A volunteer fire captain in Berlin, Connecticut, is asking for the community’s help as he waits for a life-saving kidney transplant. Captain Donald ‘DJ’ Pavasaris of Kensington Fire Rescue was diagnosed with kidney disease about a year and a half ago. While he continues serving in an administrative role, Pavasaris said the only way he can return to active firefighting is by receiving a kidney transplant.
A Call to Action
Pavasaris has spent more than a decade serving his community and now helps oversee training for Kensington Fire Rescue, helping prepare firefighters for emergency calls. His fellow firefighters hope to shorten the wait for a kidney by finding a living donor and have launched a social media campaign to raise awareness.
Doctors told Pavasaris it could take between five and seven years to receive a kidney from a deceased donor. A living donor could significantly reduce the wait to months. Pavasaris’ colleagues say they want to see him return to the work he loves, serving the community.
In 2023, Pavasaris was one of three Kensington firefighters who jumped into the Thames River while off duty to help save the life of a boater. Pavasaris said he remains hopeful that someone in the community will be a match. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in being a donor, please call 860-696-2021 or visit Hartford Hospital’s website.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
