Michael Konopacke, Owosso Campus Director
Baker College continues to press toward the goal of signing up the most organ and tissue donors during this year’s Gift of Life Campus Challenge that runs through February 29th. Here’s another story from our hive that showcases the importance of being a donor.
Michael Konopacke’s story: Oftentimes, we think of organ/tissue donation as something that we do when we pass away. I think it’s important for us to understand that this is something we can do while being amongst the living, and we are able to see the outcome of our gift. In January 2000, I donated a kidney to my brother, Mark. Since that time, my life hasn’t skipped a beat. Leading up to the transplant, which took place at Scripps Hospital in San Diego, CA, I had the most thorough health check imaginable. The transplant team’s major concern is to ensure the donor is healthy and will remain that way. They also don’t want the donor to feel pressured. In fact, just before receiving anesthetic, I was told if I wanted to change my mind that they could come up with a thousand medical reasons for stopping the procedure. In just 3 weeks following the transplant, I was back to work. For Mark, since the donation, he married Victoria and they have had two children, Jake and Taylor. Jake is currently completing his undergrad and has applied to med school. Taylor is in her sophomore year of college and on the diving team. It’s been 24 years and the kidney is still doing its job. I make sure to call him on my birthday every year and wish my kidney a happy birthday. And just as a side note, Mark’s son Jake had the same kidney disease and received a kidney from his mother, Victoria. Please consider organ/tissue donation. I know it may not be the right choice for everyone and it can be a scary thought, but please give it some consideration. Besides, the transplant team told me that I now have a “get into heaven free” card.
Michael Konapacke has been with Baker College for nearly 31 years. His career began in admissions as an Advisor, Road Recruiter, Assistant Director, Director and VP for Admissions at the Owosso campus. He has also been Director of Student Affairs and is now the Campus Director in Owosso.
Join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, and keep up with Baker’s ranking here. This is the last week for the challenge, so help push Baker to the #1 spot by joining the Michigan Organ Donor Registry and sharing this link with friends and family.