Jamaican born radio personality receives kidney from Caucasian donor
NEW YORK – The Ebony and Ivory Show, formerly of WVIP 93.5 FM, New York recently featured Kathy Arduini, a Caucasian woman who gave the gift of life to one of its hosts, Jamaican born Douglas Fidler.
On May 11, 2006, Kathy’s husband, Tony Arduini’s passed away suddenly. He was a well known detective in the Albany, New York area – hardworking, dedicated, and in the prime of his life. Notwithstanding the shock and grief of his untimely passing, his widow, Kathy, made the decision to donate his kidneys to two strangers, so their lives could be improved and hopefully lengthened.
Douglas Fidler and Kathy Arduini
Douglas got the call around 12:30 am on May 12th that a kidney had become available and he was to go to Albany Medical Center immediately. His body accepted the kidney which has since changed his life. He no longer has to endure three weekly four-hour dialysis treatments which over time debilitates the body.
In keeping with the Transplant Center policy, the donor family and the recipient can communicate anonymously for at least a year and then should there be a desire to meet, they can do so. When Douglas and Kathy met it was a very emotional moment – two people whose lives were forever changed. The fact that Tony was white and Douglas is black underscores the fact that regardless of skin color, we are truly one people.
Fidler and Arduini would like to lend their voices to the need for organ donation. The need is particularly great in the black community. By signing the back of your driver’s license or having the discussion with your family members that you would like to donate your organs, you can change the lives of several people for the better.
There are thousands who are waiting to receive that life-changing call. For more information, visit the New York Organ Donor Network’s website at www.donatelifeny.org
