20 People Die Everyday 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.

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%.

“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.

The fate for this family of educators would soon change. About three weeks after Gary’s failed kidney transplant the couple found out they were pregnant—expecting twins.

“While we were very excited to be expecting, because we had experienced fertility issues, we were also worried about functioning as first-time parents of twins with Gary's kidney failure,” said Alison.

Their fears, during what should have been a joyous time, were put to rest when another teacher stepped in giving the Hinkleys the most selfless gift of all. In the middle of the pandemic this November, Deb Newman, a special education educator in Biddeford, became a living donor for Gary.

“When I saw how devastated Gary and Alison were at the prospect of lifelong dialysis, if Gary did not find someone compatible and willing to donate, I decided to become a living donor,” said Deb. In her 20’s, Deb elected to become an organ donor after losing a loved one to kidney and heart disease and all these years later she knew she could do more.

“The plan of a second transplant gave us hope for a "normal" life,” said Alison.

Normalcy with a transplant and during a pandemic is a relative term, but more than two-months after his second transplant, Gary and Alison now have twins with a healthier future ahead, and Deb is back in her classroom with her students feeling a sense of joy and satisfaction like no other.

“There was also the benefit of being able to see how my gift would help Gary and his family,” said Deb “it has beyond all expectations. I feel so fortunate that I was healthy enough to be able to do this,” said Deb.

The gift of life for Gary was nowhere near the beginning of this group of educators’ stories. Deb and Alison taught together in Abu Dhabi, she was the officiant at Alison and Gary’s wedding, she was there when the couple had their children, and the Hinkley family was there when Deb’s grandbaby was born. Deb and Alison, despite their age difference, grew fast friends during their teaching time overseas, became travel partners, and now they’re connected in a much different, more intimate way.

“We are so grateful for Deb and her willingness to not only donate a kidney but have surgery during a global pandemic; she will always hold a special place in our hearts. Gary and I were both extremely excited and felt a huge relief. Gary was excited to have a second transplant but told everyone he was "cautiously optimistic" because of the first transplant's outcome,” said Alison.

Since the transplant, Gary is recovering at home and his health is improving. He plans to return to work in February. Both women continue to educate their students, and virtually, they still talk about best practices in teaching and how to implement them, always remembering the thing that brought them together in the first place: their love for teaching.

“We continue to share the day to day moments that are the foundation of our strong relationship. We enjoy each other’s quirky sense of humor, share the same passion for teaching, and both strive to make the world a better place in everyday ways,” said Deb who admits she feels no different with one kidney instead of two.

While health-wise Deb says she feels the same, she admits there is a change in her life.

“It is well known that by helping others we increase our own happiness and our sense of self-worth: and this experience definitely did all that. I hope our story shows that even in these dark times we can all find small and big ways to make a positive difference. I hope readers realize how critically important it is, especially now, to show compassion for others and help make all our lives better,” said Deb.

The Hinkley's welcome their twins. Photo Credit: Patrick Groleau

Photo Credit: Patrict G

Awaiting Surgery

Officiating the Hinkley Wedding

Deb returns to the classroom shortly after donating her kidney.

Both families reunite after transplant by a tree, which symbolizes life.

To become an organ donor:

If you are a Maine resident, 16 years of age or older, you can help save lives by adding your name to the Maine Organ Donor Registry. If you’re not sure if you’re a donor, it’s easy to check online using the same service. Or, if you prefer, you can also sign up by visiting a Bureau of Motor Vehicles Branch Office.

Register Here: maine.gov/sos/bmv/donatelife/