Church community rallies behind Aspinwall music director in need of kidney
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Before February of last year, Danny English was the type of man who liked to keep busy.
Working as an office manager for State Farm while following his musical passions, teaching piano lessons and directing the music program for Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, English said his life was “busy, but I was really enjoying myself.”
The Aspinwall resident said he greatly valued the work he did.
“I love teaching. I’ve always loved teaching,” he said. “I never want to give that up.”
Then, he was told his kidneys were failing and he would need a new one.
Now, English, 31, goes through four dialysis treatments daily to stay alive while he waits for a viable donor.
“Unfortunately, with the health diagnosis and all the significant ailments I battle on a daily basis, I am not able to work very much,” he said.
Because of his kidney failure, he had to stop his State Farm job, which served as his primary source of income.
“I try to put up a good front around (Danny) because keeping a positive attitude is important. Sometimes, I just put myself on autopilot,” said his mother, Armida English.
English’s mother expressed gratitude for her son’s church community rallying behind him.
“I cannot say enough about how wonderful everyone at (Danny’s) church has been with their spiritual and emotional support.”
Aggie Paff, a member of the church’s choir, started a GoFundMe to help with his medical and living costs. As of earlier this week, it had raised $8,785 of a $10,000 goal.
English has made a positive impact on her and his church, Paff said.
“My favorite part of working with him in choir is that he meets us where we are in terms of our talent. … He gives me helpful instructions,” she said.
For the Rev. Scott Hill, pastor of Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, English’s dedication stands out.
“He always keeps in mind what is going to work for our congregation, what it likes and what it knows and can do well.” he said. “Danny really cares about the congregation, as well as the music, and expresses his own faith in offering music that moves us and opens us to God’s presence.”
Added Paff: “I was very pleased with how our small church really stepped up and made donations. Many of them are anonymous or they send cards and checks to his home if they felt like they weren’t technical enough to do it through GoFundMe.”
Thinking about her friend’s plight brings Paff to tears.
“We want to do more,” she said, crying. “Whatever we do, it feels inadequate, but we do what we can and we pray.”
Though English is on the transplant list, the process to find a match could take years. Because of that, he said, finding a living donor is his best shot.
While receiving a kidney from a deceased donor is just as valuable, a live organ lasts longer and begins to function quicker.
Bob Dickson of Ross, whose wife used to work with English, donated one of his kidneys to his own brother, Ralph, in 1991.
“It was just about the easiest surgery I had. … I was up walking that day,” said Dickson, originally from Arkansas.
Dickson said the surgery took place that December. By July, he became certified as a diver at 50 years old.
“If anybody is thinking about becoming a living donor, … I want to, in my own way, reassure them that I came out certainly no worse off than I was,” he said.