First Time? Please Read!
Remember This blog is to be read backwards. If this is your first time here, please go to the bottom of the page, then ‘Next Page >>’, then ‘Next Page >>’ again until you can start with January 31, 2007. The first entry is there, then work your way up.
I will try to make monthly postings, so remember to visit again.
Feel free to make any coments to any or all posts.
Please pass the site address on to others.
Thank you,
Harry Kiernan
Harry I understand you have returned home! Just click your heales
Comment by Janet Murphy — June 11, 2007 @ 11:36 amyour heels, there is no place like home to get well again!
I hope your recovery will go without any hitch, and your
energy will return soon. I am Jessica’s godmother, and Eileens
a good friend to your kidney receipent, we met briefly at HH
Again thank you for you gift of yourself, and I am thrilled
you are a Yankee fan, so am I and Jessica’s mom and I always
agreed not to pick on each other to hard about baseball,
But now maybe she will be in my corner a little more!
Hello Harry,
Comment by Geralyn Laut — June 11, 2007 @ 12:46 pmMy computers can wait! You need to sit back and relax in the sunshine and soak up some vitamin D. What you’ve done is amazing and I hope that you will soon feel as good as new. You may only have one kidney, but you have an awfully big heart!!! Let me know when you need a treat from Coldstone, or perhaps a cup of some exotic “gelato” from the new place in town. I’ll deliver or take you out for a ride when you are up to it…
be well….geralyn
Harry,
You are one courageous dude! I am sure your reward was felt when you met the recipients family. Thanks for sharing your journey. It was very insprirational!
Matt
Comment by Matt March — June 12, 2007 @ 8:42 amHarry,
Yours is a true humanitarian story. You must be one helluva human being.
Kathy
Comment by Kathleen McPherson — June 12, 2007 @ 1:20 pmHarry
Reading the posts, it sounds like you ‘passed’ your final test to go home.
It was an honor meeting someone as courageous as you are as we both walked the
halls of HH – Bliss 8 on the road to recovery.
I hope you remember me (temporary colostomy) as I will not forget you.
Will try to keep in touch.
Regards,
Comment by Bill Bevacqua — June 12, 2007 @ 4:18 pmBill
I was concerned about the way you sounded Friday AM, glad you involved the team of doctors to insure proper care. Golfing can wait a while longer. There will be times ahead when you can relax and enjoy all that has happened over the last year. Take care of yourself, that will be a change.
Comment by Arvid — June 18, 2007 @ 8:58 amSWEDE
Hi Harry,
It was good to see you at HH. I hope your healing begins to move along more quickly. Great Blog!
Take Care
Comment by Jerry Blais — June 21, 2007 @ 4:40 pmJerry
Glad to hear you turned that other corner. HH is not the place to be for a celebration and a biirthday. We will make up for it when you can play golf again. I will be sure we get out before going back to FL. I will be in touch this week. Assuming you will be rested by the end of this week.
Comment by Arvid Sundquist — June 24, 2007 @ 3:29 pmOur very best,
SWEDE
Hi Harry—-Well….. I have my YANKEE’S SHIRT READY and it looks like a fit!!!! My family may hope I wear it with “red” socks, but we’ll see! I’ve made no promises.
Hope you are resting and feeling better!!
Eileen
Comment by Eileen — June 26, 2007 @ 1:49 amHI Harry!
Comment by Tami Gorman — June 26, 2007 @ 11:44 amThat was a beautiful post left by the recipient. I hope you are feeling better. I
did attend the second to the last Yankees game in Colorado with my brother last week. They
are a great team. Didn’t know you were a fan!
Tami
Harry,
You are a true inspiration to us all. I am so glad I ran into you and was able to read this blog. Reading about your encounters with the family brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine the joy you must feel.
I have to tell you that you were always one of my favorite customers at the bank- not for any reason in particular, but just because you are a genuinly nice, caring person and that always came through in all of our interactions.
It is a honor to know you Mr. Harry Kiernan.
Take Care- Kim
Comment by Kimberly Metselaar — June 27, 2007 @ 3:45 pmHarry,
A Happy Birthday (I know I am a bit late but ask Jim,Jess, or Eileen I am never on time with well wishes but never forget) even tonight when I stopped by my folks to see dad for fathers day and give him a little something. I happened to be in Boston for fathers day weekend and calling Jessie to ask her what color Boston Rex Sox shirt she would like for her birthday which was in May!
I felt I needed to tell you all the lives you have touched with your wonderful gift. First and for most Eileen’s of course but all of us in our family. Now getting back to my folks. As I mentioned once before in another comment I left, my mom cooks up a mean feast. Well since Eileen has been sick and limited to what she could eat and not eat my mom has done her best to make her favorites without some of the good stuff for Eileen to enjoy. Now I stop over and she is in her glory making everything with all the good stuff. It was kind of hard to make a parmagiam without cheese but mom did it for Eileen! I haven’t seen her cook like this in a long time and really enjoy it so. Let me say there was so much when I stopped tonight I just could not eat it all but had a bit of this and that. So let me say back to my point that not only have you given Eileen a gift but that gift has spread throughout and has put the kick back in many family members. I talked with Eileen for the first time tonight after she came home. I know it has been 3 weeks but I just thought give her a little time. Let me tell you I was kicked back in time because I could not believe It was Eileen The perky laughable joking Eileen from before. What a wonderful sound.
Harry I do pray you are getting back on your feet and enjoying the summer. I am sure we will all meet soon when everyone is feeling better.
I have not visited with Eileen yet so I don’t carry any germs over. I work for an outpatient MH/SA Rehab and I felt it would be better seeing I work with the public in a small office setting it would be best if I wait a bit more. Honestly I don’t thing I am up to getting beat bad a rummy 500 again by Eileen! Just kidding. I would not even want to think about carrying a germ there at this critical recovery period. But I will swallow my pride soon and get my but beat at cards with her. She can be ruthless with a deck of 52!
Harry what can I say but hope to say it in person some day in the near future your goal and dream from what I understand that you wished to do was to give someone that was ill a chance for a better quality of life and guess what you did it in such a grand way because you gave to one which spread to many.
Lots of hugs and kiss’s.
(I think I can say that now to you)
Sue B.
Comment by Sue B — June 27, 2007 @ 10:19 pmHi Harry,
I had a ball, if you can believe it the other night. I love being outside making things look good. Just so you know my weed wacker is fixed and running like new just in case you would like a close trim!
I was determined to take it apart and clean a few things, reset the idle screw and vroom, vroom, like new. I envy your yard because I have just come inside at 9pm after starting at 6pm today. Now just so you know I have a 36 in rider. My grass was so tall and thick I mowed and it needed to be sweeped and trimmed. I am a bit tired. My arms are still vibrating from the weed trimmer! Damn that lime and fertalizer.
I hope you had as much fun as my friend and I did. We think of it as another adventure even when we got stuck!
I do hope you are healing well and don’t hesitate to give a yell if you need it done again please email me if you need anything.
sue B.
Comment by Sue B — July 9, 2007 @ 10:36 pmHi Harry,
A friend passed along your blog. What an inspiring act of kindness! You have an admirable outlook on life, and a take on personal risk that is downright wise. Thanks for blogging your story. I look forward to seeing you at a Glastonbury event someday to say hello.
Dan
Comment by Dan Schnaidt — July 12, 2007 @ 2:59 pmHi Harry…It was great seeing U on Thurs. I was quite surprised
to see the business card you handed me….I had no idea what U were up to or
finally did… You look great and at first glance I would not have guessed what
you have been up to. If I have to donate a kidney 2 U in the future, please
be aware I am an avid Red Sox fan…U may refuse me….or reject my organ…LOL
U take care & keep in touch…just watch it where U touch..
Hugs…….Ina
P.S. William was kicking himself when U were leaving & he called U Tom….
Comment by Ina Magi — July 14, 2007 @ 7:37 amHarry, when you were here on Monday, I had no idea how recent your huge ordeal
Comment by Dick & Gloria Barrows — July 23, 2007 @ 9:19 amhad been or I certainly would have expressed to you in person, how impressed
we are with the courage it must have taken to do such a brave and humanitarian
fete. We had no idea of the enormity of such an undertaking. We consider it
a privilege to know you and wish you only the best. Your daughter must be
extremely proud, as we all are.
Dick & Gloria
Hey Harry– It’s me again — part of your other half–so to speak? Actually, I always wanted a brother or sister closer in age to me than my own two brothers! Thanks for attending the donor/receipient picnic today. You made our day! I thought Life Choice Donor Services (860-286-3150 or toll free 800-874-5215) did a great job with the food, prizes,and butterfly release. I’m thinking maybe it’s time to see what we (my family and you, if you’re willing)can do to help, too. I’ll talk to my reporter friend this week. Is it o.k. if he calls you? I know you’re pretty “busy” these days and all.(hee, hee). Audrey already told me I could give him her number as backup for facts. I saw an article in the Hartford Courant today Sun. 8/12/07. So I’ll probably talk to a different newspaper. I do plan to see about doing a display of the panel(s) at my library early this fall, if possible. (The photos i saw today on the donors’ display were very touching as well as almost haunting). I’ll connect with Pam at the donor family services. Until we talk again, best wishes and I hope you are enjoying a painfree and wonderful August! Ei
Comment by Eileen — August 12, 2007 @ 9:54 pmHarry,
I must say after reading your blog and hearing about your experience yesterday,
and for everyone reading this it was on the golf course, you are a truly an
inspiration to everyone. Your selfless act has not only touched the lives of
Eileen and her family but all of us who were able to live the experience
through your eyes. As has been stated already but should be reiterated you are
a very caring and humble human being. It is truly a pleasure to know you and
I look forward to seeing you around Glastonbury with that same smile and
sense of humor you have always had. Oh and if I recall correctly from our
conversation yesterday I should expect to see you getting ready for next years
Apple Harvest Fest road race.
Thanks again for giving me this website and allowing me to share in your life
changing experience.
Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
Ryan
Comment by Ryan — August 17, 2007 @ 10:25 amHi Harry,
I do hope all is getting back to normal for you it has been a while but Eileen has been keeping me posted when I talk to her and Jim. I can’t believe how time has flown! seems just the other day everything was happening and now it has been almost 3 months!
Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and hope you are enjoying your pool and still taking it a bit easy. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything that I can help with.
Summer is starting to wind down which makes me sad even though I do love the fall so lets all keep and touch.
Hope to chat soon
Comment by Sue B. — August 28, 2007 @ 8:52 pmSue B.
Hello Harry – my friend, neighbor, networker, and computer guy. Congratulations to you. This is a wonderful act of courage and
really caring for others that you have the courage to endure. And
what a wonderful way to bring new friends into your life.
Reading all the details of the medical testing, preparation, surgery, and recovery brings back vivid memories of my own time
with colon cancer at HH several years ago. Boy; isn’t it great
to put all those days behind.
You should be very proud of this accomplishment Harry. May you
be blessed with wonderful things in the years to come.
Bob
Comment by Bob Johnson — September 30, 2007 @ 10:36 pmHarry,
It was great running into you at the popular hot spot, Stop & Shop, the other day. You DO look great! I just read the whole story of your kidney donation and am awed by your courage and generous soul. I am so glad that you are doing well. Your story is uplifting and makes me (and all who read it, certainly) hope to have such a positive impact on others in my life. Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing your experience. Be well until our paths cross again, perhaps in the frozen food aisle?
)
Sheila
Comment by Sheila Graham — November 18, 2007 @ 9:19 pmHi Harry,
Thanks for the best Thanksgiving I’ve enjoyed in a very long time, Harry. I wonder if you could possibly guess how many people you made happier today! I lost count after all the hugs and phone calls. I hope all is well with you and you had a great turkey day yourself. If your still hungry– just stop by– we have lots of leftovers. Eileen
Comment by Eileen Branciforte — November 22, 2007 @ 11:06 pmHi Harry,
I stopped by Jim and Eileen’s on Christmas eve. She looks great! She also noted that she had already gotten the best Christmas present she could ever have asked for. Oh, in case you like cookies she is making some sweet treats these days.
Linn
Comment by Linn — January 1, 2008 @ 11:25 pmHarry: It’s such a small world! My friend Steve and I met you just a few short weeks ago and you shared your card with us at the Transplant Lab. I started reading the Blog at the beginning and was surprised when I read your reason for wanting to donate (which by the way is noble, to say the least!). I was surprised because, when OUR whole adventure started, my friend, Pamela told me that she knew someone that was making a kidney donation to someone he did not know – and I believe, as it turns out – this person was you! I think we were meant to hear your story – and one way or the other – we were going to!!! It was nice meeting you, and I enjoyed the blog. There was so much I could relate to!
Funny – people always seem to be taken by surprise when they learn of my donating a kidney to Steve. To me, it would have been more surprising if I hadn’t! Glad to know that you are doing well – We are too! Health and wellness in 2008!
Comment by Tracey — January 2, 2008 @ 2:03 pmHi Harry,
I hope you are enjoying the spring …and feeling well, of course. Our Jess is off to California for a while this morning! Fly Butterfly, Fly!
We named all the wonderful changes a year has brought to us all. Of course, you and my new kidney were at the top of the list, and the reason she is comfortable leaving the state without looking back.
Please always remember how much better you have made my life. I’m so glad to see Jess fly….she may tutor there, will definitely visit friends, and may see my family in San Diego as well.
Thanks for your wonderful gift. We are so grateful…..Love, Eileen et al
Comment by Eileen Branciforte — May 16, 2008 @ 3:32 amHi Harry,
I recently donated a kidney to my brother. I was glad to read of your experience. It really helped me in my
Comment by Linda Suiafu — June 3, 2008 @ 4:57 pmHi Harry,
Happy Father’s Day to you. I hope you enjoyed the day. Just want to remind you to stay as well as you looked when I saw you last time. Drink lots of water!!! This weather makes it tough to stay hydratated.
I was close to some dehydration myself –even though I was drinking plenty of water. So here’s a toast to another great year for both of us. It’s hard to believe it has been over one year already since our surgeries.
Hugs,
Eileen
Comment by Eileen — June 15, 2008 @ 7:09 pmHarry,
First, I thank you very much for your blog. My wife had Kidney Transplant surgery back in April after being on the recipient list for nine days (not years) and is doing fine. We plan to attend the ‘Kidney Donor/Recipient Picnic’ this summer. Will you be attending? It’s hoped that I can find out if the nine days is a record. It is also hoped that I can contact you for your assistance to continue to “Enhance the Quality of Life” for all the people of the world. In addition, it’s hoped that you have Health and Happiness so you’ll be Wealthly also.
Marvin
Comment by Marvin Weil — July 10, 2008 @ 7:16 pmHi Harry,
I can’t believe it’s September again.I find myself buying cookie baking supplies….do you still like oatmeal with chocolate chip best?
Sorry I missed the donor picnic this year, but I REALLY needed to get away to finish a huge grant, and also to GET AWAY…you know how that is.
Ever see the Conehead movie? I always think it’s funny no matter how many times I see it. Anyway he (Dan Akeroyd) sings that little song ….sometimes…you just need to …get away…run away…. So that’s what I did. (Thanks to you I was able to do it).
You maybe read Rick Green’s column today?(9/2/08). Thanks for the inspiration for a small good deed. I hope we inspire others, too.
I hope this note finds you well, Harry. TTUS.
Best,
Eileen
Comment by Eileen — September 2, 2008 @ 7:34 pmHappy Chinese New Year to You Harry!
How are you doing in the year of the Ox? I hope you are feeling strong and starting the new year out well.
Jess is off to Hawaii in Feb. Chris won a trip from ESPN Fantasy Football.
Thanks for making our lives this wonderful.
Cheers,
Eileen
Comment by Eileen — January 26, 2009 @ 10:39 pmHi Harry and Tami,
Thank you for yet another wonderful Mother’s Day!
I sat by the window at my new table and enjoyed breakfast with my family! Jess and I took a grand walk and she took a few spring pictures for her etsy website. Life is sooooo good.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Best,
Eileen
Comment by Eileen — May 10, 2009 @ 10:06 amHarry,
Happy two years sharing kidneys! It would be great to celebrate with you and Tami. I’m feeling well and my meds are now cut down. It seems to be working out.
I hope you are doing fine. Jim and I hope we can get together some time soon. I’m planning to walk at the Univ. of hartford next Sunday for the National Kidney Foundation. Jess is painting faces —
There just isn’t a way to say thank you enough Harry, but I sure appreciate having my life back!
Eileen
Comment by Eileen — June 7, 2009 @ 10:54 pmHello,
I came upon your blog through a posting on LinkedIn. I just donated my kidney to my 13 year old niece 6 weeks ago. It has been an amazing experience and I am so happy to have made an impact on her life. Reading your blog was really helpful, as it is always nice to hear someone else’s experience with the healing process. I hope you are still doing well along with your recipient. Oh and I got that hero comment, too
-
Thanks for your post!
Comment by Theresa — August 26, 2009 @ 12:01 pm-Theresa
It was great pleasure to see you and Tami today. You haven’t changed a bit! Would you believe in five days it will be two and one half years since you gave me a kidney? Jim and I had a fine time — we hope you enjoyed meeting Calvin and Hobbes, our new “kitten” adoptees. We hope to see you both soon. Until then..please take care, enjoy life and…
Godspeed,
Eileen
Comment by Eileen — November 1, 2009 @ 6:48 pmA remarkable story Harry. I picked up your link from Transplant Buddies and couldn’t help finding out more. I was especially concerned over your return to the hospital and the complications that followed. If you don’t mind sharing what was the trouble? Two days out of the hospital I had a bladder infection that took me out of commission for a couple of days. Nine months after donation I climbed Mount St. Helens (yes, the volcano) with my kids. Really great to meet you and I wish you well.
Chad
Comment by Chad — November 20, 2009 @ 12:18 am