When looking for a blog I tried not to do one about Facebook but this one was in the town (East Haven) next to my hometown (North Branford) and was really intriguing so I said, oh well. Carlos Sánchez, forty-four years old, desperately needed a new kidney. He was preparing to go on dialysis as his kidneys were failing because he had diabetes. He asked all of his friends and family but none of them were a match, so he desperately sent out a message on Facebook in hopes that someone would respond. He really did not want to do it at first but his doctor’s told him if he did not find one as soon as possible he could face serious consequences.
Luckily, April Capone Almone, who is thirty-five years of age, and also the mayor of East Haven, saw Carlos’ post and responded. She had already been friends with Carlos on Facebook which is how she saw his post. The arranged meeting these two set up to talk about it was also arranged through Facebook. April said that as soon as she saw Carlos’ post about needed a kidney; she knew she was going to be a match.
Of course some people always have something to say and may not have agreed with donating her kidney to a stranger. April went on to say, “My family was very supportive. They were of course concerned about me but understood and supported my decision. There was one close friend who said "If you were my daughter I would try to talk you out of this!" I replied "But what if your daughter was the one that needed the kidney?" That really changed his perspective.”
Wow. What a omazing story! I am truly touched. Why not? I think she is a truly omazing person for doing this. Not only was she brave but she truly has a special heart. I think it was a good idea to advertise but then at the same time I think it is kind of creepy in a way. Would I do it? Probably not, but I commend him for doing it and her for reaching out to a total stranger. Maybe Facebook actually didn't ruin anyone's life....for once.
ReplyDeleteYou know, last semester I received a similar request from a friend of mine regarding his little sister. It was a mass message sent out to all of his friends. At first I was moved. There was a picture of his little sister, maybe 8 or 9 years old and a description of her condition and her need for a kidney. I really wanted to help out, but the thought of giving up a kidney to an acquaintance's little sister brought several other thoughts to mind. 1) What if someone I love has a similar situation one day and I had already given up a kidney for a stranger. 2) shamefully enough, the antithesis of the "everyone can make a difference" cliche came to mind: with all of the people he sent the message to, there was BOUND to be someone that would do it, someone other than me.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what ever happened, but upon reading your blog I'm faced with conflicting emotions of regret, shame, and shear wonder...
I see nothing wrong with giving something you could completely live without to someone who can't live without it. I think that this April women is brave, and truly extraordinary person. If I were presented the opportunity to do something like this, I really think I would especially if it were for someone in my life.
ReplyDeleteAnd Steve, don't feel ashamed or regretful there's a reason for everything and maybe somewhere along the roads who will be able to redeem yourself :)
This is such a touching story! See Facebook can help save lives! I think its such a lovley thing to see a stranger help out another stranger. This woman can be saving his life! I dont see anything wrong with what she is doing, because its her bofdy and hey if she is willing to donate a kidney then who's to stop her. She is doing good. Facebook can help people out in ways like this. If more people were to do this, we can start saving one life at a time.
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice story. It just shows what a influence social media can have. I think it was great that he found a kidney that he couldnt live without. I personally havent seem something like that but I'm sure situations like this will increase throughout facebook and such and this will be just one of the many positive stories...
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great story and proves how useful FB can be for so many different things, even advertising that you need a kidney! Sounds weird but it's true because it really happened! It is amazing that someone responded so quickly and was so willing, what an amazing person, it must have been meant to be!
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