Good Deed Goes Punished: Bergen County Kidney Donor Is Battling Hospital, Health Issues

MAHWAH, NJ — For Bergen County dad Kevin Kiernan, the old saw "No good deed goes unpunished" may ring true. The former Shark Tank contestant, who has lived in Mahwah and Waldwick, recently donated a kidney to save a life — but is now battling his own health issues, and his family says his hospital has stopped paying.

"His story is both courageous and sad," said son Zachary Kiernan this week. "He needs his story to be told."

Kevin grew up in Congers, in Rockland County, NY, and lived in Nanuet and Mahwah, finally settling in Waldwick, said his son.

Years ago, Zachary's parents appeared on "Shark Tank" to pitch a fabric garbage can lid, an idea inspired by the raccoon who slipped into their trash cans in Waldwick.

Last year, Kevin Kiernan, an alum of Villanova University, found out that his classmate's mother needed a kidney, so he decided to donate one of his.

"Kiernan's 'Kenndoo' attitude has been a guiding principle throughout his life," said a statement from the family. "However, the path that unfolded after his noble gesture took an unexpected turn."

Kiernan's family expected him to be in the hospital for three days after the donation at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.

But instead, "He encountered a series of post-surgical health complications, including hernia surgery, hematoma surgery, and issues stemming from a medical mesh implant. These unanticipated complexities triggered a cascade of additional medical procedures," the family said.

In April, Kiernan got a letter from NYU Langone Transplant Center saying his medical expenses would no longer be covered by the institution, claiming the symptoms weren't related to the donation, the family said.

"Now that's just silly and ridiculous," was Kevin Kiernan's response.

His family said, "These medical setbacks have left him unable to work and provide for his family, dramatically impacting his life and financial stability."

The National Kidney Foundation says that most people don't experience health problems as a result of donation, citing a study of more than 4,000 donors going back to 1963.

"I'm in the one percent," Kevin lamented. "I lost everything in this surgery."

To make matters worse, around the time the family received the letter, the doctor who had been guiding Kiernan's recovery told him she was leaving NYU Langone Transplant Center.

The unexpected news left him "without the support and guidance he so critically needed during this pivotal time," the family said.

Letters Between Kevin And His Doctor:

Zachary launched a GoFundMe with a goal of $20,000 to help.

It "aims to alleviate the financial strain on the Kiernan family, with sources including Kiernan's alma mater, Villanova University Community, joining efforts to spread the word and offer support to this beloved figure," the family said.

"After an arduous eight-month battle, the Kiernan family remains hopeful for a bright and healthy future."

Zachary said, "Help me get my father back; we need him."

The family noted that Kiernan didn't have medical insurance, because of a recent divorce.

Kevin said he has received $7,000 in new medical bills recently from seeing his doctors and heading to the emergency room to deal with vomiting. He may need gastric surgery, he said, which may cost another $30,000.

"This poignant story serves as a powerful reminder of the unforeseen challenges that can emerge from the most selfless acts," the family noted.

"It underscores the significance of thorough consideration and preparation when making decisions involving major medical procedures. Moreover, it highlights the necessity of clear communication between patients, healthcare professionals, and institutions to ensure that those who make such compassionate sacrifices receive the care and assistance they unequivocally deserve."

NYU Responds

NYU issued a statement late Friday in response to the family's comments:

"NYU Langone encourages and is grateful to all organ donors, who provide others with a lifesaving gift. While complications from living donation are extremely rare, there is an extensive process in place to provide every aspect of care to donors and they are not responsible for any costs related to their donation.

"The NYU Langone Transplant Institute team supports our donors throughout their experience. If a donor has a medical bill that they are unsure is related to donation, our clinical team and financial counselors assist the donor. In this case, the care was completely consistent with these policies and practices."

A spokesman said the medical center couldn't comment further because of HIPPA privacy laws.