Local 5 Pennsylvania Officer Takes Brotherhood to a New Level
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| Local 5 PA President Glenn “Deeter” Garman, pictured left, with fellow officer and Field Representative Dennis Spidle. |
Fraternal ties have always been strong among members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). Just how strong has been demonstrated by BAC Local 5 Pennsylvania President Glenn “Deeter” Garman, who recently donated a kidney to fellow Local 5 Field Representative Dennis Spidle.
“This selfless expression of care by one Union brother for another speaks volumes about our BAC members and leaders,” said BAC President John J. Flynn. “I commend Deeter on the decision he’s made – both Deeter and Dennis are men of character, conviction, and courage – and our prayers are with them for swift and complete recoveries.”
As a type 1 diabetic, Spidle, 50, has struggled with the debilitating disease most of his life. For the previous six months, he underwent four-hour sessions of kidney dialysis three times a week.
As the principal officer of Local 5, Garman, 60, witnessed first-hand the restrictions that dialysis was placing on his colleague and fellow union member, and began making quiet inquiries about the kidney donation process. When he discovered that both his blood and tissue types were compatible with Spidle’s, kidney donation was the next logical step. When asked what prompted his decision, Garman replied, “I just wanted to help improve the quality of Dennis’ life. I watched him get to a point where he couldn’t do anything. And that’s just no way to live when such a simple procedure can change all that.”
When BAC Region 3 Director and Local 5 member Don Hart heard about the upcoming surgery, he wasn’t surprised in the least. Jokingly, Hart noted, “When Deeter was making this life-altering decision, there were a couple ulterior motives at play. Being the focused boss that he is, Deeter simply wanted his field representative
to stop taking time off and get back to work.” Hart also revealed that “due to Deeter’s mandatory consumption of licorice while traveling to Union meetings, he was somewhat obligated to rectify the damage he had caused.”
Could You Have Diabetes and Not Know It?
More than 18 million Americans have diabetes, with over 5 million who are unaware. Diabetes is the body’s inability to create or effectively use its own insulin and is characterized by increased blood sugar levels. Typical symptoms are excessive thirst or hunger, frequent urination, extreme weakness, or blurry vision. Cases of type 2 diabetes – prevalent among African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders – were primarily thought to affect only adults. Recently however, cases have skyrocketed among children due to diets high in fat and sugar and decreased levels of physical activity. Some warning signs of type 2 diabetes are:
• Being overweight
• An inactive lifestyle
• Family history of diabetes
• Darkened or thickened skin on the back of the neck and under arms
• High blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides
If you think you or your child may have type 2 diabetes or are at risk, please consult your physician. For more information on diabetes or the Diabetes Research Institute, visit their website at www.drinet.org or call 1-800-321-3437. |
“But in all seriousness,” said Hart,
“I know both of them very well and know how close they are to each other. And that is just their way. Their kindness is not only found in their friendship, but it extends to the Local and the members. I’m just so proud of both of them.”
Spidle couldn’t be more grateful. “Deeter has been there for me every step of the way and now he’s given
me my life back.”
The operation, which took place in May at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, was an overwhelming success due to the expertise and care of transplant surgeons, Dr. Alfrey
and Dr. Lerner. Garman commended their work saying, “They are truly special people.”
Since the early 90s, Dennis has been
the Co-Chairman of the Central Pennsylvania Building Trades committee for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s Dad’s Day golf tournament. Supporting research done at the University of Miami, the Institute has successfully reversed diabetes in patients involved in ongoing clinical trials. Its continued support comes from private philanthropy and from those who are serious, passionate, and committed to finding a cure. Last year’s tournament raised $18,000, contributing to the Institute’s national total of over $1 million.
Although both members have humbly tried to avoid drawing any attention, Deeter and Dennis hope that their story will encourage others – donors and recipients – to courageously take that next step and start living a happier, healthier life.
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