BE THE MIRACLE

A priest makes a life-giving donation to one of his parishioners

Carrie Gehling is a chirpy, brighteyed woman, full of one-liners. It’s largely that disposition that has carried her through a lengthy battle with diabetes, which began in her adolescence. The disease has taken an exceptionally heavy toll on her health, causing partial amputations to both of her legs and rendering her unable to walk. Vascular damage brought on by the diabetes has caused four heart attacks, one of which left her clinically dead for nearly three minutes. She has been on dialysis for the past 13 years.

“It’s no way to live,” Gehling says with uncharacteristic seriousness. “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.” around the time she began her dialysis, Gehling started exploring the possibility of a kidney transplant, which would eventually allow her to function without dialysis. but because her medical history made her a high-risk candidate, hospital after hospital denied her.

“each time I was denied, it was crushing,” she says. “I had to totally turn it over to God and realize that it was in his hands. Like I always say, ‘Thy will be done.’”

It was in the midst of this quest for a kidney transplant that Monsignor Mark Seitz became a pastor at her church, St. rita Catholic Church.

“When I met Carrie,” Seitz says, “I was inspired to see how she used her faith to bear this.”

Compelled to help her, Seitz tried to arrange a trip to Lourdes, France, with the Knights of Malta, a group that chaperones pilgrimages to the holy site.

“They said because of her fragile health, they were worried she couldn’t make the journey,” Seitz explains. “but I didn’t give up. I just scaled it back and started thinking about what we could do closer to home.”

Seitz was able to find a pilot within their parish who owned a small plane. With the help of that pilot, he was able to arrange a day trip to basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in San Juan, Texas. Gehling says that pilgrimage in april 2008 became a turning point.

“When I walked in to that basilica, I started welling up in the eyes because the presence of God was so overwhelming. It was this beautiful aura that washed over you. Just thinking about it makes me smile.”

It was soon after that pilgrimage that the tide began to turn: Medical City Dallas Hospital agreed to do the kidney transplant, under the condition that she find a live donor.

“There is a higher success rate with live donors,” Gehling explains. even though she had cleared one hurdle, another remained. Finding an acceptable donor was a tall order. Typically, kidney donors are tested on a set of nine criteria. In most cases, donors and recipients have to match five of those criteria. In Gehling’s highrisk case, donors had to match her on seven of the nine criteria.

In other words, the odds were stacked against her.

“and even if we found a donor that matched,” Gehling says, “the doctors told me there was still an 86 percent chance I wouldn’t make it off that sur - gery table. I just said, ‘Well, that’s OK. My faith is going to carry me another 114 percent.”

Inspired by her unyielding faith, Seitz says he started to reassess his own faith.

“I realized that if I was going to ask other people in this church to donate a kidney, I needed to be prepared to do it myself. We preachers get a lot of chances to talk about faith, but we also need to put it in practice,” Seitz says. “This was a chance for me to do that.”

Seitz followed through, “walking the talk” as Gehling puts it. He volunteered to donate his own kidney, enduring months of stringent medical and psychological testing. Living those months in limbo was grueling, they both say. Doctors warned them not to get their hopes up, as the odds for a match were still not in their favor. But as fate would have it, Seitz and Gehling were indeed a match.And in fact, he matched Gehling on eight of the nine criteria, even though he was only required to match seven of the criteria.

“I already knew he was perfect; I just didn’t know his organs were perfect,” Gehling jokes.

When they went into surgery this past November, Gehling was still facing the very real possibility that she would not live through the procedure.

“I wasn’t allowed to take anything metal into the operating room, but you better believe I had my plastic rosary,” she says. “I was gripping it so tightly I think my knuckles turned white.”

Not only did Gehling defy the odds and survive, but her surgery also went exceptionally well.

“The doctor told me that our arteries morphed together before he could even sew them together,” Gehling says. “He said typically, it takes about 40 to 60 stitches — but in this case, it only took 10 stitches.”

In fact, she says, the doctor had to double-check to make sure Gehling and Seitz weren’t siblings. It’s very unusual for unrelated people to have tissue so similar — so unusual in fact, that the doctor was deeply moved by what he saw.

“After the surgery, he kissed me on the forehead and told me he’d just wit- nessed a little miracle,” Gehling says.

Another doctor, after hearing the story, was so moved that he made it a point to meet Gehling in person. He confessed that he had let his career come before his faith, but that he now felt moved to make some spiritual changes in his life, thanks to her. Gehling says she encouraged him to keep God where he belongs: above all else.

“So he tells me, ‘You’re talking like a true priest now,’ and I say, ‘Well, I do have the kidney of one,’” she recalls with a hearty chuckle.

Since the operation, Seitz’s health has actually improved — a further affirmation that he did the right thing, he says. And he has benefitted from some other perks, too.

“It just so happens that Carrie and her mother, Carmen, are two of the best cooks in the parish, and they do cook for me now,” he jokes. “They make a killer meatloaf, and I love the beef stroganoff and pork chops.”

“Oh, we keep him well-fed,” Gehling chimes in with a laugh.

Since the operation, Gehling has gotten her diabetes under control, no longer requiring any dialysis. She says she now has a new lease on life.

“When I came home from the hospital after my surgery, I started crying when I saw my house because by all accounts, I should be dead. I see life with a new appreciation now, and I’m truly thankful to just be alive. I’m in physical therapy, and my goal is to now get out of this wheelchair within a year.

“I want to help more people, too. I’m thinking about becoming a social worker, or an advocate for transplant patients. And I think it’s time we took this show on the road — I’d love to meet Oprah.”

She also spends time praying for others who are ill or facing hardship, as so many prayed for her before.

“Instead of pay it forward, why don’t we pray it forward?” Gehling asks. “Prayer is more powerful than anything, and everyone can afford it.”

Gehling says the whole experience has left her feeling “proud, honored and sometimes unworthy.”

“Miracles happen. I just so happen to be one of them.” bishop lynch high school chase’s place

9750 Ferguson Rd. Dallas 75228/ 214.324.3607 www.bishoplynch.org. Recognized for student achievement, leadership, and innovation, Bishop Lynch High School continues to build on a rich heritage that prepares graduates for a lifetime of success. The mission of Bishop Lynch High School is to teach students “to strive for academic excellence, to seek truth, and to work for justice in the world.” To see that each student emerges with a well-rounded experience, Bishop Lynch offers first-rate academics, including the largest dual enrollment program of any private school in the state of Texas, extensive guidance as students prepare to enter higher education, and a widevariety of extracurricular and service activities.

14210 Marsh ln. addison / 75001 / 972.243.2676 Chase’s Place is a private day school program for children ages 5-14 with developmental disabilities includingPDD/Autism,MR,neurologicaldisorders,and acquired brain injuries. Program emphasizes development of functional skills through direct instruction, practical application, and therapeutic interventions with Speech, OT, PT, and Music therapy included. the chilDRen’s centeR

1423 san saba Drive, Dallas/214.823.2119/ Fax 214.321.4666 / contactus@thechildrenscenterdallas.org / www.thechildrenscenterdallas.org

Established in 1951, the Children’s Center provides a way to introduce children to the arts, the joy of learning and the beauty and wonders of our world. Educating the total child, we place emphasis on developing the child’s social skills and independence. Licensed developmental school for children ages 2 1/2 - 5. We have 2, 3 and 5-day programs, depending on the child’s age. Our school day is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Extended day on Tues. or Wed. until 2 p.m. We maintain a waiting list and schedule visits to the school in the spring as space becomes available. For more information call us at 214.823.2119 lakehill pRepaRatoRy school leading to success. 2720 hillside Drive, Dallas, 75214 / 214.826.2931, www.lakehillprep.org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

scoFielD chRistian school

7730 abrams Road / Dallas / 214.349.6843 www.scofieldchristian.org

Established 1961 and fully accredited grades 1 through 6. Scofield Christian School provides an academically challenging education that is well balanced and comprehensive within a nurturing, Christ-centered environment. Students are equipped intellectually, socially, physically and spiritually through small class sizes and individualized instruction. The curriculum includes Spanish, Daily P.E. Art, Music, Computer and a weekly Chapel service. Call for a tour of the campus.

st. beRnaRD oF claiRvaux school

1420 old gate lane / Dallas / 214-321-2897 St. Bernard of Clairvaux School has educated children in Forest Hills, Casa Linda and White Rock neighborhoods since 1948. The experienced teaching staff is dedicated to academic excellence with a challenging curriculum and individual attention. We offer affordable tuition, PK through 8th grade, wireless slate technology, extracurricular activities, and after-school care. Please call to schedule a tour. www.stbernardofclairvaux.org st. jaMes episcopal school st. john’s episcopal school white Rock noRth school

9845 Mccree Rd. Dallas / 214.348.1349 / www.stjamesepiscopal.info Enrollment: 80 Ages/Grades: Mother’s Day Out 18 mos, Toddler Montessori 2 yrs – 3rd, Accreditation: SAES, Extended Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, Student/ Teacher Ratio: Primary classroom 25:2; Elementary 30:2. St. James Episcopal School is committed to providing each child an excellent academic environment, based on Montessori principles, by teaching Christian values and the ability to be productive, cooperative citizens. Join us March 2-3 for Montessori Education Week.

848 harter Rd. Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 www. stjohnsschool.org / Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service. St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

9727 white Rock trail Dallas / 214.348.7410.

2 Years through 5th Grade. 45 years of successful students! Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-theart technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around funfilled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus. www.WhiteRockNorthSchool.com.

Zion lutheRan school

6121 e lovers ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 57 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

Education

The Friends oF hillcresT high school and Franklin Middle School are accepting donated items and/or cash contributions for the annual fundraiser auction. The group is need of things like sports tickets, hotel nights, spa and restaurant gift certificates, and airline miles. For more information about making a contribution or underwriting and sponsorships, call Hillcrest parent Jan Daulton at 214.902.0831, email JKCDMom3@aol.com or visit hillcresthsdallas.org/ donate. Tickets to the fundraiser will be $50, and it will be Friday, Feb. 27, from 6-11 p.m. at Edison’s, 1724 Cockrell, eddiedeen.com.

hillcresT and WT WhiTe high school communiTies, with the support of DISD Communications, are launching a pilot recruitment program with the theme “A Quality Education is Just Around the Corner.” The campaign will include a series of open house programs throughout February that aim to generate more awareness about outstanding DISD schools, many of which are in Preston Hollow. To see a complete schedule of open house events happening in our neighborhood, visit dallasisd.org/openhouse.

Students

a FeW hillcresT sTudenTs were named to the All-District Volleyball Team for 12-4A. Junior Cimaji Best, senior Shawnnay Delgado and junior Maya Warnock all received the honor. Maya Warnock also was recognized as the most valuable setter.

The W.T. WhiTe deca oFFicers have been announced. These students will serve as officers of the business club through the end of the school year, and they were all selected based on academic performance and proven leadership. Officers include: Melina Gonzalez as president, Paul Hopkins as vice president, Melody Williams as secretary, Courtney Prentice as historian, Gabriela Hernandez as reporter and Mark Alvarado as treasurer.

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B a P t IS t

GaStOn OakS BaPtISt / Greenville Ave & Royal Lane

Sunday Worship 10:45 am / Bible Study 9:30 am www.gastonoaks.org / 214.348.0958

WIlSHIRe BaPtISt / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

Pastor George A. Mason Ph.D. / Worship 8:30 & 11:00 am

Bible Study 9:40 am / www.wilshirebc.org

dIS c IPle S Of cHRIS t

e aSt dallaS cHRIStIan cHuRcH / 629 n. Peak Street

Sunday School 9:30 am / Worship 8:30 & 10:50 am

214.824.8185 / Rev. Deborah Morgan / www.edcc.org

ePIS c OPal

cHuRcH Of tHe IncaRnatIOn / 3966 McKinney Ave / 214.521.5101

Sunday: Traditional 7:30, 9:00, 11:15 am and 5:00 pm

Contemporary 9:00, 11:15 am and 6:00 pm / incarnation.org

e vanGelIcal

tRInIty HIllcReSt cHuRcH (ePIScOPal) / 12727 Hillcrest Road

Sunday: Worship 10:30 am Blended / 12:00 pm Kenyan / 7:00 pm Contemporary / 972.991.3601 / www.trinity-hillcrest.org

l ut H e R an

ZIOn lutHeRan cHuRcH & ScHOOl / 6121 E Lovers Ln.

Sunday: Sunday School 9:15 am, Worship 8:00 am, 10:30 am, & 6:00 pm / 214.363.1639 / www.ziondallas.org

P R e SB yte RI an

nORtHPaRk PReSByteRIan cHuRcH / 214.363.5457 9555 n. Central Expy. / www.northparkpres.org new Pastor: Rev. Brent Barry / 8:30 & 11:00 am Sunday Services see more photos and video about your favorite stories past & present download advocate radio podcasts submit your own item for publication sign up for the e- newsletter