Below is the story of one of Baltimore’s own on his experience donating a kidney.

Baltimore, MD - Oct. 2, 2019 - I grew up in Baltimore. I lived in Israel for 10 years and the returned to Baltimore in 2007.  I am a proud father of 6 and belong to Khal Ahavas Yisroel Tzemach Tzedek. I serve as Gabbai there, and am also a member of the board.  I am an active member of Hatzalah of Baltimore. In 2017, I founded Misaskim of Maryland, in memory of my father, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Don Freedman A”H.  I also own my own business First Freedom Preservation

My father, R’ Menachem Mendel Don ben Aryeh Leib z”l, received a heart transplant in 2008. We saw firsthand how that transplant not only added 10 years to his life but enabled our family to cherish that time together even more. In the year following his passing,  on June 19^th 2018, my brother who lives in Israel, mentioned to me that he was considering donating a kidney - in memory of our father.  After responding that I would like to donate as well, we decided to ask our other 2 brothers if they would like to join us too.  We thought it would be an incredible Kiddush Hashem if all four brothers would donate kidneys in the Zechus of our father. We felt that it could create a unique awareness that would encourage others to become donors, as well.  We (erroneously) thought that once we’d sign up, we would automatically be matched and we would do all four donations together.  

On June 21^st 2018, my brothers and I participated in a conference call with Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Renewal, where he explained the entire process. We all agreed to complete the application process. One year to the day, on June 21 2019 I received that long awaited call from Rabbi Moshe Gewirtz -Renewal had found a match for me! I discussed it with my wife and we both agreed that we would proceed with the mitzva. On July 3^rd 2019, I travelled to New York for testing, which was positive. By July 24^th 2019, I was in the operating room- donating my kidney.

Since, at the time I was the only brother contacted, I had thought  that I’d donate anonymously. I had no need for fanfare. However, after being told by the wonderful folks at Renewal that going public and making a video is the best tool for recruiting new kidney donors, I agreed to go public.

From the first conference call we had with Rabbi Steinmetz, to the call from Rabbi Moshe Gewirtz, to meeting me at the hospital for testing, pre op, and of course the surgery, to the people who stayed with my family in the Bikur Cholim room during surgery and how the Feder’s took care of us post surgery, Renewal treated us royally. They paid attention to every detail, making this process as smooth as possible for us.

To show a small part of how Renewal takes care of their patients: On the Sunday following  the surgery, I had a long day, and I pushed myself too far. I was feeling very sick and could not fall asleep.  After 11 PM, Ahron Feder, Renewal’s post surgery coordinator, texted me to see how I was feeling. In passing, I shared with him that I could not fall asleep. 20 minutes later, before midnight, medication was dropped off at the door of my hotel room!

Going above and beyond for their donors is Renewal’s expertise - I would not have been able to do this without them

As a Hatzolah member, I see lifesaving work on a regular basis. Still, nothing compares to the feeling of actually saving a life by giving a kidney. The act of actually giving the gift of life is an incredible feeling. I am extremely fortunate and grateful to Hashem that I was able to do this unique mitzva, in my father’s memory.

The Baltimore community is invited to attend a Melava Malka tonight, Motzaei Shabbos, Nov. 2nd - free of charge/no reservations required - to honor local kidney donors. Speak one on one with these local kidney donors and get swabbed to see if you are a match.