PHOTOS: The Township this evening honored nine Lakewood heroes who gave a piece of themselves so that another can have a second lease on life.
The “angels in the form of humans” as one recipient put it, came out this evening to bring awareness to the cause and to possibly encourage others to follow.
“Thank G-d for my brother who gave a kidney to me”, said kidney recipient Robert Wilson, son of Pastor Glen Wilson. “I did Dialysis for a whole year, and believe me, it’s not fun.”
Wilson encouraged those contemplating the move, to go ahead and do it, to give recipients with the ‘death sentence’ a chance at living.
Another one of those heroes, was the wife of Deputy Mayor Steven Langert.
“Hashem (G-d) gave us two kidneys, and we only need one to live”, remarked Mrs. Sharon Langert, who donated a kidney to someone she never knew.
Mrs. Langert recounted how she was inspired to do the great deed when a friend of hers undergoing dialysis remarked how she wished people would understand the suffering the dialysis patients go through, and how a kidney transplant can prevent further suffering.
It was then that Mrs. Langert decided to go ahead with the sacrifice. She immediately contacted Renewal – an organization which facilitates the transplants – and was walked through the process from beginning to end.
Donor Shmuel Waldman, a Bikur Cholim volunteer, says he was inspired to donate a kidney after watching the suffering of patients he would transport for dialysis.
“I knew I couldn’t help everyone, but I made up that if I could I’m going to try and see if I can change the life of one person to get them out of that place”, Waldman said.
Sixteen days after the procedure, Waldman was already back to jogging.
“Within three weeks I was back to full time work”, Waldman said.
Mrs. Leah Topas, a kidney recipient, stood with her son at her side as she thanked her kidney donor for her renewed lease on life.
“For as long as I live, I will not understand this”, remarked Mrs. Topas of the people who get themselves tested in order to donate a kidney to a stranger. “They don’t seem like people to me, they’re more like angels.”
The donor heroes were all awarded with a plaque by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor who thanked them for their selfless act of kindness. TLS.
Thank you to Renewal an organization that truly saves lives. Thank you to all the donors out there, those who were mentioned and those who choose to remain anonymous. Thank you to the Deputy Mayor, Steven Langert, and the whole committee for publicizing this. The presentation was a huge kiddush Hashem. May Hashem bless all of those involved. Last but not least, thank you to the Lakewood Scoop for reporting and publicizing this event!
Amazing really special people who realize their purpose in life .
They should have honored them in front of the whole community
they are true heroes !
amazing! amazing people. they should be blessed with only good for them and their families!
Thank you thank you thank you thank you :).
What a mitzvah, and a kiddush HaShem. You guys are a true inspiration to what a Jew is made of, Rachmanus & Chessed!
I wish I can be so strong .. Amazing
Thank you for not excluding the wonderful women who donated their kidneys.
While it may seem overwhelming… It is doable. Educate yourself if you are considering to donate, there are many in need of this second of life.
I am so proud of my sister in law who selflessly donated her kidney. She is truly an inspiration to all. May Hashem bentch her with kochos always.
Wow what a kiddush hashem.8 children and she is helping a stranger.
I usually walk away feeling pretty critical after the town council but this touched me deeply. Thank you to all the donors and thank you town council for taking the time to honor these heroes.