There is something special about Kathy Fitz – the way that she truly engages with each person, deeply listens, and makes you feel like you matter. I always love being in her presence and I walk away feeling grateful for our time together. But when I learned that Kathy had decided to donate a kidney to a total stranger just because it was something she could do . . . I was awed and wanted to know more.
Kathy, who grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, always remembers what her mother instilled in her as a child: “whenever you give, even if its canned goods, always give the best that you can afford. Do the best by each person that you can.”
As an adult, Kathy was open to adventure and moved around a lot. She worked in San Diego with young people who had autism, lived in Hawaii, and even briefly, in Antarctica. Later, she found herself living and working at the Omega Institute in NY, interspersed with teaching jobs at pre-schools. One long-time-friend, Steve, whom she met at Omega, says: Kathy is loved by all who have the chance to meet her and be in her presence. Unpretentious, humble, and kind are her strong qualities.” And now, with the purchase of a house that she shares in community, and a dog whom she rescued, Kathy calls Sarasota, Fl. home.
Although Kathy had on occasion thought about being an organ donor, she said, “I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to do what I do physically.” Kathy changed her mind when she was inspired by the episode on American Ninja Warrior when 22-year-old Austin Gray, who donated a kidney to save the life of his childhood friend, then went on to win second place in a Ninja Warrior competition.
Although friends and family tried to talk her out of it, saying ‘It’s insane!’ Kathy answered: “Of course I would do that. Why wouldn’t I?” And so, she did! At 61, Kathy chose to donate a kidney anonymously. She sometimes thinks about the young person and their family, especially during the holidays, and the gift of having more time together.
Kathy shares her other motivation: “it feels good because life seems so mean these days and for me to add some positivity to the world at this time in history is more meaningful to me.”
Her financial concerns were alleviated by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), who took care of all expenses once Kathy was accepted. She felt healthy going into surgery, and well enough afterwards that she even walked 2 miles round trip, 5 days after surgery to get Atlanta’s famous donuts!
Now a year later, Kathy says, “I would do it again for sure.” While reticent to share initially, she now feels that it’s important to tell people, and to let others know that there are many ways to help, even if it is through financial donations or listing one’s intentions on their license or in their will.
Kathy’s story inspires me to want to step it up in my own life. I believe we each have our own unique ways of positively impacting our family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers. Everything, big or small, anonymously or face-to-face, is a gift that can make a difference in the life of another. In whatever way we choose, may we offer HOPE as we help to create a kinder, more loving world for all.
With blessings and love to you, your family and friends,
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GIFT of MUSIC: Francesco Tarantino, my partner, who wrote and recorded his CD, Love and Madness, shares his relevant song, “We are One”. LISTEN HERE.
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