Bellmawr Couple Part Of 30-Kidney Donation Chain

By John Ostapkovich

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A South Jersey couple is involved in an enormous kidney donation chain, linking generosity and hope.

A donation chain works like this: On behalf of person A, a kidney is donated to B, who has someone donate to C and eventually back to A. In this case, A was Danny and Debbie Giaquinto of Bellmawr, who contributed to a chain of 30 kidneys.

After a first kidney transplant deteriorated and Danny went back on dialysis, Debbie says she planned to donate directly to him, but at the last moment wasn't a match.

The people at Jefferson University Hospital then suggested the donation chain. "This summer, they came up with a perfect match for him and he's a very difficult match, because he has a lot of antibodies due to the first transplant. We went in the hospital and were both transplanted. His came in from California. My kidney went to Florida."

Debbie Giaquinto says she's thrilled to death with her health and her husband's. Although, perhaps thrilled to life might be a better fit.

"So, I'm just happy I was healthy my whole life and was able to pay it forward and pay it forward to my husband so I can see the progress every day and how happy he is. So, it's a rewarding thing for me."

Reporter: "And no ill effects to you?"

Debbie Giaquinto: "No, I'm fine."

The Giaquintos donation chain was profiled in the Sunday New York Times.