2 Clergy Abuse Survivors Share Bond through Transplant

By Jennifer Griswold
KSTP
August 26, 2009

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1106140.shtml

[BishopAccountability.org transcribed this report from the KSTP video.]

Bill Lunn: They shared an uncommon, unwanted bond, but now, thanks to that connection, one is saving the other’s life.

Leah McLean: A West St. Paul woman underwent surgery just this morning in Boston to give a kidney to a man whom she had never met until just a couple of weeks ago.

Lunn: Jennifer Griswold spoke with that woman’s proud mother today, and I’m sure she is proud of her daughter.

Jennifer Griswold: Very, very proud, that’s for sure, Bill. And that unusual bond, both the donor and the recipient were abused by members of the clergy. Phil Saviano is from Massachusetts, and is living with AIDS. He couldn’t risk waiting on a kidney transplant list. So a West St. Paul woman gave him one of hers.

Edel Ruth Pavlak: Well, it really wasn’t terribly surprising.

Griswold: Edel Ruth Pavlak says it’s in her family’s nature to help others, and Susan, maybe more than the rest, understands those in need.

Pavlak: I think it’s great; I’m really proud of her. It’s very much who she is.

Griswold: Susan and the recipient, Phil Saviano, seen here in a 2003 CNN interview, first met just a couple of weeks ago, after Susan agreed to donate her kidney to him.

Pavlak: And I think it’s especially great that nonrelated donors, people who just want to do something good …

Griswold: … not related, but they share a connection. Were you aware of her abuse when it was happening?

Pavlak: Not for many years.

Griswold: Both were abuse by members of the clergy when they were growing up. Phil reached out to SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests when he needed a kidney. Susan got Phil’s email, and they were a match. Edel Ruth happily reports Wednesday morning’s transplant at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston was a success.

Pavlak: I am very proud of her. I’m very proud.

Griswold: Edel Ruth told me she’s proud of all her children. Another daughter is actually a donor transplant coordinator at a University of Minnesota Hospital. Now, both Phil and Susan are doing well. Of course, they are still recovering.

Lunn: Yes, it’s going to take a while, but what a great story.

Griswold: It is fantastic.