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_054120837

[kitkatz]

Oh what a bunch of BS this story is.  I am going to give this to the most wonderful person. Aint he great?  BS BS BS!

[okarol]

But he got free time off work for it... way to work the system... I guess.

[kitkatz]

I suppose so.  I am so sick of these feel good stories about dialysis patients.  Come talk to me.  Get the real stroy.

[kelliOR]

OK...............

I think THE  point of this article is that no loss of pay or benefits were lost for the living donor.  This is HUGE.  Athough insurances pay for the medical expenses for donors (and at times travel and lodging)  6-8 weeks of NO income can be a major hardship for potential donors.  It was a  sacrifice for my donor.  We asked for donations for him.

It would  be beneficial for state governments to adopt a medical leave with pay for living donors,  perhaps it would increase the donor rate??  Maybe would-be donors just can't meet the financial burden.

Thanks for posting this, karol.

kelli

ps  didn't get why the city council had to "adopt" a state law granting 30 days paid sick leave

[kitkatz]

I understand what the article was about. I was just expressing some thoughts about how easy it all looks.  Why did the city have to make law to help someone out who is helping someone else out.  Geez! Our world is nuts!

[mrhecht]

Thanks for posting all of these stories..........thinking about starting to send the links to my family members. Maybe they'll get the hint without me having to ask "one more time".