20 People Die
Every Day Waiting for Transplants
How one teacher saved another from becoming a statistic At 35 years old, Gary Hinkley had kidneys that functioned at just 13%. The functional life skills teacher at Lyman Moore Middle School in Portland was in End Stage Renal Failure.
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Even in these dark times we can all find small and big ways to make a positive difference,” Deb Newman, Biddeford TA
His only hope-a kidney transplant. At age 15, Gary was diagnosed with lupus nephritis, a kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus-an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and organs. Gary had been in and out of the hospital over the years, and as his condition worsened and became more complicated, he was referred to the Maine Transplant Program. “Gary began several rounds of testing and evaluations for approval as a transplant candidate and was placed on the transplant list in May of 2018,” explained his wife Alison, who also works at Lyman Moore Middle and is now part of Portland Public Schools Remote Academy. Fortunately, for Gary, his sister Stephanie was a match—but the good news for the Hinkley family didn’t last long. Two hours into recovery from his kidney transplant surgery, test results showed blood wasn’t flowing into the new organ. “The kidney was dying,” explained Alison. The newly transplanted kidney needed to be removed, and Gary’s condition worsened. From May of 2019 to September of 2020 Gary struggled, with his kidney function declining to just 2%.
Both families reunite after transplant by a tree, which symbolizes life. 14
Maine Educator • February 2021
“There were many times that Gary couldn't participate in family moments and outings because he didn't have the energy. It was hard to navigate so many special times without Gary and wondering if this would be our life in the long run,” said Alison.
