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Shelley Osterloh ReportingMost New Years Resolutions don't amount to much, but one Salt Lake man has goal that will save a life -- the life of a stranger.
28-year old Larry Daugherty is a former paramedic. He is taking a holiday break from medical school at the University of Utah to finish the basement of his home. Larry has made a goal for 2004 -- he plans to donate one of his kidneys to a stranger.
Larry Daugherty: "With the new year coming up, I thought it would be a good goal to make for the upcoming year."
The father of two had hoped to donate a kidney to his sister, Carolyn, who as a child contracted a bacterial infection that attacked her kidneys. His other sister donated one of her kidneys to Carolyn ten years ago and he was preparing to give her one of his when she died of heart failure in October.
Larry Daugherty: "My sister Cristy gave Carolyn the best gift. She gave her ten more years of life that she wouldn't have had. And that’s something I can do for somebody else."
Larry says the risks, discomfort and month long recovery time, are worth it to save a life. His wife is not so sure, but supports his decision.
Prairie Daugherty: "I could personally never do it, so that's a mysterious part of him that is wonderful and amazing, that he has that desire to do. So I won't stop him."
People have always been able to donate a kidney to a friend or family member, but 2003 is the first year that a living person has been able to donate to a stranger, and nearly 20 people in Utah have chosen to do so.
Larry says he was willing to talk about his decision because he hopes others will consider making this life-saving donation.
Larry Daugherty: "It’s a for sure thing that I can save somebody else's life. It’s guaranteed."
What better way, he says, to make 2004 a better year for someone?
