Principal Donates Kidney to Student

Dec. 18, 2007 — -- Morgan Corliss wanted to be like every other 13-year-old in Franklin, N.H.

"Just to go to school dances and play basketball and just have fun," she said.

But ever since she was 4 years old, Morgan has been battling a rare kidney disease called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

"FSGS is a disease of the filters in the kidneys in which they develop some abnormalities and create scarring. The number of functioning filters goes down over time until there is none functioning," said Dr. David Cohen, the director of kidney transplantation at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Morgan's health continued to deteriorate, and a kidney transplant was her only hope of getting better.

"Morgan is showing a lot of symptoms. She gets a lot of headaches," said her mom, Caryn Corliss. "She always has an upset stomach, feels like she's going to throw up."

"And I just want to sleep all day," Morgan added.

Corliss also had FSGS and so was ruled out as a donor, as she already lives with a donated kidney. Other family members also couldn't donate for medical reasons.

The uncertain state of her health and the anxiety of waiting for a kidney was frightening for Morgan.

"I'm afraid because like my life's kind of at stake if anything happens," she said.

What a Gift

But then, a Christmas miracle happened in the small town — it was a blessing no one anticipated.

James Friel, Morgan's principal at Franklin Middle School, stepped forward to donate his kidney.

"I certainly hope that my volunteering to do this is a good example to the kids that I work with every day," Friel said. "A lot of kids take for granted what they do every day. She just wants to be able to do what they can do."

The decision gave the notion of "making a difference" a whole new meaning for the veteran educator.

"I've spent the last 24 years of my life working to make a difference in the lives of kids," Friel said. "I knew it was something that I needed to do, because in I guess my own words, in explaining it to my wife, if this isn't making a difference in the life of a child, I don't know what is."

For Morgan's family, Friel's donation is the hope they have been waiting for, and they realize the huge sacrifice he's making and the gift he is giving.

"I think I was surprised by anyone that came forward. This is a big thing," Caryn said. "Definitely a big thing to give up something of yourself like that."

And Morgan and Friel know they will always share something very unique.

"It's special because he's my middle school principal, and I just really like him," Morgan said.

Friel said, "She promised to take good care of my kidney. She knows there's definitely going to be a special bond there that we'll have for a long time."

Friel is writing about the experience in a photo blog. You can click here to read more.