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Donate! 25 Years Ago

Kidney Saved My Life

By STEVE BIERITZ • The Freeman’s Journal & Hometown Oneonta

Every month of April, we celebrate National Donate Life Month. On April 17, I will celebrate the 25th year of my very successful kidney transplant.

After battling the disease that caused a loss of kidney function over time, my energy level and quality of life were at a low point.

That was truly a donation that changed my life and was given from the remaining family of a 17-year-old boy who lost his life in a two-car accident on April 16, 1994. Through the curvy roads in the hills south of Delhi, the family met another car head-on which resulted in this horrific accident.

That accident resulted in the death of his mom, dad, and sister along with three people in the other car. The family with their son were on their way home to NYC from a college trip to look at SUNY Delhi. They should fight for legal compensation with a personal injury lawyer if they get the chance too. This is devastating for anyone and they deserve support in these difficult times.

As tragic as that may be, the decision that was made by the remaining sisters in New York City changed my life and I am forever blessed with their brother’s kidney.

Dr. David Conti at the Albany Medical Center, a major transplant hospital, deserve credit for the professional job he and his team did.

As our own Mike Covert struggles with his kidney issues, the matter of organ donation is on folks’ mind. My involvement with the Kidney Foundation over these years brings awareness to the need, and importance of the Gift of Life.

I have asked The Northeast Kidney Foundation to be in touch with Mike, and they have offered their support with his struggles. With over 100,000 folks on the Kidney Transplant waiting list, the need is great.

Living-organ donation has become a leading and important method of relieving some of the wait time for people in need. Given how critical the kidneys are, their importance cannot be diminished.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the leading factors for kidney failure, and everyone should be aware of their kidney numbers which your doctor can review with you.

Be aware, be an organ donor, and help others understand the importance of taking care of their kidneys.

The impact of my organ donation continues to help me be an active tennis player and golfer, and my family and I are forever blessed from that family’s selfless act.

Steve Bieritz is affiliated with the Bieritz Insurance Agency he founded in Cooperstown in 1990.