FRANKLIN, N.H. – School principals like to leave a lasting impression on students, and Franklin Middle School’s Jim Friel is going the extra mile. Friel is donating a kidney to a 13-year-old eighth-grader.
“I’ve spent 24 years in education trying to make a difference,” said Friel, the father of two adult boys. “This is the best opportunity I’ve had so far.”
When Friel heard that Morgan Corliss needed a kidney and that his blood type was a match, he joined others who went to Boston Children’s Hospital to see if his kidney would be a match.
He said he was notified last week by Morgan’s mother that he was one of two possible matches and that the family had chosen him.
Friel said he had a heart-to-heart conversation with his wife, Cathy, and their two sons, who, though concerned for his health, support his decision.
“My youngest son is a teacher’s aide here at school and he looked at me and said ‘You’re a good man, Charlie Brown,'” said Friel.
