Sailor Donates Kidney to Foster Mother

Sixteen years ago, Phyllis Klingebiel and husband, Herbert, took in a seven-year-old foster child named Mark whose family had been living on the streets. Phyllis recalls that the youngster was “an angry little boy” who slowly warmed to her easygoing manner and all the sharing and talking that was a part of his new home.

Now 23, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Gresham has grown up and given his foster mother the gift of a lifetime — one of his kidneys. For Mrs. Klingebiel, who has cared for 67 foster children over 30 years, it was the ultimate Christmas gift from a man she refers to as her son.

“Growing up I wasn’t the model child, but their support was always there for me,” says Officer Gresham. “I didn’t even think twice about donating the kidney to her.”

Mrs. Klingebiel, who suffers from chronic nephritis, was found to be a match with her foster son after no match was available with biological family members.

Officer Gresham, who was stationed in Florida, had to fly back to Saint Barnabas Medical Center for testing twice a month before the transplant. Although he was extremely busy preparing his ship for inspections, his team members and the rest of the Naval officers were very supportive about the trips home. On some visits he turned around and flew back to Florida the same day.

“It was well worth the nights I missed sleeping,” says Officer Gresham. “It was hard to see my mom before the surgery, so tired and on a restrictive diet.”

On December 20, 2005 the transplant surgery was performed at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. The surgical team for both the donor and recipient was led by Stuart Geffner, M.D., Chief of Renal and Pancreas Transplant Surgery for Saint Barnabas Health Care System. Both patients recovered fully and Officer Gresham has returned to his active schedule at sea.

“Mark came forward willingly and lovingly, hoping only to offer his mother an improved quality of life, says Shamkant Mulgaonkar, M.D., Chief of the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division of Saint Barnabas Health Care System. “We are thrilled that her life has changed so much for the better and that Mark returned to his normal life so quickly. This is a most remarkable story.”

For Mrs. Klingebiel, it was a blessing to have avoided the dialysis that her mother needed many years ago.

“I saw my mother on dialysis and that image just never left me,” she says. “I didn’t think I had a chance of matching with Mark’s kidney, but it turned out to be a miracle.”

A Life-Saving Placement
Herbert Klingebiel thinks the reason for the miracle is the way his wife has lovingly opened their home to so many young children in need over the years.

“God gives everyone a gift, and hers is helping children,” he says.

When young Mark first arrived at the Klingebiel home, he was saddened by the separation from his biological family. Over time, however, he grew to fully accept his new family, and to love them.

“They spoiled me,” he recalls. “She is a very caring person with a huge heart. Even now when I come home she is in the kitchen cooking for me.”

One of the best moments after the operation was seeing his mother able to sit at the table and eat the same meal as the rest of the family, as she was now free of dietary restrictions.

“It was amazing to see her sit and enjoy that meal,” he says with a smile. “I don’t remember what we ate, but I know it was good.”

In further tribute to the strength of this family, another foster son also offered his kidney. Mrs. Klingbiel is thankful for the loving support and her renewed health.

“Mark really sacrificed a lot and I am very appreciative,” she says, adding that it was truly “a bonding experience” that strengthened the already close ties for the two of them.

Now healed and back at sea, Officer Gresham says he does not want his mother to ever feel indebted to him. It was “a great experience,” he says, and a lasting way to pay her back for all the love she poured into that lost little seven-year-old boy so many years ago.

To reach The Saint Barnabas Renal and Pancreas Transplant Centers, please call 1-888-409-4707.