Custodian's Kidney Donation Helps Save Boston Teacher's Brother

BOSTON, MA — A Boston Arts Academy custodian was honored recently after a kidney donation helped save the life of a teacher's younger brother.

Andrew Allen received the Unsung Hero Award during a National Custodian Day appreciation event at Boston Arts Academy on Friday, Oct. 2. Allen, 53, of Roslindale, works the night shift at the school and formed a friendship with geometry teacher and STEAM educator Tom Thermidor during their time together at the Fenway school.

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Allen eventually learned that Thermidor's younger brother, Thomas Thermidor, a student at Babson College, was experiencing renal failure and urgently needed a kidney transplant. After learning about the situation, Allen volunteered to be tested as a potential donor through Massachusetts General Hospital's living donor program.

After months of evaluation, Allen was approved as a donor. However, compatibility challenges prevented him from donating his kidney directly to Thomas. Instead, Allen participated in a kidney voucher program, donating his kidney to a stranger in Rhode Island and allowing Thomas to receive a compatible kidney from another donor. Both surgeries were successful, and Allen and Thomas are recovering well.

The donation has also brought Allen and the Thermidor family closer together. Allen attended an award ceremony recognizing Thomas at Babson College in April and watched him graduate from the college in May. The families have continued to spend time together since the surgeries.

Allen has credited his wife of 20 years, their two children, and support from Boston Public Schools with helping him through the donation and recovery process.

Boston Arts Academy and the Boston Arts Academy Foundation recognized Allen for the donation during the Oct. 2 celebration. He was also presented with proclamations from Gov. Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley recognizing his generosity and contributions to the community.

The event included remarks from state Sen. Liz Miranda, Boston City Councilors Ed Flynn and Miniard Culpepper, City Councilor At-Large Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper, Boston Arts Academy Head of School Tyrone Sutton and Boston Arts Academy Foundation President Denella J. Clark.

The celebration was held in recognition of National Custodian Day and also honored Boston Arts Academy's entire custodial team for its work supporting students, educators, and staff. In addition to Allen, the school recognized custodians Keith McNair, Stanley Rhodes, Eddie Guerrero, John Prosper, Al Estrada, and Juan Martinez.

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