WORDS OF HOPE FROM A GRATEFUL ORGAN DONOR
Cahill reaches out to Nucci with letter
Tim Cahill knows firsthand donating a kidney is a life-changing experience — for the better.
The former state treasurer has sent that message in a heartfelt letter to former City Councilor John Nucci, 65, who has turned his own battle with a life-threatening kidney disease into a public effort to boost organ donation.
Fifteen years ago, Cahill donated a kidney to his older sister, whose kidneys were failing because of diabetes.
“It’s extremely hard to seek a kidney,” said Cahill, who met with Nucci at his East Boston home to share words of hope.
“What I wanted him to know is, it helps the person giving as much as the person receiving, spiritually, mentally — it improves your life,” said Cahill, 59, of Quincy. “I want people who are thinking about donating to know that you get as much out of it as the person who is receiving the kidney.”
Nucci is battling polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that claimed his father’s life at 64.
In his letter to Nucci, “One Kidney — Two Lives,” Cahill wrote, “When I was first told about my sister’s illness I was fighting for my political life, running a mostly losing campaign for state treasurer. I was depressed about what seemed to be the inevitable outcome and trying desperately to figure out a way to survive,” the letter said. “Once I got tested and was told I was a match, my entire outlook changed. I realized then that no mat-
ter what happened on Election Day, I would have the opportunity to accomplish something bigger and make more of an impact than I ever could in elected office. I was given a second chance ... and for some strange and possibly cosmic reason, I got the chance to do both!”
Nucci went public with his search for a kidney donor last month in a story first reported by the Herald.
“We don’t have a match yet. That can be discouraging,” Nucci said. “But I’m remaining optimistic and I think with the help of family and friends, I’ll beat this thing. The search goes on and I know I have family and friends who won’t rest until we succeed and there’s no better feeling in life.”
Hearing from Cahill that he and his sister have been healthy since the operation has helped, Nucci said. “Knowing it really doesn’t have a negative impact on a donor makes a difference.”
Cahill, president of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, said since the kidney transplant he appreciates more the positives in both his and his sister’s lives.
He said of Nucci, “The sooner he finds someone, or someone finds him to donate, the better. We’re hoping and rooting for him to find the perfect match.”