question and answers for the siena magazine

Black - Allison

Red - Melissa

The first thing is tell me about your experience at Siena.

I had an ideal college life. I was involved all around campus, which I loved. I was highly involved with being a Resident Assistant and Habitat for Humanity. Both were life changing and self-growth experiences that I would not trade in for anything. As far as academics, I dappled into almost everything Siena offered. I used the Liberal Arts curriculum to its full advantage. I came to Siena as a Biology major and quickly changed to Liberal Arts. While in Liberal Arts, I tried out Psychology, Sociology, English and finally landed in Business. Along the way, I took many courses such as French, Art and Design, Heath Services and several others. I was unsure of what I wanted to do. However, along the way, I met amazing professors who helped shape my focus and discover my love of the business world. Professor Deborah Kelly was by far one of the most amazing teacher, friend and mentor that Siena offered. She alone opened up the doors for several students to experience many things the world has to offer. With her, I was able to travel to Greece and Costa Rica-- both experiences were absolutely amazing -- without her, it would have never been possible. The Catholic Community at Siena helped to re-ignited my spiritual side. Maggie Motto (who no longer works at Siena) always encouraged students to attend retreats or meditation session. She helped me stay grounded while at Siena. When I came to Siena, I have to admit that I was not as spiritual as I had wanted to be. With the help of Maggie, I was able to find that part of me again. The friends I made at Siena are friends that I know I will have for life. I still keep in contact (with the help of facebook, haha) with every one of them. My trips to visit Siena are not few and far between. In fact, I was just there last weekend to visit some friends I made while being an RA. Siena has given me many opportunities that I would not have otherwise had and showed me how to be the person I wanted to be. I wouldn't say that Siena alone shaped me to be a more giving person, but it certainly supported the life I wanted to live. 

What was the most difficult part of this process?

The most difficult part of the kidney donation process was the waiting time. I am the type of person who sees what she wants and then does anything to get it... immediately, haha. I wanted the process to go by quicker than it had. Talking with my recipient day by day as we waited was difficult. I could hear in his voice that he was deteriorating slowly. It was very hard. Looking back on it now, the process really did go by quickly though. The recovery process was also difficult. I had been comparing this donation to an appendectomy that I had during my junior year at Siena. I wasn't expecting to be bed-ridden for as long as I was. Although the doctors and donation coordinators kept telling me that I would be out for about 3-6 weeks, I kept saying, "I'm young and healthy!! I'll be back to normal in a week or two." However, that did not happen. It took about 3 weeks before I was even feeling a bit better. Today, about 10 weeks from the date of surgery, I am 100% back to normal. There is nothing that I have to stop myself from doing. I am back to running, biking, swimming and everything in between. For a while, my sleep schedule was off (mostly due to the anesthesia) but I am totally back to normal now. 

What were peoples’ reactions to your decision? Did anyone try to talk you out of it? Did the hospital try to test your willingness?

Most people's reaction was positive. No one really tried to talk me out of it, but rather they just wanted to make sure I really knew what I was getting myself into. The hospital certainly tested my willingness. I was ordered to speak with a psychiatrist who basically grilled my every decision in wanting to do this. I understand their point of view though. I mean it is a little bizarre that I just wanted to give my kidney to a stranger and if they need to question my reasons for doing it, I can understand that. 

Kidney donation from a living person is still very rare. Do you think you will work as an advocate for it in the future? Would you recommend it to others?

I would love to work as an advocate of live kidney donation. I think it is a wonderful thing -- and I am living proof that it does not hinder your life after you donate. If someone had expressed interest in donating an organ, I would love to talk with them and answer question that they might have. I'm not sure if I would or even could recommend it. I think it has to be something innate inside of you that wants to do it. I would never try to "talk" someone into doing this. It isn't the right decision for everyone. But if someone had expressed interest in organ donation, I would absolutely be there to support their decision and help them throughout the lengthy process. 

Why  kidney donation and not, say, raising money for cancer research in honor of your grandmother?

The donation of my kidney was done in memory of my Halmoney (grandma). I am involved in other things that raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research (there is a link on my blog for the Lustgarden Foundation which hosts and annual walk that raises money for  Pancreatic Cancer Research). I chose kidney donation because I wanted to make a larger impact than just raising money. You have to admit, there is a large shock factor that comes along with hearing about my story. In this way, I know that people will never forget me and what I have done. If I had simply raised money and participated in the Lusgarden Foundation Walk, would Siena have been interested enough to include my story in the Siena Magazine? Haha. Additionally, I had been interested in organ donation since I heard about it in 7th grade health class. This was just the right time for me to pursue it. 

Do you feel as good about it now as you did when you were making the decision?

Absolutely! If anything, I feel better about my decision to donate more and more each day. To see the amount of people my story reaches is amazing and I am so happy with my decision. 

Do you have photos you can send us?

I do! I have photos of me and Kris (my recipient) on the day of surgery, etc. My parents have those photos. I am trying to get them to send me copies. Once I receive them, I will be sure to e-mail them to you.  

Who is the recipient (if you are allowed to tell us)?

I can say. Haha. I had held back for a while because although it was my decision to share my personal story, I wanted to respect his privacy. But now that this story has received so much publicity, I do not see any harm in sharing his story as well. His name is Kris Randall. He is a 56 year old songwriter and musician. He currently lives in NYC. 

When is the NBC special going to air? Will it air in Albany or just on LI?

The NBC story will be first available to be viewed online. It will take a few months for it to go through directors and producers to find the appropriate sector of NBC to air it on. I just met with the interviewer from NBC yesterday and he said he would keep me up to date with the air date, etc. 

Melissa,

Thank you so much! This is great! I will be sending you my copy very soon. I would say tomorrow or Friday. I can’t wait to get this story published…by the way did I tell you it’s the president’s issue. It’s all about our Franciscan mission…this will be our lead story J