Act of heart results in new kidney

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Act of heart results in new kidney
Kathy Duttlinger's life-saving organ donation merits hospital hero award.

By DAWN SAGARIO
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

October 4, 2007

A chance meeting in an elevator brought the lives of Kathy Duttlinger and Yolanda Frudden to a fateful intersection.

As a result, a kidney now bonds them.

The two, who work at the University of Iowa Hospitals - Duttlinger in grounds maintenance and Frudden in pathology - ran into each other in April 2005, Duttlinger recalled.

In the past, the two had made small talk when seeing one another, but that day in the elevator Duttlinger learned that Frudden needed a kidney transplant. And neither of her two brothers was a match. So, Duttlinger decided to give Frudden one of her kidneys. The surgery was performed in January 2006.

"The kidney's been working so well," said Frudden, 53, who initially did not take Duttlinger's offer seriously. "She's just an amazing, humble-type person. I'm so grateful for what she did."

"Once I said it, I was going to do it," said Duttlinger, 50, who was also moved to help because Frudden's husband was dealing with a brain tumor.

For Duttlinger's selfless act she is being recognized as one of 14 Iowa hospital employees receiving the first "Iowa Hospital Heroes" awards this morning at the 78th Iowa Hospital Association Annual Meeting.

Award recipients represent hospitals of varying sizes from across the state. Honorees range from a husband and wife who, as a doctor and nurse, have used their skills to help people in Iowa and worldwide for decades, to a child specialist and van driver.

More than 60 nominations were received. A panel of judges scored the nominees in six categories, including whether the candidate's contribution had a significant impact on a patient, co-worker or the community, said Scott McIntyre, a spokesman for the Iowa Hospital Association.

"We just wanted to recognize hospital employees in the general level," he said. "We for years have given awards at our general meeting to hospital CEOs, trustees and nurse executives. We wanted the hospitals to have a chance to recognize the best of their best."

The Iowa nominations were judged by individuals with the Florida Hospital Association, McIntyre said. The Florida group sent their entries for a similar contest to officials at the Iowa Hospital Association to be judged, McIntyre said.

Frudden said it took her awhile to take Duttlinger up on her offer, partly because another woman had earlier said she would donate her kidney but changed her mind.

"I never called her because I don't want to impose pain on anyone," she said of her reluctance to call Duttlinger.

So far, they say, neither has experienced complications.

The two now see each other regularly at work and visit each other at home. Frudden said she considers Duttlinger family, and even took her on a two-week trip this past February to the Philippines, Frudden's original home.

"We had a big picnic for Kathy, and everybody is wearing T-shirts that said, 'Thank you Kathy,' " Frudden said. "I took her to the Philippines because I wanted her to see where I'm from and what it's like with the culture from home."

Duttlinger said she tells others you only need one kidney, and encourages them to consider donating. But, she adds, the situation has to feel right.

"I almost feel bad to get this much recognition," she said. "A lot of people do this, a lot of people give kidneys or organs or whatever. It's been an awesome experience; such a positive thing."

Reporter Dawn Sagario can be reached at (515) 284-8351 or dsagario@dmreg.com

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