Mr. Jay Jaffe, a former president of the beautiful Congregation Ahavas Yisroel of Kew Gardens Hills and a devoted member of the chevrah kadisha of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, recently shared his moving journey of receiving a life-saving kidney transplant. His story highlights the incredible chesed of organizations like Renewal and Chesed 24/7.
Mr. Jaffe explained that he had been on dialysis for seven years. Eventually, his nephrologist recommended contacting the transplant team at Cornell Hospital in Manhattan. After confirming that he was healthy enough for surgery, the team connected him with Renewal – a nonprofit organization devoted to helping people with kidney disease.
Renewal found a live donor willing to give his kidney to a complete stranger – because, as Mr. Jaffe expressed, “We as Jews are all one family.” He does not know the donor’s name, only his Hebrew name and that he is a 50-year-old man living in Passaic, New Jersey. Mi k’amcha Yisrael!
Mr. Jaffe hopes to one day meet his donor and looks forward to expressing his hakaras ha’tov. He began the search for a kidney four years ago. Baruch Hashem, he underwent surgery two weeks ago and is now recuperating at home.
Post-surgery, patients require physical and occupational therapy, as well as regular visits to the Cornell Clinic in Manhattan twice a week for anti-rejection medication. “It’s a whole life-changing experience,” he said.
Mr. Jaffe described Renewal as “the most amazing organization.” Their representatives were at the hospital when he was admitted and offered moral support before and after the procedure.
He also praised Chesed 24/7 – an organization that provides food, shelter, emotional support, and a wide range of services for the sick and those in need. When Mr. Jaffe was hospitalized over Shabbos, Chesed 24/7 provided his daughter with a nearby Shabbos apartment so she could stay close.
A true community leader and man of strength, Mr. Jaffe has spent a lifetime helping others. Even after being diagnosed with kidney failure, he continued his avodas ha’kodesh, going directly from dialysis sessions to serve with the chevrah kadisha.
Hodu laShem ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo. The Queens Jewish community wishes Mr. Jaffe a r’fuah sh’leimah and continued good health.
About Renewal
A diagnosis of irreversible kidney failure can be overwhelming. That is where Renewal steps in. The organization supports patients and their families through the entire kidney transplant process: from finding a donor to arranging the transplant and navigating recovery. They also support donors to ensure their act of giving is as safe and smooth as possible.
Founded in 2006, Renewal initially aimed to support kidney donors through the decision-making and donation process. Over time, the organization expanded and has become a national resource for kidney-related support. Today, almost every major transplant center in the US consults with Renewal.
Renewal facilitates kidney transplants for patients with chronic kidney disease and offers all services free of charge. In the coming years, they hope to expand their registry – a databank of potential donors who can be matched when needed. Notably, Renewal facilitated the first international kidney swap and is working to become the first registry to arrange overseas swaps where the donated kidney is shipped to the recipient.
About Chesed 24/7
Chesed 24/7 provides extensive and innovative services to the sick, elderly, developmentally disabled, and individuals or families facing life challenges. The organization’s philosophy is simple: No one should ever be without food, shelter, or emotional support; no one should ever feel alone.
Location: 286 North Main Street, Suite 210, Spring Valley, NY 10977
Phone: 845-354-3233
