Submitted Photo
Katie Marsh, left, received a kidney donation from Allison Kwilos, right, that likely saved her life. A tree has been planted in honor of that gift outside of Forestville Elementary School, where Kwilos is a teacher.
FORESTVILLE — Allison Kwilos gave a gift to Katie Marsh that likely saved her life when she agreed to donate a kidney to, at that time, a complete stranger. In honor of that incredible gift, Marsh’s family gave a gift in return to signify the significance of such a grand gesture.
A tree was planted in Kwilos’ name outside of Forestville Elementary School, where Kwilos works as a first grade teacher. Both families were in attendance as the tree was dedicated earlier this week. It is located near the Forestville Elementary School playground.
“The best part about it is my students will get to see it when they go and play on the playground,” Kwilos said.
The tree’s presence is not only a symbol of Kwilos’ gift, but also of Marsh’s resilience to enjoy a second chance at life. Kwilos noted that Marsh has a niece in kindergarten at Forestville Elementary School, and she is hopeful that she will have Marsh’s niece in her class next year.
“The tree will impact her too as a memory of her Aunt Katie,” Kwilos said. “Maybe my grandchildren someday too will be able to see the tree, as well.”
Marsh received the kidney transplant in May, and since the surgery, both women are doing well. Kwilos returned to teaching in the final week of the school year last June, and Marsh is now pursuing a career as a licensed practical nurse.
Both women credited the Forestville Central School District for its support throughout the process. Members of the faculty and staff provided support not only for Kwilos, but also for Marsh’s son, Christopher, a high school student. Marsh thanked Counselor Brianne Hazelton and Principal Dan Grande for how much support they offered for her son.
Kwilos also spoke highly of her coworkers and District administration. “The support that I got from the school was amazing. Any day I needed off, they said to just go, I made the appointments and they worked around it. Never, ever was it an issue,” she said.
As a graduate of Forestville herself, Kwilos said she always hoped to “leave a positive impact” on her community. From the outpouring of support she has received in recent weeks, it is clear that her gift left an impact not only on Marsh, but on the entire Forestville community.