(CNN) -A Minnesota teacher learned that her school’s custodian was in dire need of a new kidney and didn’t hesitate to step up to the plate.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune and CNN, teacher Erin Durga and custodian Part Mertens have been co-workers at Kimball Elementary School in Kimball, Minnesota for nine years.
Mertens had been leaving school early three days a week to attend dialysis treatments. Earlier this year, the school organized a “Hats for Pat” fundraiser to help pay for his treatments. School officials didn’t realize how dire Mertens’ situation was until his daughter posted a plea for help on Facebook.
According to Merten’s daughter, Kayla Matten, none of her fathers’ relatives was a match for a kidney transplant.
“We are now in the process of trying to find someone with an O blood type and someone who is willing to donate their kidney,” said Matten.
CNN reported, when Durga saw the post she didn’t hesitate. She says she wanted to donate her kidney to a co-worker in need.
“Why wouldn’t you do it?” Durga told the Star Tribune.
In late spring, Durga and Mertens found out they were a match.
“It brought a few tears to my eyes,” Mertens told the Star Tribune. “I’m not much for expressing myself.”
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the two underwent the transplant surgery on July 3. Months later, Mertens is doing well and the Star Tribune reports that he is no longer “tethered” to dialysis treatments.
“I can live again.” Mertens told the Star Tribune.
Copyright 2020 CNN. All rights reserved.
"need" - Google News
December 08, 2020 at 03:46AM
https://ift.tt/36TCPkz
Minnesota elementary teacher donates kidney to school custodian in need - WVLT
"need" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3c23wne
https://ift.tt/2YsHiXz
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Minnesota elementary teacher donates kidney to school custodian in need - WVLT"
Post a Comment