In the fall of 2003, 33 year-old Jude Schwegel read about a Philadelphia man who donated one of his kidneys to a complete stranger. Jude had never heard of anyone doing this, and was immediately interested and very curious. He thought it was a fantastic thing for a human being to do, especially for someone you don’t even know. The idea clicked with him, and he thought long and hard about doing the very same thing. After a month of very serious reflection, Jude decided to become an altruistic donor. So on April 26, 2004, he donated one of his kidneys to a man he never met.

In Jude's Own Words
Jude's Message to Others

In Jude’s Own Words
This was not an easy decision to make by any means. But after educating myself and meeting with members of Einstein’s transplant team, I was reassured that the risks to my health would be minimal. And the benefit to the recipient would be enormous.

One challenge I encountered was how to deal with the negative reactions from family and friends. Most of the people in my life who care about me were against my donating a kidney to a stranger. They all tried to talk me out of it. I listened carefully to the questions raised and I answered them as carefully as possible. I’m the last born of seven children, so most of my siblings are used to protecting me, even though I’m now 33 years-old!

I did not take my decision lightly. This was a very scary commitment. Complications can happen. In fact, during the process I had some second thoughts here and there. I prayed about what I was feeling and tried to stay positive. My transplant surgeon did an excellent job of educating me and allaying my fears about the surgery. And, as for Debbie Steffler, RN, my nurse coordinator…I can’t say enough good things about her. She was extraordinarily helpful and very supportive. Her advice was invaluable. I was blessed to have her as my nurse coordinator.

Jude’s Message to Others
I would encourage others to donate. The feeling I have after donating is deep and incredibly satisfying. From what I’ve learned, it’s completely exhausting and debilitating to be on dialysis. The person’s quality of life is really diminished since they spend so many hours every week hooked up to the dialysis machine. I feel so good knowing that I played a part in improving another person’s life. As for me, I feel great and live my life exactly as I did before I donated, without any physical restrictions at all.

I haven’t yet met the man who received my kidney but I hope to one day soon. Dr. Ortiz tells me that the recipient is taking courses to further his education and that he has been an excellent patient who never misses a doctor’s appointment.