Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.
photo – Sporlab
A Marathon was Blocking the Delivery Route for Organ Donation, So a Surgeon Ran Through the Race to Get it.
In a story that only those who live in the colonial cities of America’s east will understand, a surgeon ran about a mile to and from a hospital to pick up a liver for his patient after a courier’s route was blocked not only by Philadelphia’s strange grid system but thousands of marathon runners.
66-year-old Charles Rowe was waiting on an operating table with his surgeon Adam Bodzin. He was slated for a liver transplant that day to save his life from complications due to hepatitis C.
Time ticked by until Rowe was surprised to hear that Bodzin was going out the door to get the liver himself.
Meanwhile, an out-of-town van driver for Philly-based Gift of Life Donor Program was having trouble negotiating the one-way streets, half-blocks, and diagonals of Philadelphia’s city center, when it became clear that his route to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital would be blocked by the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon at two separate points.
Event organizers and police have access points for emergencies going towards the hospital, but the courier couldn’t find them even after consulting police.
Clad in sneakers and teal scrubs, Bodzin weaved his way at a full run from the hospital entrance near 11th and Chestnut Streets, through the stream of runners on Lombard Street, then another block to South Street.
Reaching the driver and taking the sealed container with the liver on ice, he zigzagged back the same way, earning what must have been more than a few curious stares, before hitching a ride with the police back to the hospital on the other side of the marathon route.
Thanks to Bodzin’s quick thinking, they managed to transplant the liver successfully, an hour after the time when a liver begins to deteriorate. Rowe made a full recovery and left the hospital 6 days later.
Rowe called Bodzin a “hero,” Tom Avril reported for the Philadelphia Inquirer, though Bodzin chose to describe himself as “more of a biker.”
The good news here is a person took matters into his own hands to prevent a disaster. Today’s JohnKu talks about quick action. I hope you have a super weekend.
Hero by John W. Howell © 2023
Action without thought,
Marks the trait of that someone. . .
We call a hero.
Fiction Favorites 
😱 The surgeon’s hands weren’t shaky after his exertions then, John 😃
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I guess not. He probably had a shot of bourbon to settle things
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Talk about bedside manner! That takes the proverbial cake right there.
Here’s to passion and dedication, all wrapped up in 26.2.
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I love the not waiting around part for sure. Thanks, Marc.
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Another winner, Boss.
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Wow!
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I know right?
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Fantastic story, and a real hero! I’m amazed he managed the surgery after that run. Thanks for sharing, John. Have a wonderful weekend 💕🙂
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I guess he was in good shape. Thanks, Harmony.
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Beautiful account, John. The quick-thinking heroic surgeon is an inspiration for us all. Thank you for sharing! 😊
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Thank you, Gwen. 😊
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Now THAT is going above and beyond. What a fantastic share, John!
A most happy Friday to you!
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Happy Friday to you as well, Dale.
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Thank you, John
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😁
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What a wonderful story. I love real life heroes! Thanks for sharing, John.
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I do too. I can’t imagine my doctor doing this. I think he would do the old “Oh well sorry about that,” routine.
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If that’s not an argument for keeping in shape, I don’t know what would be. How lucky was that patient to have a doctor who was able to make the run? In some cases, even if the spirit was willing, the body would be entirely incapable!
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So true, Linda. Also this is the kind of guy who doesn’t accept defeat easily.
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That is one dedicated surgeon. I have to say that the police should have done more to help the driver. Saving a life is priceless. A marathon can wait.
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That part of the story is disturbing, Joan.
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I’m with you, Joan.
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That’s amazing. One dedicated doctor.
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He was certainly that, Craig. 😁
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Yes, that’s what heroes are made of!!
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I agree.
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This one is strange. Great that the surgeon did this. Not great that it happened in the first place.
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Yeah something was f’ed up from the get go.
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Bad timing for the delivery. I’d think the police would escort the courier though.
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Amazing! What a dedicated surgeon and lucky patient.
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What a wonderful, uplifting, and thoroughly HAPPY story! Good News, indeed. Thanks for sharing, John! 😀
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We have all seen the pictures of a passenger car on a country road blocked by a herd of animals and no where to go but stop. Good thing Dr. Adam knew what to do !
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Wow! A dedicated doctor! Thanks for sharing this, John. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this terrific story.
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“Action without thought” that is a brilliant description of what a hero really is
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I love this. People who look up to athletes and actors are missing out on the real heroes of the world. Thanks for the good news, John. Happy weekend.
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You are absolutely right, Staci!
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Thanks for the good news story John. Awesomeness! 💗
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It is Cindy. Thanks for your comment.😁
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Pleasure John!💞
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😊
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A dedicated MD and a real hero, John. We need more of them!
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Yes we do. Thanks, Noelle.
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Now that is going the extra mile! You never know when you will need to run!
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So true, Jo. A good reason to stay in shape. (for him not me.)
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What a wonderful thing for that Dr. to do! I was thinking that guy was very lucky to have a surgeon that was fit!
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I would say so. Thanks, Deborah.
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I’, playing catch-up, John, but this was worth it.
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Glad you liked it , Dan
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Here, here, hero!
Love your Friday’s, John.
JohnKu’s, too.
OX OX OX OX
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I’m so glad. Thanks for that, Resa. Makes my day. OX OX OX OX 🌹
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🌹 OX OX OX OX 🌹
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😁OX 😁OX 😁OX 😁OX
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Wow! This is one of your best Friday Good News stories. Thank you, John.
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Glad you liked it, Jennie.
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😀
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