There's being there for your students and then there's Franklin Middle School principal Jim Friel. Friel is going that extra distance and donating one of his kidneys to a 13-year old student at his school.
Morgan Corliss was diagnosed with FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis), a disease that prevents her kidneys from filtering out impurities, at the age of 4. The teen was relatively healthy until spleen and gallbladder surgery this past January which caused her to lose about 85% of her kidney function.
When the information came out that Morgan would need a new kidney or face daily dialysis, Friel and others went for testing to see if they were a match. When results came back and Friel was one of 2 matches, Morgan's family chose him as the donor.
"I've spent 24 years in education trying to make a difference," said Friel. "This is the best opportunity I've had so far. There is an extensive screening process at any time if any doctor (Morgan's or his) has any doubts about this, he or she could say no. Just because I'm committed it doesn't mean it's a sure thing."
Friel admits to being nervous but says that seeing the smile and hope on Morgan's face makes him know that he's making the right choice.
[Source: Yahoo News]
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