As the parish bulletin goes to press this week, I will be undergoing surgery to donate a kidney.  Some months ago, my friend Father Fernando Po (who most recently served as parochial vicar at St. Elizabeth's parish in Wyckoff) learned that his kidneys were failing and that he would eventually need a transplant. I offered to be evaluated as a donor, and test results were very favorable:  I'm blessed with excellent health, and my blood and tissue types are such that I could donate a kidney to almost anyone.

Naturally, Father Fernando and I were excited about this news, then we were made aware of a situation that was both poignant and intriguing. A young woman and a young man, unrelated but who both needed kidney transplants, had family members who wanted to serve as donors but whose tissue and blood types were not a match for them. The hospital transplant team asked if Father Fernando and I would participate in a "swap" through which all three potential recipients could receive a compatible kidney: mine would be transplanted to the young man, his aunt's kidney would go to the young woman, and her mother's kidney would be transplanted to Father Po.  (Such "swaps," though not frequent, have become an accepted option in kidney transplantation.) Father Fernando and I saw this as an opportunity and gift of the Holy Spirit, and we agreed enthusiastically.

All these surgeries are scheduled for Thursday morning April 29th at New York-Presbyterian Hospital (formerly "Columbia Presbyterian") in Manhattan.  Donors usually go home after two or three days, so I'll probably return to the Mt. Carmel rectory by Sunday May 2nd. (Father Fernando will recuperate at St. Therese's parish in Summit, where he is in residence.)

I'm told to expect to rest for about two weeks after the operation. (I'll check in for messages during my convalescence, but I apologize that I won't be available for appointments.)

Father Ron, Father Sean, Father Mert, Father Pendrick, the Mt. Carmel staff and my family have all been extremely supportive as Father Po and I have prepared for this. Archbishop Myers has warmly bestowed his blessings and encouragement.

I know that the family of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church will be praying for Father Fernando, the other recipients (whom I look forward to meeting), their donors and their families.  I can't wait to get back to work here. I'm the luckiest man in the world to be able to serve as a priest in this extraordinary and loving parish. I love each and every one of you with all my heart.  God bless you all.

Love,
Father Tom