North Fork Woman Needs Kidney Transplant: 'Hardest Ask Ever'

NORTH FORK, NY — For years, Terri Passick has found professional fulfillment in matching potential job candidates with the right company. But now, Passick is seeking a match of her own — and it could save her life.

Passick, who works as an senior vice president of talent acquisition at Havas Health & You, told Patch she inherited Alport syndrome from her father, who died in his early 30s. Alport syndrome is a genetic condition causing kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities; those with Alport syndrome can experience loss of kidney function.

Passick said she has been monitored very carefully for years; she has also participated in drug studies at Columbia-NY Presbyterian.

But last February, everything changed: "My nephrologist said we need to talk about a transplant."

While she is not yet on dialysis and has no pain, she is "very, very weak," with numbers from her blood work "bad," she said. "I have to be careful about eating things with potassium, phosphorus, and salt."

Discussing how the disease can be detected, Passick said microscopic amounts of blood and urine were detected in her urine.

Passick, who has spent years matching individuals with careers in her personal life, now has an army of angels in the form of her colleagues in the industry teaming up to help find her a life-saving kidney. On their website, Hiring A Hero, are Passick's prophetic words: "This may be the most important job listing you read. No salary. No overtime. But the benefits are huge."

The site describes the role of the donor: "Terri has partnered with Renewal to navigate her donation process. Renewal is a non-profit organization that helps patients and their families navigate the process of receiving a kidney transplant — from finding a donor to arranging the transplant. The organization was created to aid potential kidney donors and help them through the process of decision-making and donation, and has since expanded to aid in all kidney-related issues.

"Renewal will make sure you are supported, hold your hand, and guide you through every step of this heroic journey. They will provide initial screening and testing, and help you and Terri connect and thrive.

"If you are the right candidate for the life-saving job, contact Renewal at: R24468@Renewal.org, or call 718-431- 9831 ext. 209, "the site added.

Reflecting on the journey toward her new kidney, Passick reflected: "I don't know how to explain it. Having to get up every day and deal with it all. Besides being physically drained, I'm emotionally drained," she said.

She is still working in her field, advertising, recruiting for an art and copy agency in the health space, she said. "It keeps me distracted," she said.

Passick, who has two grown children, first learned about the need for a new kidney after a move to Cutchogue and a divorce.

But despite the challenges of the past year, there has been an outpouring of kindness from her new neighbors on the North Fork, as well as the tremendous show of support from her longtime colleagues.

On her website, Passick's story is detailed, including the years she's spent finding the right person for the right position. "Now we need to find someone for Terri," the site says.

Passick has also turned to social media in her quest: On her LinkedIn profile, Passick wrote: "Currently searching for my hero. I'm in need of a kidney donor. You only need one kidney for a healthy life."

Finding a live donor enhances life expectancy to twice that of a kidney from a deceased donor, Passick said. And although she came close to a match once, complications meant that she was unable to receive the life-saving gift.

Describing the process to be tested, Passick said Renewal's process is confidential and includes a questionnaire and a swab. If the person matches, they will then be passed on to Columbia-NY Presbyterian for further testing. Renewal also helps with expenses, including lost wages and travel expenses, for the donor, she said.

Although she's self-sufficient, Passick lives alone and once a donor is found, she will need surgery and then, a place where she can stay near the hospital and not have to commute. A dear friend from New York City has stepped up and offered her a place to heal — and a helping hand, she said.

But before she can think about recovery, Passick needs to find her kidney. The search is daunting, Passick said. "It's the hardest ask, ever."