You might remember the story of our friend, John DeRenzi, who was in need of a kidney transplant. Well, there’s some good news on that front – John received a kidney! We received this message from John’s wife, Beth:
“This is Beth DeRenzi, John’s wife. I wanted to let you all know that John got the call this morning and was in kidney transplant surgery by early afternoon. He is out of surgery, doing well and will be recovering at the University of Pennsylvania for a few days. You and everyone else there have always be thoughtful and great to John and I wanted to let you know.”
We’re so happy for John and his family and are so grateful to receive this bit of positive information!
Of course, the kidney had to come from somewhere, and the reality is that John is able to continue his life because another life ended.
A young man named Caleb Duffy passed away and his death is tragic.
Caleb’s uncle, Daniel Duffy, sent us this email:
“Just wanted to reach out to let you know that in regards to the November 5th Support Longtime WMMR Friend, John DeRenzi, In His Quest For A Kidney Transplant, it looks like his miracle may have been answered. I do not want to put John’s business out there but he has been in contact with my family all day as he was prepping to receive his kidney transplant on 2/20/25. Unfortunately his miracle comes at a great loss to my family. My nephew, Caleb Duffy, 33 years old, passed away very suddenly on 2/18/25. Caleb leaves behind his husband Todd, his father Joe, mother Maria and so many family members who loved him dearly. I really do not know why I am writing you guys.
Perhaps if you can share the GoFundMe account set up for Todd then I have done something right for my brother Joe and his family. More importantly, I wanted to share Caleb’s story and how being an organ donor can save so many lives. Not only did John DeRenzi receive Caleb’s kidney today but we found out that someone is getting a heart transplant because of Caleb’s organ donation. Please spread the word on how important the organ donation program is.
Gadzooks!”
From the family’s GoFundMe page:
Caleb leaves behind his husband, Todd Duffy, their two cats, and his large, loving family including his parents, his siblings and many nieces and nephews along with countless friends.
He was a ray of sunshine in the lives of everyone who knew him. He never failed to light up every room he entered. Whether it was his quick wit, his ability to sing any song, or his ability to make anyone feel like a treasured friend, you felt Caleb’s impact whenever you were around him.
