It was a desperate plea for help, a call for a lifesaving kidney donor. For five years, cancer survivor Marc Weiner endured grueling dialysis treatments three times a week, waiting for a donor to step forward. Then in 2018, Marc and his family took a bold step, covering a Times Square billboard with a plea for a kidney donor. Little did they know, their plea would lead to a life-changing transplant that would finally end Marc’s long wait. This inspiring story of hope, community support, and the power of organ donation highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. From the depths of despair, Marc’s journey shows that miracles can happen, and that we should never give up on hope.
Marc Weiner, a cancer survivor from New York, is finally recovering from a long-awaited kidney transplant surgery after enduring dialysis treatments three days a week since October 2016. After years of searching, Marc found a kidney donor through a Times Square billboard and the kidney swap program. This inspiring story of hope and community support is a testament to the power of human kindness.
Marc Weiner’s journey to finding a lifesaving kidney donor started in 2016, when he was diagnosed with kidney failure. The cancer survivor underwent dialysis treatments three times a week, waiting for a donor to step forward. After years of waiting, Marc and his family decided to take a bold step and cover a massive billboard in Times Square with a plea for a kidney donor.
The billboard read, “My name is Marc. I need a Kidney. YOU can Help!” The message went viral, and the response was overwhelming. Michael Lollo, a now-retired NYPD detective, saw the story of Weiner’s donor search and got tested to see if he was a match. Although Lollo was not a match for Marc, he became a kidney donor to a woman he did not know, Ruth Tisak. Another woman who responded to Marc’s plea also became a kidney donor. This act of kindness would ultimately allow Marc the chance to get a kidney through a donor swap program.
The swap program allows a person to donate their kidney to a stranger so another person –a recipient of their choosing — can receive an organ from another donor. Marc’s donor lives out of state and underwent surgery on the same day as Marc, but elsewhere in the country. His kidney was then flown to the Manhattan hospital, where it was transplanted.
The transplant surgery was a success, and Marc is now on the road to recovery. Although he still has to take several anti-rejection medications and keep a strict regimen of doctors’ visits, he is looking forward to living a full life with his family. Marc’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of social media and community support in helping those in need.
Marc’s journey also highlights the importance of organ donation and how it can change lives. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a kidney transplant. On average, a person will wait three to five years for a kidney from a deceased donor. Living donation offers an alternative for those who cannot wait for a deceased donor organ or who are not a good match for one.
The organ donation process is safe and confidential, and there are no costs to the donor or the donor’s family. Anyone can be a potential donor, regardless of age, race, or medical history. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and tissue donation can enhance the lives of up to 50 people.
Marc’s story is a testament to the importance of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity. His journey shows that miracles can happen and that we should never give up on hope. The power of community support and the kindness of strangers can change lives and bring about life-changing results.
Marc Weiner’s inspiring story of hope and community support shows the power of perseverance and kindness in the face of adversity. After enduring years of dialysis and searching for a kidney donor, Marc found a donor through a Times Square billboard and the kidney swap program. He is now on the road to recovery and looking forward to living a full life with his family. His story is a reminder that we can all make a difference in someone’s life. Organ donation is a selfless act that can bring hope and new life to those in need. Let us continue to spread awareness about organ donation and the importance of community support.
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