When James Woods needed a second kidney transplant, his fellow former firefighter, Brendan Dougherty, answered the call.
GLENSIDE, Pennsylvania --"I think there's a population of people out there that are called to serve, I do," said Brendan Dougherty."Whether you're a firefighter, any kind of first responder."
Dougherty added 'living organ donor' to that list back in 2018 when his friend, James Woods, was suffering from kidney failure. Both men were volunteer firefighters with Glenside Fire Company #1 but never imagined sharing a bond like this. "I've known Jim for my whole adult life," said Dougherty."For the majority of that time, he was living with some struggles related to his kidney function. And he never ever spoke of it."
Woods said he lost friends when he first needed a kidney transplant in 2001. Fortunately, his sister stepped up to the plate and gave the gift of life. His new organ chugged along for roughly 16 years before it started to fail."I can honestly say I've never asked anybody for a kidney," he said."I've asked them to register to be a donor. I don't care who for."Dougherty knew the chances of matching were low.
"I know it's helped him, but I think what has taken years for me to realize is, I'm better off for it," said Dougherty."I'm healthier. My outlook in life has completely changed. He's done just as much for me that I've done for him."
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