Principal Plans To Donate Kidney To Student
Student May Need Dialysis Without TransplantPOSTED: 12:40 pm EST November 20, 2007
FRANKLIN, N.H. -- School principals like to leave a lasting impression on students, and Franklin Middle School's Jim Friel is going the extra mile.
Friel is donating a kidney to a 13-year-old eighth-grader.
"I've spent 24 years in education trying to make a difference," said Friel, the father of two adult boys. "This is the best opportunity I've had so far."
When Friel heard that Morgan Corliss needed a kidney and that his blood type was a match, he joined others who went to Boston Children's Hospital to see if his kidney would be a match.
He said he was notified last week by Morgan's mother that he was one of two possible matches and that the family had chosen him.
Friel said he had a heart-to-heart conversation with his wife, Cathy, and their two sons, who, although concerned for his health, support his decision.
"My youngest son is a teacher's aide here at school, and he looked at me and said 'You're a good man, Charlie Brown,'" said Friel.
Morgan was diagnosed with FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) when she was 4 years old. It prevents her kidneys from filtering out impurities.
Morgan's aunt, Christine McAllister, said the teen was relatively healthy until she needed spleen and gallbladder surgery last January.
"She's lost about 85 percent of her kidney function in the past year," said McAllister, who said the goal is to get Morgan a new kidney before she needs dialysis, which would keep her on a machine for up to 12 hours a day.
"Things for Morgan have been going downhill fast during the past three months," said Friel, who said he is scheduling physicals and doctor appointments in preparation for surgery.
"There is an extensive screening process. At any time, if any doctor (Morgan's or his) has any doubts about this, he or she could say no," said Friel. "Just because I'm committed, it doesn't mean it's a sure thing."
Friel said he is nervous about the surgery, which could come in January.
"But when I talk to Morgan and I see the smile on her face when she sees the possibility of what her life will be like after this, it makes me know I'm doing the right thing," he said.
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