"HE WHO SAVES ONE LIFE, IT'S AS IF HE SAVED THE ENTIRE WORLD"
                                                                                               -  Talmud
Right to left:
Chaya, with the person she donated a
kidney to.

Photo taken at Chaya's booth to
promote kidney donation at an Expo at
the NY Javits Center, December 2006
Left to Right:  Kidney donors -
David Koster -
donated kidney to a stranger
Mordy Husarsky
donated kidney to his father-in-law
Chaya Lipschutz-
donated kidney to a stranger
Nancy Barker-
donated kidney toa co-worker

Photo taken at Organ Donation
Seminar, in New Jersey, July 5, 2006
Center:  Chaya  with Mary Robertson, on
the left.  Mary had interviewed Chaya for
the radio program This American Life on
NPR.

Photo taken in July 2006 at Chaya's kidney
recipient's home.
Left to right: David Koster, who donated
a kidney to a stranger, with his kidney
recipient.  You can read David's story
here:  "Kidney Donor Speaks Out"
SaveALife-DonateAKidney.com     KidneyDonor-KidneyMatchmaker.com   KidneyEmergency.com   KidneyMitzvah.com      
              
Right to Left:  Yosef, Chaya's brother
who also donated a kidney, with his
kidney recipient, a stranger.  This was
Chaya's first kidney match!

Photo was taken at their pre-op testing
at SUNY/Downstate Medical Center,
Brooklyn, NY,  March 2007.
Left to right:  Lori Palatnik, kidney donor,
with a friend.  (Lori's kidney recipient
does not want any publicity, so no
photos of the 2 of them are shown).  To
read Lori's story on her kidney
donation,, click on "A Kidney to Give"

This is one of the kidney matches Chaya
has made.  Lori influenced Ruth
Shlossman to donate a kidney.  See
photo and caption below.
Chaya's flier in a fish store seeking
kidney donors  in her Brooklyn
community that resulted in a kidney
match for the person above!
This man received a kidney as a result of
the flier below Chaya hung up  in a  fish
store!  
Newspaper ad pleading for a kidney
donor.   Chaya answered this ad
which resulted in her donating a
kidney to the above person!
First newspaper ad Chaya responded to,
for someone in need of a kidney.  This
is the ad that she first saw that got her
interested in kidney donation.
ABC TV special
"Giving Life:  The Story of
Organ Donation"  
March 22, 2008

Philip Palmer, TV Anchorman talks about
his kidney donation,  Chaya Lipschutz is
on this program as well.

Click to the ABC website if you have a
problem viewing this:  abclocal.go.com

DOUBLE CLICK ON VIDEO
TO VIEW IN FULL SCREEN
PREVENTION MAGAZINE
February 2009 issue
Chaya Lipschutz, kidney donor
"Health Hero"

Also nominated by NY Assemblyman Dov Hikind
as a "Hometown Hero"
For official letter, click here.
To read a story about Chaya and her
brother who both donated a kidney to
a stranger.  Click here:  "Brother and
Sister Donate Kidneys To Save Lives" -  
 
Chaya with Brooklyn (NY) Borough
President Marty Markowitz.  Chaya had
met him at a political breakfast to which
she had been invited to attend.  
Borough President Marty Markowitz
had told her that he would like to write
a story about her in his publication, and
so she agreed!  Here is the article - on
page 13 of his publication: "Kidney
Mitzvah"
Chaya speaking at a Kidney
Disease and Organ Transplantation
Forum at a Public School, Brooklyn,
NY, November 30, 2006
Click here for the speech Chaya
gave at this event which tells the
story about her kidney donation.
Interview with Kidney Donors
and Kidney Transplant Surgeon
            on
NY Assemblyman Dov Hikind's
Weekly Radio Show - WMCA, NY
April 7, 2007

Interviewed on this program, were
kidney donors, Mordy Husarsky and
Chaya Lipschutz.  Also interviewed on
this program, was  Dr. Stuart Greenstein,
kidney transplant surgeon,  Montefiore
Medical Center, Bronx, NY.

(To hear 2 radio programs that Chaya
called in recently in response to the organ
trafficking scandal, see the "About Chaya
Lipschutz" page on this website - left side)
Right to left:  John Feal , who donated a
kidney to a stranger, with  his kidney
recipient. He donated a kidney as part of
a  6 way kidney swap.

Photo taken after his kidney donation
at Columbia Presbytarian Hospital,
NYC,  August, 2007.  You can read John's
story on his website:
Fealgoodfoundation.com
Kidney song, "He Needs a Kidney"
from  NBC-TV program,
"30 Rock" - "Kidney Now!"episode

Finally a song that  promotes kidney
donation!  This song was performed on
"30 Rock", NBC-TV.  To see the music
video of this song, click here.   To
download this music video on I-Tunes,
click here.  Profits from the iTunes version
to benefit the National Kidney Foundation.
This Website
was mentioned in articles/news stories in
CNN
The New York Daily News
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Salt Lake City Tribune
KRGV-ABC-TV News, Rio Grande Valley, Texas
CBS TV News, Birmingham, Alabama
The Jewish Chronicle, England
The Jerusalem Post - Israel
plus  many other websites/news articles.

    "Just think people have no problem having only one kidney, so we have to ask, why did
    Hashem, (G-d), give us two kidneys?  Perhaps it is so you would have an extra one to
    donate and save a life!"
                                      - Dr. Stuart Greenstein, Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Professor of Surgery,
                                                Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY    Source of quote:   www.ourjerusalem.com



    "Kidney donation is a relatively safe operation, and many donors will never feel the loss of
    their second kidney.  It's the most expendable of organs.  So giving up a kidney causes no
    disadvantage to your long-term health. In fact, studies have shown, that kidney donors
    actually live longer than the general population - because donors come from a pool of people
    in good health"
                                             - Dr. Michael Edye, Adjunct Associate Professor of surgery, Mount Sinai Medical
                                               Center, New York, NY.     Source of quote:  www.nydailynews.com


    "Donating a kidney to a woman that I had never met was the greatest experience of my life!  To
    give for the pure sake of giving, brings the biggest joy imaginable. I am profoundly grateful for
    the opportunity that changed my life in every way."                                             
                                                 - Lori Palatnik,  donated a kidney to a stranger.  Her story, click on:  "A Kidney To Give"


    "Since my kidney donation,  I feel richer than Donald Trump and Bill Gates combined!"
                                                - David Koster, donated a kidney to a stranger.  His story, click on:  "Kidney Donor Speaks Out"


    "There is no greater feeling than knowing you brought life to another human being. It has truly
    been an amazing experience that ranks right up there with the birth of my 9 children. If I could, I
    would do it again tomorrow."  
               - Rabbi Ephraim Simon, donated a kidney to a stranger.  His story, click on "Rabbi's Kidney Donation Inspires Community"


    "Kidney donation was the greatest experience of my life - if I can do it again, I would do it again
    tomorrow"
            - Chaya Lipschutz,, donated a kidney to a stranger.  Her story, click on:   "Brother & Sister Donate Kidneys To Save Lives"

    *For other quotes, click on "Donate a Kidney" tab


                                                     WELCOME!   
          
    Approximately 82,000 people in the USA alone are awaiting a life-saving kidney. Thousands of
    people die each year waiting for a life-saving kidney The purpose of this website is to educate
    the public about living kidney donation and inspire others to donate a kidney, so many more
    lives can be saved.  If you are considering donating a kidney, please feel free to contact me.  I can
    give you all the information you need, no obligation!

    About myself:
    I donated a kidney to a stranger in September 2005 after seeing an ad in a weekly newspaper
    placed by a person in need of a kidney.

    Since my kidney donation, I have been wanting to do more - to help save the lives of others in
    need of a kidney. I first took out a booth at an expo in New York City to educate the public about
    kidney donation.   I have since  made some kidney matches and have more in the works. My brother
    donated a kidney as well,  to someone on my list of people who was in need of a kidney. For
    more information about myself click on the "About Chaya Lipschutz"  tab

    Thanks for stopping by!

    Best wishes,

    Chaya Lipschutz
    Kidney Donor & Kidney Matchmaker

    P.S.  My hebrew name "Chaya", means "life-giving" - a name I was given at birth!  Little did my parents know when
    they named me, that I would end up living up to my name, saving lives!

                                               *   *   *   *

    For those considering donating a kidney:

  • Do you want more information on becoming a kidney donor?

  • Would you like to speak to others who have donated their kidney?
    I am in touch with others who have also donated a kidney and they would be happy to share with anyone about
    their great experience.



    As a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found, living kidney donors live as
    long or longer and enjoy better quality of life than the general population.

    Personal note:  Not long ago, I took a blood test that showed that my createnine level has improved
    since my kidney donation!  Which means, I have even better kidney function with having only one
    kidney, instead of two!  Also, my HDL (good cholesterol) level is about 10 points higher now then
    before my kidney donation!   OK - this has nothing to do with my kidney functioning, but overall I may
    be able to say, I am healthier now with one kidney, then I was with two!

    Please note:  Most of us who have donated a kidney, prior to our kidney donation, in
    discussing with others our plans to give up a kidney, (which we don't generally need,
    according to experts in the field,)  we have encountered people who have thought that we
    were crazy for donating a kidney.  Generally since most of the population doesn't know
    anything about kidney donation, this is a "normal" reaction.  I strongly suggest for those
    considering kidney donation, to speak to people who are educated about kidney donation,
    whether it is someone who has already donated a kidney, a doctor who specializes in this field, or
    contact any kidney transplant center that would be happy to give you all the information you need. Or you
    can always feel free to contact me or refer them to me  and would be happy to provide them with
    information.  Or you can also always refer them to this website!  Let them check out the quotes from
    people in the kidney transplant field on the "Donate a Kidney" page of this website and see "Quotes
    from Kidney Transplant Professionals on Kidney Donation" on the left hand side of that page.
 
    Also, please note:  It is illegal to get paid for kidney donation.  So please don't get in touch with m           
    you are looking to get paid for donating a kidney!


    For those in need of a kidney:

  • Ask your family members to get tested first!  No family member? How about friends! Sometimes
    this is not easy - depending on the relation or the friend.  But, please read this great article that can be
    helpful, click on "Talking Increases Kidney Donation."  This article says that "get-togethers with a
    kidney disease patient's family and friends can improve their willingness to consider
    donation."  A must read article for anyone in need of a kidney!

  • If you have someone who is considering donating a kidney and needs more information or
    would like to contact others who have done so - please click on the above "Contact Us" tab.

  • If you have someone who has tested for you and is not a match, but willing to donate a kidney
    to someone else instead, the National Kidney Registry may be able to find you a compatible
    donor.  For more information check go to their website at nationalkidneyregistry.org.  (For more
    information on this and other great organizations that can assist you in other ways as well, please click
    on the "Need a Kidney" tab above.

    IMPORTANT:  There has been numerous articles written about my latest match, and I have been
    flooded with e-mails.  I already have a huge list of people, many of them in a very desperate need and
    unfortunately can't help mostly all of them at this time since I rarely get responses from people who want
    to donate a kidney..  At least 95% of the e-mails I get regarding a kidney - is from people who
    NEED a kidney, not from people who want to donate a kidney!  Sorry to tell you this.  If you e-mail
    me and I don't respond on time,  or don't respond  at all, please forgive me.  I get so many e-mails I
    have to respond to as is, and have an older mother I have to help out as well.  I apologize from the
    bottom of my heart.  I wish I can help you all, but unfortunately, it's hard to get any donors despite all
    the publicity I am getting.  Most of the time I post for others, unfortunately, I don't get responses. Where
    are all the good people?  That's why it is so important to get family members to test. If no family
    members, then other relatives.  If no relatives can donate a kidney, then friends, acquaintances, etc.   
    And if someone wants to donate and is not your blood type, to do a swap through your hospital.  If you
    have a potential donor and is unsure or needs more info - have that person contact me.  Thanks and
    again my apologies.  
                                                                           *   *   *   *

          For those who already donated a kidney:

    Welcome to the "club!"  I am in touch with many kidney donors who are delighted to have been able to
    donate a kidney and many wish they can do more - like encourage others to donate a kidney.  Please
    click on the "Already Donated a Kidney" tab, for ideas, to share experiences etc.  I would happy to
    hear from you!  There is a form you can fill out on that page - optional, of course.

                                                   *   *   *   *

    A match that I have not made, but was happy to have gotten involved with:  
    I had once read a story about June McGlashen, an ex- cop who was in need of a kidney in the NY Daily News.  
    The article was titled, "Retired Cop, Sibs Wrestle With Rare Genetic Kidney Ill."  I had contacted Ernie
    Nespretto who was a reporter at that time with the NY Daily News saying that I would like to try to help her.  So, we
    got in touch with each other and I invited June to hear me speak.  I had decided to incorporate in my speech that
    evening about  June, this ex-cop who has done so much for New York, making it one of the safest big cities in the
    US - that we should now try to do something for her.  Her boyfriend came as well to hear me speak that evening.  
    So I decided to speak to her boyfriend  to try to get him to donate a kidney to his girlfriend, At that point, he didn't
    even know his blood type.  Anyhow, in the end, I went to visit them in the hospital after the kidney donation and
    they both said that it was because of me that he ended up donating a kidney to her.  Sometimes even a friend
    can be reluctant to do so.  With the right education many others might consider as well.  For a speech I gave at
    this event in which I spoke about this ex-cop - click here: My speech at a Kidney Disease and Organ
    Transplantation Forum.  This speech also tells the story about my kidney donation - and why I was turned
    down a number of times before I was finally able to donate a kidney.  

    Update:  June McGlashen engaged to her boyfriend who donated a kidney to her!  She called me recently
    to tell me that she is engaged Congratulations!


                                                           *    *    *    *


                                                          HELP SAVE A LIFE!

    Vanessa, urgently needs a kidney and is on dialysis for 15 years!!! She is only 37 years old,
    mother of 2 little kids - a 2 year old and 4 year old.  She has high antibodies and has a very
    hard time finding someone who would be a match.   If you are blood type O - you can save
    Vanessa's life.  PLEASE HELP SAVE HER LIFE!!!  Her kids desperately need their mother!  See
    my plea for Vanessa on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MdN4t8MAac


    To test for Vanessa or for more info,  Please click on the "Contact Us" tab above the page to
    contact me or e-mail me at KidneyMitzvah@aol.com. (Please note.  People of all blood types needed!)

    WATCH VANESSA'S INTERVIEW IN JANUARY or EARLY FEBRUARY ON THE EVENING NEWS .  
    (More information, under Newsletter, below.)  See her photo on the left with her family.


                                                               *   *   *   *


                                             KIDNEY DONORS -  HONOR ROLL

    Below is a partial list of some great people who have donated a kidney - and most donated a
    kidney to a stranger!  I have been in touch with many of these wonderful people. This website
    is dedicated to them!  

  • ,Leah W. of Jerusalem Israel, (formerly of the USA), wife of a Rabbi -  was a 49 year old mother of 12 when she
    recently donated a kidney to Yaron of Kfar Saba, (near Tel Aviv),  Israel.  Leah had thought about doing this
    after reading about kidney donation in a magazine and was then forwarded a posting for someone who was in
    need of a kidney and got in touch with Chaya who had made this match.  Hospital:  Beilinson, Tel Aviv, Israel. To
    see a You Tube video regarding this match I made, here is the link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdeQ4si0Klk


  • Jordan Brough, Washington, DC - was 29 years old, father of a 1 year old when he donated a kidney to a
    stranger, and his kidney donation resulted in a 14 person kidney exchange! Jordan had heard Chaya speak on
    "This American Life" on NPR and decided he too would like to donate a kidney.  To read his story, click on "The
    Chain of Life:  Kidney Exchange Pools Doctors, Donors, Recipients."    Hospital:  George Washington
    University, Washington, DC

  • Rabbi Efraim Simon, Teaneck, NJ - was 41 years old, father of 9, youngest child 2 years old, when he donated a
    kidney to a stranger, a father of 10.  Rabbi Simon saw a posting Chaya had in a Jewish Yahoo group for
    someone who had needed a kidney.  To read his story, click on "Rabbi's Kidney Donation Inspires
    Community"

  • Sheva Chana W., Monroe, NY - was 40 years old, mother of 9, youngest child 1 years old,donated a kidney to a
    stranger, after seeing an ad in a newspaper for someone who needed a kidney.  She donated a kidney in
    October, 2008.  Hospital:  Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY

  • John Feal, Neconset, NY - was 40 years old, when he donated a kidney to a stranger as part of a 6 way kidney
    donor swap,   He donated a kidney in August, 2007.  Hospital:  Columbia Presbytarian, New York, NY.  You can
    read John's story on his website:  Fealgoodfoundation.com

  • Shmuel W., Lakewood, NJ - was 27 years old, father of 3 when he donated a kidney to a stranger, after seeing
    an ad in a newspaper for someone who needed a kidney.  He donated a kidney in 2005.  Hospital:  Montefiore
    Medical Center, Bronx, NY

  • Leah G., Brooklyn, NY - was 37 years old - mother of 6 when she donated a kidney to a stranger, after seeing
    an ad in a newspaper for someone in need of a kidney.  She donated a kidney in May 2008.  Hospital:  Mt. Sinai
    Medical Center, New York,  NY

  • Baila Teitelbaum, Brookyn, NY - was 33 years old, mother of 3, when she donated a kidney to a stranger.   
    Baila saw a flier I had hung up at a local fish store for someone in need of a kidney.  I matched her up with
    someone who had a shoe store only a few doors down from that fish store! She donated a kidney in August 2007.
    Hospital:  Columbia Presbytarian Medical Center, New York, NY  Update:  Baila had her 4th child in June 2009.

  • Jonas R., Miami, FL - was 19 years old, when he donated a kidney to his friend.  Hospital:  Jackson Memorial
    Hospital, Miami Beach, FL.

  • Lori Palatnik, Silver Spring, MD - was 48 years old, mother of 5 when she donated her kidney to a stranger.  
    Lori saw a posting for someone else I had who had needed a kidney.  Since that person wasn't well enough at the
    time to have a kidney transplant, she agreed to test for someone else. Lori donated a kidney in December 2007.  
    Hospital:  Montefiore Medical Center,  You can read a story Lori wrote about her kidney donation - click here:  "A
    Kidney to Give".  Lori spoke about her kidney donation last Summer in Israel.  To hear her speech, clic on this
    link:   AishAudio.com   (Please note:  This website may charge a fee to access her speech.)

  • Yosef Lipschutz, Brooklyn, NY - my brother - was 50 years old when he donated a kidney to a stranger.  He
    donated a kidney to someone on my list of people in need of a kidney. He donated a kidney in March 2007.  
    Hospital  SUNY/Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY

  • Moshe M., Brooklyn, NY - was 37 years old, father of 9 children when he donated a kidney a kidney to a
    stranger. He had seen an ad in a newspaper placed by that person who he ended up donating a kidney to.  Two
    years after donating a kidney, his wife had her 10th child!  Moshe donated a kidney in December 2005.  Hospital  
    Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY

  • Faigy, Brooklyn, NY - was 23 years old, with a 1 year old baby, when she donated a kidney to a stranger, also
    a result of seeing an ad in a Jewish newspaper placed by the person she donated a kidney to. She donated a
    kidney in June 2005.  Since her kidney donation, 2 years later, she had her 2nd child!  This family is awesome-
    first her brother-in-law donated a kidney, then she did and then her aunt!  All 3 donated kidneys to strangers!  
    Faigy donated a kidney in June 2005.  The person whom Faigy donated a kidney to, couldn't have more children
    before his kidney donation. However, since his kidney donation, his wife had another baby, approximately 2 years
    after receiving a kidney!  Hospital:  Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY

  • Rabbi Moskowitz, Long Island, NY - was 38 years old when he donated a kidney to a stranger after seeing an
    ad placed in a newspaper by the person he ended up donating a kidney to.  Rabbi Moskowitz is a school teacher
    and donated a kidney during the school year.  His students were awe struck. What a great example he was to his
    students!  He donated a kidney in 2004. Hospital:  Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY

  • Baila B., Brooklyn, NY - was a 42 years old, mother of 8 when she donated a kidney to a stranger after seeing
    an ad in a newspaper for someone in need of a kidney.  She donated a kidney in May 2008.  Hospital:  Montefiore
    Medical Center, New York, NY

  • David Koster, Brooklyn, NY - was 55 years old when he donated a kidney to a kidney to a stranger after
    seeing an ad in a newspaper placed by someone who was in need of a kidney.  He donated a kidney in November
    2003.  Hospital:  Westchester Medical Center, Valhalia, NY.  You could read David's story here - click on "Kidney
    Donor Speaks Out"

  • Chaim B., Brooklyn, NY - was 30 years old, father of 4 when he donated a kidney to a stranger after seeing an
    ad in a newspaper.  He donated a kidney in January 2007.  Hospital:  Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY

  • Rabbi Ginsburg, Brooklyn, NY - was 38 years old when he donated a kidney to a co-worker.  He donated a
    kidney in 2006.  Hospital:  SUNY/Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY

  • David W. Brooklyn, NY - was in his 30's when he donated a kidney to a stranger as a result of seeing an ad in
    a newspaper placed by the person who was in need of a kidney.  He donated a kidney in April 2005.  Hospital:  
    Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY

  • Mordy Husarsky, Brooklyn, NY - was in his mid 30's when he donated a kidney to his father-in-law,, in
    February 2005.  Hospital:  Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY

                                                                 *   *   *   *

                                               Newsletter - March 2010

    Are hospitals becoming too open to allowing strangers to donate a kidney? At least one hospital is.....

    Someone told me about her husband in need of a kidney.  Has numerous children.  Looking though for a stranger
    to donate a kidney instead.  I told the wife of the person in need of a kidney, that I can't help her husband.  She
    needs to have children tested.  After telling her this, I see a posting on the internet that she is looking for a kidney
    for her husband.  This is not right! Someone else's child is ok to donate a kidney to her husband, but not her own
    child??  

    What is also outrageous, is that the hospital where her husband is registered with, does not care whether a
    person gets a kidney from a family member or stranger. They will accept a stranger, without questioning family
    members to test first.   A coordinator at this hospital has said "We do not mandate that family be tested first......So
    even if they have children, it's ok for them to get a stranger"   Ugh!

    There is a great shortage of kidneys.  And difficult for people to find a kidney donor.  Strangers should only
    donate a kidney to someone who has no family members who are not a match.  And if someone who needs a
    kidney has a family member who is not a match - they should do a swap through their hospital.  If their hospital
    doesn't have a swap program, switch to a hospital that does! The fact of the matter is, this particular person's
    hospital is connected with 2 swap/paired exchange programs.

    A hospital should first screen all family members of those in need of a kidney and encourage that family member
    to donate - and should only have strangers donate as a last resort, if family members are disqualified for medical
    or psychiatric reasons.

    Before any person considers donating a kidney to a stranger, they have the right to question that person and find
    out if they have any family members and question why that family member cannot donate to the person who
    needs a kidney.  One should reserve their kidney for someone who has no one!  There are plenty of such people
    out there!

    And to this particular hospital that does not try to encourage family members to donate - does not care to
    question, shame on you!!!   Should I expose the name of this hospital?

                                                                                   *     *     *     *

    What's new?

    David Koster, a fellow kidney donor from my community was taped by someone doing a college competition
    project.  To view his video done by this college student called,  "A Day in the Life of a Kidney Donor" cut and
    paste this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29xtth7tRUM.  Or search on YouTube this title, to view.

    * Leah W. of Jerusalem, Israel, (formerly of the USA), mother of 12, wife of a Rabbi, donated a kidney recently 1to
    Yaron, father of 2 from Kfar Saba (near Tel Aviv), Israel.  I had made her match. Leah had once read an article in
    a Jewish magazine and that inspired her to donate a kidney.  She is an amazing person!  Never told me that she
    had so many children!  I just found out from her kidney recipient's wife, after the transplant!  She never
    complained to me about how she can do this with so many kids! Wow - what a special person!!  Both the donor
    and her recipient are doing great, thank G-d!  To see a You Tube video I made regarding this match, here is the
    link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdeQ4si0Klk

    Update: I spoke to Leah about a week after her kidney donation - and she was doing great, thank G-d!!  No pain!  
    She was back working part time - from home in the meantime.  She just wanted to save a life, which she did!  I was
    told her recipient only had a 1, in 1,000 chance in finding a match and it was a miracle that he found someone
    who would be a match for her!

    * Judith of Maryland, is a match for Robin of New York. A kidney donor from another match that I made had told
    Judith to contact me about kidney donation.  Judith is in the midst of her medical tests.

    * Tom of Houston is a match for Carolyn of Los Angeles!  Tom contacted me that he wanted to donate a kidney
    after hearing me on This American Life on NPR.  Tom was a match once for someone else on my list who ended
    up getting a kidney from a cadaver.  Tom recently flew to Los Angeles and spent part of his 2 days there taking
    medical tests and also found time to run to go to Universal Studios!  Fun, they had!

    *  Maggie of San Francisco, who will be donating a kidney at her local hospital.  Maggie contacted me after
    hearing me also on This American Life on NPR.  She was tested for 4 people on my list with high antibodies and
    was not a match.  She will be donating a kidney to anyone whom the hospital matched her up with!  She finnished
    her medical tests recently.  Way to go, Maggie!

    * Sean of Colorado, will be joining a swap, so Flora of Virginia can get a kidney!  Sean responded to my Craigs
    List posting for someone in need of a kidney. Since he is not a good enough match for Flora, he will be donating
    a kidney through a swap, so Flora can get a kidney!

    * Batya of Jerusalem is a match for Aliza, also of Jerusalem.  Batya contacted me that she wanted to donate a
    kidney after seeing a posting I had seeking a kidney donor for Aliza.  Batya is in middle of her medical testing.  
    Good luck to Batya and all!

                                                                       *    *     *     *


    * Prayers needed for Dafna Blimie Bracha bas Chaya Devorah, a 49 year old woman who has been on
    dialysis for many years, is in a coma!  I had tested for her over 5 years ago - and wasn't a match.  May G-d
    give her husband, kids and other family members, strength to cope through this difficult period.  

    * Ronen is a 36 year old man who is on dialyisis for 14 years!  He has very high antibodies and very difficult to
    match.  However, Maria M.will be going into a swap program at a hospital 'in Texas which can increase his
    chances in finding a match!  Way to go, Maria!  Maria contacted me a long time ago that she wanted to donate a
    kidney.  I matched her up with someone and Maria took all her medical tests. But the person she was
    supposed to donate a kidney to, passed away.  This was so sad. Sorry to say this!  )-:  Anyhow, so I asked
    Maria, who was not a match for Ronen if she can go into a swap program so he can possibly get a kidney and she
    said yes!  However, if anyone out there can test for Ronen - he is blood type O, please contact me, since there is
    no guarantee he will find a match even through a swap.  Travel expenses will be paid for.

    * When there was a blood drive recently in my neighborhood, I went there to talk to people about kidney
    donation, handed out info.  I was kind of surprised of the great interest by people that I spoke to about kidney
    donation.  People asked lots of questions.  No, no one committed though.  But, I educated people and the seeds
    were planted there.  It's something I plan on doing again.  

    * I was contacted by a Canadian production company for info for a TV special that will be on HBO around May.  
    Not sure the exact title - but it will be on the subject of kidney transplants or organ donation.

    * I  have also been contacted by a producer for a Evening News program on a major TV network , wanting to
    know about people who are in need a kidney for an upcoming 2 part TV news story they are working on which will
    be aired sometime in the near future.  I have put people in need of a kidney in touch with the producer,  One of
    them I spoke to was filmed for this TV program.  I sure hope people will come forward to test for her and others as
    a result of this program!  Check here in the future for more details about this program.

    * A documentary about one of my kidney matches is scheduled to be on major cable-TV station  this summer.
    I was filmed meeting my kidney match for the first time!  The donor was from out of town and the recipient, from
    my city, but none of us ever met!  

                                                                   *    *    *    *

    * My 2nd international kidney match!  Mazel Tov (congratulations) to Leah W. of Jerusalem, upon her kidney
    donation to Yaron of Kfar Saba, recently   I am so happy for Yaron's mother who cried to me to try to find a kidney
    donor for her son Yaron!  See details above under "Congratulations"  for more details on this kidney match!
    * My 1st international match was with.Ruth Shlossman of Israel  (originally from New Jersey) who donated a kidney
    to Rachel R. also of Israel.  Ruth got in touch with me after hearing about another kidney match that I made and
    knew the donor in that match.  Rachel, the person she donated a kidney to, had come to New York a couple of
    years ago trying to find someone to donate a kidney to her.  Well, thank G-d, I was able to match her up with
    someone right in her own back yard.  Well not quite, but at least in the same country!  To read Ruth Shlossman's
    great story from the Jerusalem Post, click here   (Photo of Ruth is on the left side of this page.)


         Not new, but noteworthy:

                                  
                                                      *   *   *   *

    I met New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg a while ago and I mentioned to him about something needs to be done
    about the kidney shortage in New York.  I handed him a letter about my ideas for incentives to get more people to
    donate a kidney.  Yes, the kidney shortage is not just a New York problem, but a major problem in every city in the
    USA. And because of some of Mayor Bloomberg's past reforms, New York has served as a role model for other
    cities and countries throughout the world!   So if something is done here in New York to get more people to
    donate a kidney to prevent more people from dying, whatever program he would come up with, that could help
    alleviate the kidney shortage not just in New York but perhaps in other cities in the USA as well!  Over 7,000
    people are waiting for a kidney in NY alone.
                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                   
                                                                               *   *   *   *


                                                                             *   *   *   *

                                                                      Congratulations to:

    *  Leah of Brooklyn, NY donated a kidney recently. She had seen a flyer I had put up for someone who was in
    need of a kidney and contacted me that she had wanted to donate a kidney.  This flyer was in a printing store in
    Flatbush, Brooklyn,  That was an old flyer  and that person had already had a kidney transplant.  Leah ended up
    donating a kidney to someone else (not through me).  She was supposed to donate a kidney years ago to her
    mother - but her mother had died before she was able to donate a kidney to her.  G-d bless Leah for doing a
    wonderful thing in her mother's memory.
 
    * Gina Mingrone from Maine, donated a kidney to a stranger on December 15th!  Gina contacted me a while back
    about donating a kidney and she was found not to be a match.  She  has since been in touch with the Maine
    Medical Center and together with the New England Paired Kidney Exchange a match was found for her!  
    Awesome!

    * Congratulations to Karen Glover, of Boston, Massachussets upon her kidney donation, October 27th!  Karen
    heard me on "This American Life" on NPR  and contacted me that she had wanted to donate a kidney.  I had
    matched her up with someone, but she was not a match.  She had then decided to just walk into her local hospital
    and donate a kidney to anyone who needed one!  Wow!   Anyhow, I spoke to Karen since her kidney donation
    and she and the person she donated a kidney to, are doing great!  She met her kidney recipient for the first time,
    2 days after she donated a kidney to him!  Karen, way to go!  So proud of you!!!

     *Congratulations to Rabbi Ephraim Simon of Chabad Lubavitch, Teaneck, NJ upon his kidney donation, August
    13th!  Rabbi Simon is a father of 10, youngest child is only 2 years old.  Rabbi Simon saw a posting I had in a
    Jewish Yahoo Group.  He is awesome. Other times he had seen postings that I had for people who needed a
    kidney - he has said to me, "What about me?"  He wanted to save the world!  To read his story, click on "Local
    Rabbi Donates Kidney To Stranger."  Also you can hear his radio interview on the "Donate A Kidney" page of
    this website - left hand side, towards bottom of the page.

     * Congratulations to Jordan Brough a father of a 1 year old boy, upon his kidney donation, July 16th!  Jordan
    heard Chaya talk on "This American Life" and decided to walk into a hospital to donate a kidney to anyone!  And
    that resulted in a 14 person kidney exchange!!  Jordan first met his recipient 2 weeks after donating a kidney.  
    Wow!  (see his picture, left) For his story, click on, "The Chain Of Life:  "Kidney Exchange Pools Doctors,
    Donors, Recipients."  Must say a hearty thank you  to his wife for allowing him to donate a kidney, despite
    having a young child!  G-d bless you!  And a great big thank you to all spouses out there who have allowed their
    spouse to donate a kidney!  They are amazing!!!

    * Congratulations to Debbie Dunn of Utah on her kidney donation recently!  Debbie contacted me about donating
    a kidney and I had matched her up with 2 people on my list who needed a kidney.  She wasn't a match for either.  
    Anyhow - she just walked into a hospital in Utah and decided to donate a kidney to anyone! Way to go!  Debbie
    and the person who she donated a kidney to are doing great, thank G-d!

    * Congratulations to Nancy Murrell of Pittsburgh, PA, donated a kidney on June 25th to Anthony Cottman of
    Brooklyn, NY!   I had made Nancy's kidney match.  Nancy contacted that she wanted to donate a kidney after
    hearing me on "This American  Life" on NPR, which was repeated on the air again, last January.   Hospital:  Mt.
    Sinai.  (This match will be featured on a TV documentary and has been the subject of recent newspaper articles
    and on-line websites)    BOTH NANCY & ANTHONY ARE DOING GREAT! Neither had any pain after their surgery!
    Nancy left the hospital only 1 day after her kidney donation!  And Anthony is home as well. His new kidney, which
    is working great!  Thank G-d, no more dialysis for him!  Also, congratulations to Nancy on her new website!  
    Check it out - "Kidney Mama:  A Resource for Living Kidney Donors."

    *  Congratulations to Chaya S. donated a kidney on July 1st, to Tammy N., both of Brooklyn.  Chaya S. got in
    touch with me after seeing a flyer I put up in my neighborhood for someone in need of a kidney.  Both Chaya S.
    and her recipient are doing very well, thank G-d!

         
    Other news...

    Unfortunately, in England, strangers, can't just donate a kidney to anyone.  Someone in need of a kidney there
    can either have a family member or friend (and must prove you are a friend) donate a kidney to that person in
    need of one.  So a total stranger there can only donate a kidney at a hospital where the hospital decides who
    would get your kidney.  What if someone in the UK doesn't have a family member eligible or a friend willing to
    donate  a kidney or can't do so for health reasons?  That person in desperate need of a kidney can G-d forbid
    get worse on dialysis or die waiting for a kidney!  The law  in England  needs to be changed to allow anyone to be
    able to donate a kidney to a stranger - to whomever they like, as is allowed here in the good old USA. See my
    latest interview regarding this critical situation, "Kidney Donation Law Must Change."

                                                                                 *   *   *   *

    * Great article: "What Prospective Kidney Donors Need to Know" Excellent, must read article for anyone
    considering kidney donation. Published in the New York Daily News.  Click here for the article.

    * Check out great  Kidney Donation article,  "Chain of Life".  Great three part multi-media series by Star Ledger-
    New Jersey. .  Click here for one of the series of articles:  From there,  you can check out the others in the series
    on their website:  www.nj.com.   See also their great video, "Kidney Transplant Chain Helps Six Patients", on
    their website - or on the bottom of the "Websites-Kidney Donors" page.

    * Someone from England who needed a kidney (recently received one from a cadaver)  told me that a story that
    was written over 2 1/2 years ago about my kidney donation and project to help others, in an England newspaper -
    that article has been posted for the past 2 1/2 years on the main board of the  Kidney Transplant Division of the
    Royal Free Hospital in London to encourage more kidney donation!

    * Congratulations to Moshe M. - a father of 10 from Brooklyn, NY who donated a kidney to a stranger about 2
    years ago, made his 2nd kidney match!  Another kidney donor, Shmuel W. of Lakewood, NJ, also a young father
    of a few kids, since his kidney donation,  has made numerous kidney matches as well.  And,  David Koster, who
    also donated a kidney to a stranger, is a car service driver and also speaks to many of his passengers about
    kidney donation.  He may have encouraged people to donate a  kidney as well.  And Lori Palatnik, of Silver
    Spring, Maryland who is a mother of 5 and who also donated a kidney to a stranger, is a public speaker and may
    have encouraged people as well to donate a kidney.  Wow!  This doesn't surprise me!  All of us kidney donors
    feel it was no big deal to donate a kidney and want to do so much more!  And some have!


                                                           *      *      *      *


          Kidney Drive!

    There was an article on an ABC-TV website, titled "I Gave Away My Kidney" which was about a woman in
    Scotland who said she donated a kidney after hearing a radio appeal asking for live donors to part with a kidney.
    Hmm.  I like this idea of a "Kidney Drive", as I interpreted it.  If this can happen in Scotland - why not in the
    USA???!!!!   Any ideas?

    UPDATE:  I posted the above statement regarding this article and the idea of a Kidney Drive not long after the
    article came out last August 4th. I had also e-mailed this article with “Kidney Drive” on the subject line to an
    organization that I know and  also e-mailed it that same day, to a kidney transplant coordinator and surgeon at a
    hospital I am very friendly with.  Kind of e-mailed it as a hint.  A kidney drive sounded like a nice idea. I didn't
    know though if this can actually be done.  Anyhow, about 6 weeks later, this organization had their first kidney
    drive! Lives are being saved as a result. Great job!  This organization is small, organization that does not want to
    be well known.  Hopefully though, other organizations will follow. And not just organizations, how about places of
    worship?  So this can be great for those who have a hard time finding a match, and in particular those who don't
    have family members to test for them or anyone eligible to be in a swap for them.

    Also, I had posted a "Kidney Donors Honor Roll" on this website since it's inception, January 2008,  to inspire
    others to donate a kidney. The organization that had a kidney drive, last September, had posted also a Kidney
    Donors Honor Roll at their kidney drive, listing people  in their community who have donated a kidney.  For those
    who would consider doing a kidney drive, this a good idea, for others considering kidney donation, to see that
    others in their community have done so. More about Kidney Drive, ideas, click on the "Need A Kidney" tab.


                                                                            *     *     *    *

    Last but not least:

    A song to promote kidney donation came out a while ago..  "He needs a kidney" was performed on the NBC-
    TV show, "30 Rock."  Song was performed by: Sheryl Crow, Adam Levine, Mary J. Blige, Elvis Costello, Clay
    Aiken, Moby, Wyclef Jean, Michael McDonald, Robert Randolph, Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones, Cyndi Lauper,
    Adam Horovitz, Mike Diamond, Rhett Miller, Steve Earle, Rachael Yamagata, Talib Kweli, Jenna Maroney, and
    Alfonso Disparioso,  (See upper left side of this page for more info and link to the music video of this song.)

    It would be great, if these singers, who sang this song so passionately about donating a kidney, would end up
    doing as they sung - donate a kidney!      


                                                                       *     *      *      *

    My heartfelt thanks to Jonathan Kaplan, a software engineer, Croton Watch Company, in New York, for his
    technical assistance when I was first starting this website!  Whatever help he gave me  when I first started this
    website, helped make this happen!  Thanks so much and G-d bless you, Jonathan!

                                                                                                                                                               - Chaya  
Another kidney donors picture!
Left to right:  Michael Jerry,  donated a
kidney to his girlfriend, June
McGlashen, an ex NYPD cop (see story
on right.)  Photo with David Koster,
who donated a kidney to a stranger.

Photo taken at a Kidney Disease and
Organ Transplantation Forum at a
Public School in Brooklyn, NY.,
November 30, 2006.  Chaya was one of
the speakers at this event.
Left to right:  Dr. Stuart Greenstein,
Kidney Transplant surgeon,
Professor of Surgery,  Montefiore
Medical Center, Bronx, NY, with
Barbara Lindower, Transplant
Coordinator.

Dr. Greenstein is with the hospital
where Chaya donated a kidney.  He is
a special Kidney Transplant surgeon.
According to Chaya, one of the nicest
doctors in the world!   Dr. Greenstein
was nominated for a Jewish
Community Hero.  To read about his
nomination, click here
What's new?  See newsletter below,
plus great video on a kidney donation
chain/swap, has been moved to the
bottom of the "Websites-Kidney
Donors" page.
Kidney song, "He Needs a Kidney"
from the NBC-TV program,
"30 Rock" - "Kidney Now!"episode

Finally a song that  promotes kidney
donation!  This song was performed on
"30 Rock", NBC-TV.  To see the music
video of this song, click here.   To
download this music video on I-Tunes,
click here.  

Profits from the iTunes version to benefit
the National Kidney Foundation.
                                  Kidney Donation Law In England Needs To Be Changed!   
    For those in need of a kidney in England, the law there does not allow strangers to donate a kidney to just anyone!  One
    can only donate to a family member or friend, but, if they wish to donate a kidney to a stranger,  they can only donate to
    whom the hospital chooses!  This law needs to be changed!  For more details, see, below under "Newsletter"
Nancy Murrel, after her kidney
donation! Nancy donated a kidney  to
Anthony Cottman, a stranger.  Chaya
made her kidney match.

Photo taken at Mt. Sinai Medical
Center, NYC, June 25, 2009.  Read
Nancy's stories - click on: Story before
her kidney donation and Story after her
kidney donation   Check out her new
website, KidneyMama.com -  A  Resource
for Living Kidney Donors.

For Anthony's website, click on "Kidney
Transplantation Nation.com
Ruth Schlossman, kidney donor.
Chaya had made her kidney match.  
Ruth.had contacted Chaya after
hearing about Lori Palatnik's  kidney
match that Chaya had made. To read
Ruth's story,  click on:  "Arrivals:  
Ruth Shlossman:  From New Jersey
to Jerusalem"
Debbie Dunn of Utah, Center, walked
into a Utah hospital and decided to
donate a kidney to anyone whom they
matched her up with!  (She had been in
touch with Chaya who had her tested for
2 people, but she wasn't a match for
either.)

Photo taken at Utah hospital where she
donated her kidney.  Pictured, left to right:  
Debbie's father, her recipient's husband,
Debbie, her recipient, Sue Vincent,  and her
mother.
Jordan Brough  of Washington, DC
decided to donate a kidney after
hearing Chaya on "This American Life"
on NPR.  He just walked into a hospital
to donate a kidney, and his kidney
donation resulted in a 14 person
kidney exchange!  To read his story,
click here.'

Pictured with wife and young son.
Rabbi Ephraim Simon, N.J. kidney
donor and father of 9, donated kidney
to stranger, father of 10.  To read his
story, click here.  To hear a recent
interview, go to the "Donate A Kidney"
page of this website and  you will find it
towards the bottom, left side of the page.

Pictured is Rabbi Simon,  wife & kids.
Congratulations to
Karen Glover on her recent kidney donation!
Karen donated a kidney after hearingChaya on This American Life, on NPR!
- Great article regarding a woman who
donated a kidney 35 years ago!
* 90 Year Old Kidney Donor *
and still going strong!
for the article, click here.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
Leah W. of Jerusalem, Israel, 49 years old
MOTHER OF 12
who donated a kidney on January 11th to a
40 year old father of 2, from Kfar Saba (near Tel Aviv)
(Chaya made this kidney match)   
Vanessa, on dialysis for 12  years
urgently needs a kidney.  Pictured with
her husband and 2 kids, 3 & 5 years old.
She has only a 1% chance in finding a
match because of her high antibodies!!  
Please help save Vanessa's life! Please
contact Chaya to test for her.  Click on
the contact us tab.

Chaya's plea for Vanessa on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MdN
4t8MAac

Watch Vanessa on upcoming TV evening
news program.   More details  upcoming.
Blood Drive? Bone Marrow Drive?  
How about a
KIDNEY DRIVE!
For more information, see Newsletter below.
Maggie of San Francisco, on the left
with Chaya.   Maggie will be donating a
kidney at her local hospital.

Maggie got in touch with Chaya that she had
wanted to donate a kidney after hearing her
on "This American Life" on NPR.  Chaya
had her tested for 4 people with high
antibodies but wasn't a match.  She had
since decided to donate a kidney locally.  
Photo was taken when Maggie came to New
York to visit.
Karen G. of Boston, Massachussets,
contacted Chaya that she wanted to  
donate a kidney after hearing her
on "This American Life on NPR."  
Chaya had her tested for someone,
but she was not a match. Karen
then decided to walk into a local
hospital and donate a kidney to
anyone!  And so she donated a
kidney, October 27, 2009.   And she
didn't  meet the person she
donated a kidney to until after her
kidney donation!  Wow - special
person!