Brad Meltzer is trying to help his history teacher find a kidney

Brad Meltzer is known for many things: He writes bestselling thriller, comic books and children’s books; he’s even been a TV host. Now, unexpectedly, he’s jumped into an effort to find a kidney for an old mentor.

Meltzer published “History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time� this fall. The book, adapted from his television series, was dedicated to his 11th grade history teacher, Mrs. Sherman. They hadn’t been in touch in years, but the dedication brought them together again.

“Sometimes you have to listen to the universe,� Meltzer wrote on his Facebook page, continuing, “she told me the real news: that she needs a kidney transplant and that none of her family members were a match. So what’s her plan? She needs to put the word out and see if there are potential donors out there. So. Remember when I said you have to listen to the universe? Thanks to Facebook, I have access to over 60,000 of you. Maybe I’m insane, or maybe this is going to be the best Spreading Kindness story of all time. But if you’re willing, please take a chance and help my old history teacher.�

Initially posted on Facebook on Nov. 14, Meltzer’s first effort was shared more than 600 times -- but the first contact wasn’t able to handle the influx of queries. Now a new contact has been established: Frankie Hutcheson, cell: (954) 600-8811; email: [email protected]. People who think they might be able to donate a kidney to Mrs. Sherman are encouraged to email or call.

What does it take to donate a kidney? The donor has to be in good health, have normal kidney function and normal anatomy. Then tests will be done for cross-mapping and tissue typing. There is also a possibility of making a kidney donation that can be part of a paired exchange to help get a kidney to the intended recipient even if you are not a match.

Of the hundreds of comments Meltzer’s posts have generated, this may be the most heartening. “I know what she is going through,� writes Tom Jackson Jr. “I was on dialysis for 5½ years and got a kidney transplant coming up on 2 years in February. It was an anonymous donor and I am forever grateful for it. I hope she gets her kidney and that all goes well for her sir.�

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