Community Corner

Local Woman Searches For Kidney Donor For Brother

She says signs on Pleasant Street have sparked interest in kidney donations.

Penny Carleton been touched in recent days by the outpouring of support and love for her family.  After posting a small, red, white and blue sign saying her brother is in need of a kidney, her phone has been ringing with potential donors.

"I'm just overwhelmed," Carleton said. "All it takes is one person."

Carleton's brother Richard Ford, 54, of Londonderry, N.H., has been on kidney dialysis for two years. With wait times often exceeding five years, Carleton, of Pleasant Street, decided to spread the word.

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"I just put this one little sign up and it kind of spread," Carleton said. "It's on Facebook now and went viral."

Each week, Ford drives from his home in New Hampshire to Massachusetts General Hospital where he is receiving care. The father of two, a college freshman and high school sophomore, Ford continues to work full-time as well.

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While so far, no one has been a match, Carleton has high hopes the person is out there.

"The demand outstretches the supply," Carleton said. "Since I've put the sign up, I've heard from people who say they always thought about it (donating), but never knew anyone in need. I hope this puts a face on it."

According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 83,000 people need kidneys in the United States. Of those on the list, only 17,000 transplants are done per year because of a donor shortage.

"I've had some calls from the signs," Carleton said. "When people call, I give them as much information as I can and then put them in touch with someone at Mass General to get all the information they need."

Carleton said he understands the personal sacrifice donating an organ is and doesn't get her hopes up when she does get phone calls.

"I'm just touched when people offer to help," Carleton said. "Marblehead has always been a place people care, it's been overwhelming to hear people do want to help each other."

According to donor specialists, Ford's perfect match would be someone between 21 and 65 years old and  O blood type although new technologies have made it possible to match donors with those of different blood types. 

To contact Carleton call, 617-605-8579.


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