Cleveland First Friday Club hears how parishioner’s kidney donation helps pastor

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend.”

That quote, from John 15:13, guided Jim Lechko as he prayerfully decided to undergo testing to see if he could be a living kidney donor for his pastor, Father Joe Mamich. At the time, Father Mamich was pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Strongsville. Currently, he is pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland and the diocesan vicar for clergy and religious.

The two men shared their story at the Nov. 5 First Friday Club of Cleveland program at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe.

Father Mamich said his health issues began 41 years ago as a first grader when he was diagnosed with pediatric nephritis. Doctors decided to monitor his condition, hoping it would resolve itself. By the time he was a junior at Padua Franciscan High School, he was having more serious health issues and was diagnosed with Berger’s Disease, an autoimmune disease that can affect kidney function. He was told he’d likely need a kidney transplant by the time he was in his 30s or 40s.

That’s exactly what happened,” he said, noting by age 32 his kidney function was impaired enough that he was placed on the transplant list on April 24, 2013. The wait time for an organ was estimated at two to six years.

“I needed to tell my parish,” he said.

When Lechko learned of his pastor’s predicament, he decided to be tested to see if he could be a living donor.

“I contacted the Cleveland Clinic and was tested,” he said, recalling the process that included physical, mental, emotional and financial exams. “I was a preliminary match,” he said. However, he had some health conditions he needed to address before being cleared for the surgery. Things were delayed for three months to allow him to lower his blood pressure and cholesterol.

Meanwhile, Father Mamich had additional health issues arise, including the need for a hip replacement caused by a reaction to one of his medications. He also had to start dialysis since his kidney function deteriorated further.

Finally, both were cleared for the transplant, which took place April 28, 2014. At a pre-surgery prayer service, St. Joseph parishioners learned that Lechko would be the pastor’s kidney donor – a fact he’d kept confidential until then.

“I was reminded I could back out right up until the last minute,” he said. ”Father Joe knew that and he knew there was a chance the surgery might not work.”

Fortunately, things went well and the surgery was a success. Father Mamich must take anti-rejection medications for the rest of his life, but his kidney is working well. However, he has had a few other health issues, including a severe form of lymphoma and a serious case of COVID-19 that landed him in the hospital. But he remains positive and grateful for Lechko’s gift of life.

“The hand of the Lord was in this,” Father Mamich said. “What Jim did for me is a type of martyrdom and I will be grateful forever … and if his other kidney ever becomes available, I get first choice,” he quipped.

“When I think of all Father Joe has been able to do since the transplant, it’s amazing,” Lechko said, adding he is happy he was able to help. He said his health improved as a result, also. Lechko said his faith was instrumental in deciding to proceed with the surgery and he has no regrets.

The next First Friday program will be a discussion by a panel of lay people at lunchtime Dec. 3. Click here for more information or to reserve a seat.