The phenomenon of donating a kidney has gained increasing popularity in recent years. What makes this growing phenomenon all the more remarkable is the growing number of donors that are selflessly granting this life saving body organ to total strangers. Thanks to an organization called Renewal, some thirty-five such kidney transplants have been facilitated over the past four years alone. In addition they have provided vital resources and support for over 50 kidney transplants between family members.
Perhaps an added dimension to the life saving mission of Renewal is the diversity of people it has drawn together under the umbrella of its operations, on a global scale.
Dr. Eitan Yefenof of Nacholot, Jerusalem, is a man who has dedicated his professional career to promoting life through the miracles of modern medicine. As Chairman of the Lautenberg Center for Tumor Immunology at Hadassah and one of the foremost pioneering researchers at Hebrew University, Dr. Yefenof has made significant headway toward eradicating modern society’s most dreaded disease. Having recently been diagnosed with Kidney Disease, Dr. Yefenof was suddenly thrust into a reversal of his role, so to speak, going from the giving end of miraculous medical breakthroughs, to joining its long list of potential beneficiaries. Eitan was now one of 700 Israelis on a national registry waiting for a kidney transplant.
Some 6,000 miles away, Shlomo Anhang, a native of far-off Toronto, was overcome by a sudden inspiration to save a life. Observing friends and neighbors involved in philanthropy, volunteerism and other initiatives, Shlomo felt a conviction to do something big. In perfect health with two perfectly functioning kidneys. Shlomo saw his second kidney as a perfect way to save a life. Shlomo was an ideal match for Dr. Yefenof. But how could he ever know? What is the likeliness of these two strangers ever hearing of each other? Who would bring donor and recipient together?
That is where Renewal steps in.
Through media campaigns, donor drives and registries, the organization has compiled an extensive international donor pool along with compatibility and criteria for each listing. Renewal also provides resources, counseling, support and logistical arrangements, assisting in the transplant procedure every step of the way.
Renewal is currently in the midst of a campaign in search of a volunteer with a kidney blood type of either A or O, for a Sephardic mother of six. This is in addition to Renewal’s ongoing campaign for donors of all blood types as potential matches for the over 100 kidney patients currently on its waiting list.
Renewal’s roster of successful transplants to date is a most remarkable tribute to the diversity of the organization’s clientele, transcending all barriers. The underlying common denominator of its case history is the overwhelming gratitude and praise expressed by all parties involved toward the organization’s vital assistance in facilitating these medical miracles.
Renewal is a not-for-profit entity that does not charge for its services or assistance. The organization is funded entirely through the generosity of the community. Donations to Renewal are a means of earning a share in the organization’s life saving mission. For further information on kidney donation or sponsorships, please contact the Renewal office at 718.431.9831 or visit them on the web at www.RENEWAL.org.
