Congregation pushes organ donation, Hackensack, New Jersey

By James M. O'Neill

McClatchy-Tribune

HACKENSACK, N.J. - Two former strangers brought together by a kidney donation are using their story to promote organ donation to congregants of Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes, N.J., and other Jewish people considering organ donation.

Mike Graham had never heard of Alan Segal before reading an ad in a local paper outlining Segal's need for a kidney donation.

Graham, 67, had been thinking about organ donation for several years since a former customer of his died for lack of a kidney donor.

When Graham called Segal, 60, to say he wanted to donate, Segal was incredulous. That was December 2009.

The two formed a bond, navigated a battery of pre-surgery tests, endured the transplant and are now healthy and spreading the word about the need for organ donation.

The two men recently spoke before a breakfast meeting of Barnert Temple's Men's Club and Sisterhood organizations.

"This is an opportunity for people to learn about Judaism's support for organ donation, and what we can give from our bodies that enables life," said Barnert Temple Rabbi Elyse Frishman.