Nothing is impossible
This is an unusual posting for this forum. In these almost 20 years since my boat landed here, I could probably count the number of days when I did not wake up feeling thankful for the life that we were able to make for ourselves in this land of opportunity. This feeling was so intense that, up until a few years ago, I felt a deep sense of guilt for all those folks that I left behind when my boat set sail for better prospects out West. With all the economic prosperity unfolding in India, I was just about getting over that feeling. Then, I ran into Steve.
Steve & Krystine are our neighbors in this wonderful town of Framingham and our paths crossed during last summer's block party. In this relatively short period of time, I've gotten to know Steve quite well and am more than just impressed with his enthusiasm for public service. He is an elected member of our Town Meeting; serves on at least one crucial (volunteer) committee that is shaping up the future of this town and runs a few email groups out of his home that has made the entire process of local government completely transparent to average citizens. Now we find out that Krystine, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 5, is in need of a kidney because the kidney transplant that she received 10 years ago is failing. She is on the waiting list but as Steve says, there is the distinct possibility that "she could die waiting"!
According to her doctors, finding a live donor is the preferred option. Now, how does one ask another being to donate their kidney? As complex as this is, we do know that there is no shortage of folks out there who, for whatever reason, do donate and help bring life back to people like Krystine. So, we must not lose hope. It is in this spirit that I appeal to the readership of this forum. This is a plea for help from anyone who might be aware of a situation that may help Krystine. Her blood group is O+. Their story was also published in MetroWest Daily News on Sunday, Jan 15, 06. Check the story at http://frambors.syslang.net/kidney.html
Why do these sort of things happen to the nicest of people? How do they manage the courage to deal with this significant development and yet, find time for public service? For the first time since I heard that soldier on radio that talked about that guilt that was eating him inside out for he was lucky enough to return home from active duty in Iraq while some of his buddies weren't, that I am beginning to understand what he was going through. Oh, by the way, did I mention that this soldier had lost one eye and an arm to an IED?
Steve Orr would like anyone interested in donating to contact him at 508-788-0232.
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