Local Man Gives Gift of Life

For John Cosentio, 57, of Arlington Heights, the decision to become an anonymous kidney donor came about when he was searching for different ways to give back to others.

“I was looking for a way to increase my giving, above donating time or writing a check, and I happened upon information about becoming a live kidney donor and becoming part of a kidney chain,” Cosentino said.

The 17-year Arlington Heights resident worked with the Mayo Clinic, and underwent a battery of tests - not only with surgeons, but psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers as well. The evaluations are conducted routinely to ensure potential donors are interested for the 'right' reasons. 

“I chose this to be an anonymous/altruistic donor. I didn’t want fanfare for this, but simply wanted to affect the well-being of others,” Cosentino said.

And, that is just what Cosentino did.

He started what is called a kidney chain.

An example would be: Donor A would like to donate a kidney to a relative, but isn’t a perfect match. Instead, that donor will gift their kidney to a stanger, in exchange for a kidney from another donor who is a match, to donate to their relative.

In Cosentino’s case, he began a chain that ended up providing four kidneys for people who were suffering through kidney disease, dialysis or other serious health issues that caused them to be in need of an organ donation. 

Though he has never met the person who received his kidney, he does know a few details, which he says is fine, for now.

“All I know is that my recipient is a male, and was around my age at the time of the surgery,” Cosentino said.

Cosentino does not rule out wanting to possibly meet his recipient someday to see how he is doing. That does requires standard paperwork through the Mayo Clinic, where the surgery was performed. 

An avid cyclist and in good health before the surgery, Cosentino said he was fortunate to have an amazing recovery, and has had no complications over the last four years.

He continues to cycle, and for his 60th birthday in 2012, Cosentino said he spent a week hiking in the Rocky Mountains.

Though he acknowledges this type of giving is not for everyone, he advises those who would like to learn more, to do plenty of research and give it a lot of thought.

On Sunday, June 30, Cosentino will be celebrating his successful donation experience, and he and his family will be participating in the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois’ Gift of Life Walk. The event is held at Chicago's Soldier Field and includes a three-mile walk along Lake Michigan.

For more information about the Gift of Life Walk or kidney donation, visit the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois website.