Alumni profile: Gary Stevenson Alumnus becomes matching donor for friend in need


Gary Stevenson (’92) could have missed what he calls a “God-led opportunity.” In February, 2010, the elementary school principal became a live kidney donor for the


husband of an employee. Kerrin Burke, husband of Kris Burke, a kindergarten teacher’s aide at Madison Place Elementary in Olathe, Kan., was in need of a second kidney transplant.


Burke had begun to develop complications


from his first transplant in 2001 and a match- ing donor had not yet become available when Stevenson inquired how he was doing.


“It seemed every time I asked, the news was getting worse,” Stevenson says.


White eating lunch in the cafeteria one day, Burke’s wife explained that dialysis was im- minent and Kerrin hadn’t been able to work for months.


“I had no agenda when I asked how one Kerrin Burke, Kris Burke and Gary Stevenson


donates,” Stevenson say. “When Kris finished telling me about the evaluation process — I recall the moment — I was confronted with the realization that I had an opportunity.”


It was just a brief moment, but after learning they shared the same blood type, Stevenson said, “I’ll be evaluated.” In a moment, after what he’d just said had sunk in, he had one more thought. “I guess I better check with my wife.”


Looking back now, he says it’s clear to him that he could have ignored the thought and never received the blessing of donating.


“I’ve always believed it’s better to give than receive. In fact, it’s more right to give,” Stevenson says. “I know the world wouldn’t see it this way, but I’ve been blessed beyond what I gave.”


Stevenson had to submit to months of medical tests to determine compatibility. With one test


doctors uncovered what could have been a serious heart ailment. Yet it turned out to be an anomaly that would not affect his eligibility.


“I don’t want to be held up in any heroic way. I’m


constantly aware that it would have been easy to miss this opportunity,” he says. “I don’t want to miss what God has for me because of fear or distractions or misplaced priorities. I’m more determined than ever to not let the business of life get in the way of what God’s asking me to do.”


Burke and Stevenson also found out they have much


more in common than a kidney. Both are men of great faith and strong family connections, and Stevenson says they have a link now that will never change. They e-mail, phone and get together every other week and consider each other close friends.


Burke will soon return to employment — his employer held his job for him — and his family is now enjoying a much more normal life. Stevenson, too, is back at work and grateful for the support he received from the Olathe School District by granting the necessary medical leave.


While non-relative kidney donors used to be rare, as many as 25 percent of all living donors


are not related to the transplant recipient now, according to the National Kidney Foundation. “End The Wait!” a national initiative undertaken by the NKF seeks to increase the number of donations to end the wait for kidney transplants in the next 10 years.


Gary Stevenson may not be willing to call himself a role model, or even a hero. But to Kerrin and Kris Burke, he definitely qualifies.


Interested in learning more? Get the details at www.kidney.org. Summer 2010 | Accent magazine | 21


“I’ve always believed it’s


better to give than receive. In fact, it’s more right to give.”


Alumni Relations seeks nominees for 2010 alumni awards


Do you know an alumnus who


deserves recognition for their achieve- ments? Please send the nominee’s name and a brief description of their qualifications to alumni@mnu.edu no later than July 10, 2010. For award info and for a list of past participants, visit www.mnu.edu/award-winners.


Carry the Torch Award This recipient does not have to be


an alumnus of MNU. The award is based on humanitarian contributions to MNU, the church and community. We recognize these people as “carry- ing the torch for MNU” by supporting and promoting the University’s ideals.


Alumna of the Year Award Female chosen for outstanding


achievements not only in her career, but for her contribution and service to the University, church, or community.


Alumnus of the Year Award Male chosen for outstanding


achievements not only in his career, but for his contribution and service to the University, church, or community.


Young Alumni Award This award is presented to a recent


graduate who has demonstrated early success in the first five years after graduation as a traditional student. Winner may be either male or female.


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