Hometown Hero: Deb Wark, organ donor
Posted by alpayne June 07, 2008 07:53AM
Cathy Layman | Times Photo
Deb Wark saved Ken Gorney from the prospect of dialysis by giving him one of her kidneys. 'I would be living a less quality life if it wasn't for her,' Gorney said.
It was just a few months ago that Ken Gorney was staring dialysis square in the face.
The Bay City resident has suffered from Alports Syndrome, a genetic disease that affects kidney function, for the past 15 years. Last winter the 49-year-old was told by doctors that he needed to find a new kidney - or soon begin dialysis.
With the kidney transplant waiting list backed up to about three years, the husband and father of three seemed to have little choice.
But then Deb Wark of Bay City entered the picture.
Wark, who is the second cousin of Gorney's wife, Dawn, heard about Ken's predicament and was examined to see if she was eligible for the transplant. After months of testing, Wark, 46, was found to be a match, and the surgery was performed April 25 - a week after Gorney was due to start dialysis.
BE AN ORGAN DONOR
To learn more about organ donation, visit www.giftoflifemichigan.org or call 1-800-482-4881. Ken Gorney said he is willing to advise anyone in a situation similar to his. He can be reached at 891-1284.
Coincidentally, Wark's twin sister, Diane, also was deemed to be compatible, but high blood sugar eliminated her from the running. Deb Wark insists that she would have been the one to go under the knife anyway, as Diane has a family and Deb is single.
Ken expressed his gratitude to Deb, saying, 'I would be living a less quality life if it wasn't for her.' He also said he was indebted to the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where the surgery was held.
The operation was a success and Deb and Ken are recuperating quickly. But Deb's four-inch scar on her abdomen reminds her of the invaluable sacrifice she made.
Q: What was going through your mind when you heard Ken needed a kidney?
A: That I wanted to be tested. Once I told him that I wanted to be tested, it was like, 'Let's go for it.' I've always wanted to be an organ donor, and it kind of got me thinking that I'd like to do it while I'm living so I can see the difference. It didn't matter who it was, I was just willing to help somebody.
Q: What inspired you to follow through with it?
A: Once I said I would be tested, there was no hesitation whatsoever. I was more than willing to do it and we just went from there. I was scared, of course. But I was more excited than anything because I knew I was going to make a difference in somebody's life.
Q: What did Ken say to you when he found out?
A: Hugs and kisses - he thought I was an angel. He just couldn't understand why someone would be willing to give up their kidney for him.
Q: Did you ever have any second thoughts about giving it away?
A: It wasn't really fear of the surgery itself. It was the fear of being (incompatible). It wasn't the fear of going through the surgery and the soreness, and everything like that. I was more scared that I wouldn't be able to help him.
Q: How do you feel after the operation?
A: There's soreness, there's pain. But that was kind of overcome by knowing that it was successful and that it was really going to make a difference in his life.
Q: How has your life been different since the donation?
A: It hasn't been any different, other than knowing that (Ken) didn't have to go through dialysis and his life is better; and he's going to be able to see his grandkids when they come along.
Q: How does it feel to know that you've changed someone's life?
A: It feels great. I can't explain it. I guess to me - and I don't have kids - it would be like giving birth. You know, like bringing somebody into the world.