WESTFIELD – More than 30 years ago, first-time moms Cheryl Lafreniere and Amy Taylor formed a friendship that lasted through that first pregnancy and continues today.
Over the past three decades, the friends have remained together through several more children, heartbreaks, tough times and lots of laughter. After forming that initial bond when the two women brought lives into the world for the first time, Taylor is now giving Lafreniere the gift of life through a kidney exchange program.
To assist the two women with the tremendous costs associated with the surgeries and after care, a benefit is set for Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Sons of Erin.
Lafreniere, 56, was born with polycystic kidneys. For most of her life, the cysts were not a problem. Lafreniere’s daughter Lisa Pac said the disease becomes a problem during mid-life.
“In your 50s and 60s, the cysts grow to the point that they impact kidney function,” said Pac.
Lafreniere began dialysis 18 months ago and was placed on a waiting list for a kidney transplant. Taylor was at a point in her life when she had the time to heal. Having lost her job, Taylor knew she could take the time needed to donate a kidney to her longtime friend.
Pac said Taylor is a blood match, but not a tissue match and cannot give her kidney directly to Lafreniere. However, by donating her kidney to someone else, Taylor allows Lafreniere to move up on the waiting list.
“It’s amazing,” said Lafreniere of Taylor’s sacrifice. “She is living with her daughter and has nothing right now, yet, she is giving her kidney for me. It is wonderful.”
Lafreniere’s condition is genetic. She said her mother, several aunts and uncles, and siblings all have it. The cysts do not show up until after age 30, so Lafreniere’s four children all need to be tested as they reach that milestone.
“Three-quarters of my mother’s generation had it and three-quarters of mine has it,” said Lafreniere. “I have to wait to see about the next generation.”
Pac said she is grateful for Taylor’s loving donation.
“This gives us more time with my mom,” she said. “This will extend her life.”
Lafreniere said it will also give her a better quality of life.
“Other than taking a ton of medications, I will have a healthy life again,” she said.
Lafreniere does not know when she will receive her kidney, but she is excited about the future.
“I am hoping for grandchildren and I cannot wait to travel without having to plan ahead for dialysis,” she said. “Right now, I can’t be spontaneous.”
The preschool teacher continues to go to work every day and heads straight to dialysis three times a week.
“I look forward to not being so tired,” she said.
Lafreniere also looks forward to thanking her friend.
“I’m hoping I can save enough money to take her on a trip – maybe to Hawaii,” she said. “It’s the least I can do.”
Lafreniere said the benefit will help Taylor, who lives in Maine, with travel costs as well as medications. She added that her co-pays are $250 for every hospital visit and her post surgery medication co-pays will be in the hundreds of dollrs every month.
The benefit is set for Nov. 9 at the Sons of Erin in Westfield. Pac said the event includes a pig roast, which features a locally-raised pig, plenty of food, raffles, games, a DJ and karaoke.
Tickets are $20 and are available at the door or in advance by calling 413-205-7325.
“Local businesses and individuals have been very generous with raffles and donations,” said Pac, noting that the Maple Leaf gave over $500.
Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can do so beginning next week at Westfield Bank where a fund in Lafreniere’s name has been established.
