Bricklayers Union Officials Take Brotherhood to New Level
May 10, 2004

WASHINGTON—Fraternal ties have always been strong between members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). Just how strong is about to be demonstrated by BAC Local 5 Pennsylvania President Glenn “Deeter” Garman. Garman is scheduled to donate a kidney to fellow Local 5 Field Representative Dennis Spidle on May 11.

As a type 1 diabetic, Spidle, 50, a member and Field Representative of Local 5 PA and resident of Dauphin, PA, has struggled with the debilitating disease most of his life. For the past three years, he has undergone four-hour sessions of kidney dialysis three times a week. As the principal officer of Local 5, Garman, 60, of Palmyra, PA, witnessed first-hand the restrictions that dialysis was placing on his colleague and fellow union member, and began making quiet inquiries about the process of kidney donation. When he discovered that both his blood and tissue types were compatible with Spidle, 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.”

When informed about the pending operation, International Union President John J. Flynn said, “This selfless expression of care by one Union brother for another speaks volumes about our BAC members and leaders. 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.”

The operation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11th at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers represents 100,000 skilled masonry workers in the United States and Canada. It is the oldest continuously operating construction union in North America.