Before I embark on our family holiday, I wanted to share an incredible story with you. My darling brother-in-law Larry Berg, who is married to my sister Eileen, has suffered kidney illness for years. The past few months have been challenging for him knowing that his kidney was failing. His daughter, Lisa, who lives in New York with her husband and two daughters, stepped forward and offered to be the donor, after being identified as an excellent match. The surgery was to be done in New York, so she could be close to her family. Just before the scheduled surgery he was told he had to have a quadruple heart bypass!
Shocked, the family came back to Toronto where Larry had the bypass and was forced to go on dialysis. The last few months have been difficult for the family. While healing from heart surgery, Larry had to attend dialysis three times weekly. Anyone who has gone through dialysis knows how this changes one’s life. Before his illness, he was not only physically active but had a vibrant law practice for over 30 years.
But just a few days ago, his daughter, Lisa, flew up to Toronto, from New York and literally gave him not only her kidney, but a new life. Her courage, determination and love had no barriers. Accompanied by her husband, they left their two young daughters behind. Both Larry and Lisa checked into St. Michael’s Hospital and the miraculous kidney transplant was a success. They are both in the same room and every time I see them, I can’t help feeling overwhelmed with emotion. My sister Eileen, has been by Larry’s side throughout while working full time as a school principal. She has been the foundation for the family.
This blog is devoted to my incredible niece Lisa who gave a gift that can never be measured.
To a healthy and happy new year to all. Health is all we have.
Rose
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Dear Rose,
Peter and I just read your blog dedicated to Lisa and we both agree with every word of it. What a glowing tribute! We’re delighted that everything went so well and that Lisa is resting at Larry’s and that soon he will also be home.
Happy Hanukkah to all.
Peter and Barbara
My late sister-in-law Ceci Ross and her husband Howard and their 3 children used to be next door neighbours of the Bergs, so we knew your sister and her husband in passing. While I am sorry to hear of Larry’s troubles, I am glad to hear of such a happy and heart warming ending. Our best wishes to both Larry and Lisa for a speedy recovery and continued good health, and to the whole Berg family for a much better year in 2012! Sincerely, Adele & Michael Ostfield
Larry you look fantastic!!
Lisa is a wonderful daughter who has shown true love for her daddy.
I wish you both a speedy recovery, can’t wait to have our old Larry back!
Cathy
Rose you rock for writing this article! THis has been an incredible journey for this entire family – I am personal friends and a colleague of Lisa’s and she and Seth are an amazing couple. Lisa’s love of family and especially for her father has given her incredilbe strength to accomplish this amazin medical challenge! Lisa’s mom is a strong and the pillar of everyone’s strength to encompass everyone’s emotions and keep it all together throughout it all! What a great story Hugs to all Nancy
Warm wishes to Larry & Lisa , for an incredible father/ daughter life changing gift. On this holiday of Chanukah, here’s another miracle…. Wishing you both a speedy recovery….Sincerely, Linda & Lanny Baer ( Carla’s sister & brother- in – law )
Such a wonderful gift , a child to a parent. Warm wishes to both you Larry & Lisa, & Eileen ,who has been the glue that’s held the family together. On this holiday of Chanuka,..here’s yet another miracle. Chag Someach,& a speedy recovery to you both. …Linda & Lanny Baer ( Carla’s sister& brother- in – law )
Hi Lisa,
You and your dad look wonderful!! Congratulations on a successful and incredible surgery! I’m so happy for you and your dad!
XOXOX
Marion
Dearest Larry, Eileen, Lisa, Rose, and the “whole Mischboucha,”
Your deep love touches so many world wide. We are grateful to God and pray for your continued recovery! We feel blessed to be counted as your friends in the USA and wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.
My late husband went through a full 6 months of dialysis 3 times/week. Sadly, he was dealing with kidney cancer. HOWEVER, after the 6 months, dialysis was no longer required. What a relief – truly a celebration for him……. Ultimately, the cancer won out BUT at least he regained his freedom from the tedious dialysis. Larry and his daughter Lisa are truly “Profiles in Courage” – as was my husband, Alan Berk.
Congratulations, have a great recovery and a very special Happy Chanukah and New Year!
I am very happy for both of you. I can honestly say that I know how you feel since in April, 2008, my daughter made the brave and loving decision to donate her kidney to me.
Today we are both doing well and I feel better than ever. Just listen to the doctors, follow the regimen and consume liberal amounts of Matzo Ball soup!
As I always say, as parents we know what it is like to give the gift of life to our children, but it is not often that a child can give their parent the same gift in return. We are both blessed.