By Dr. Matthew Cooper
Director of Kidney Transplantation
The most obvious question would be why would someone ever choose to rappel down the outside of a building when there is a perfectly good elevator to get him down to the bottom.
I guess one could say the opportunity to contribute to such a good cause as the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) allowed me to put fear — and common sense, perhaps — behind and look at this as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When the NKF asked me to act as the Honorary Chairperson for their inaugural fundraiser, Rappel for Kidney Health, I jumped at the chance — no pun intended. I’ve been involved with the NKF both nationally and in the state of Maryland for several years now as a member of the Board of Directors. I did my part as a member of the group but welcomed the chance to individually make a contribution. I did my best to talk up the event both here at the medical center, in the local papers and even on some of the morning talk shows.
You’d be amazed at the looks you get when you try to describe what you have in mind and call it a fundraiser. People made sure to comment about being certain my life insurance was up to date and that my organ donor card was signed (Very funny — transplant surgeon, organ donor card…). I knew it was all in good fun.
The message, though, was clear; kidney disease is a national epidemic and we need to make a concerted effort to screen people for conditions that can lead to kidney failure, research ways to prevent it, and provide access to transplantation to those that develop it!
The experience really was incredible. I think I kept my mind pretty busy right up to the event so it wasn’t until about an hour before my scheduled time that I started to realize what I had volunteered to do. I think it was when I saw my wife, Alicia (incidentally, it was also the date of our 16th anniversary) and two of my three children. I was reminded how fortunate I was to be able to be on the contributing side of a fundraiser rather than to be on the side of need for what those funds could bring.
After strapping on the harness, we had a 1-floor practice run to get our legs under us (or in front of us…). After that it was over the edge, where after a few quick snapshots you realize you’re walking down the outside of a 25-story building. Mind you, it’s all very safe! There is not only a safety mechanism but also a backup ‘brake’ if you rappel too fast. You can even let go completely without fear, although a little fear is probably a good thing. Halfway down I could hear my family cheering me on and I had to just stop and look around at the magnificent view of the Baltimore Harbor from the Legg Mason Building. Never will I see a view like that again from that vantage point.
When I reached the bottom, part of me was relieved but part of me couldn’t believe it was over already. “Let’s do that again!” I thought.
I’d do it again if they asked me and realize it was just one of those things you can’t say no to. I’ll talk about it forever but I’ll be OK for awhile if the greatest worry in my life is whether or not my 6 year old is safe to jump off the diving board.
I found my family around the corner, passed off my gear, and then headed back to the University to perform a kidney transplant -– pretty good day!
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Way to go Dr C. I had my transplant valentines morning. Thanks Dr Barth and thanks to all at UMMC.Life is great and ya’ll played a very big part in that. God Bless all of you
Right on, right on Dr. C. Makes me proud to be a part of the UMMS Division of Transplantation team.