“He Ain’t Heavy. He’s My Brother.”
As Masons we are taught to come to the aid of a needy Brother, “if within the length of our cabletow.” Brother Jan Talaga, member of Freemasons Lodge 363 and the current Grand Orator, is showing just how long his cabletow is. In 2020 Brother Blaine Goldner of Milwaukee Harmony No. 361 was diagnosed with FSGS. FSGS is a disease where the body attacks its own kidneys. He was told that he would progressively lose kidney function until he either needed a transplant or dialysis. This past August he was told that time had come to either start dialysis or find a donor for a kidney.
Blaine reached out to a group called “Renewal” which gives families the tools and resources to search for a suitable donor. In May of 2024 Blaine’s wife Stacy put an article in the Wisconsin Masonic Journal describing the need. At the time the article appeared Blaine only had 19% kidney function. Family members and at least one Brother tested to see if they were a match, none were. During this time, Blaine continued to serve his lodge as trustee and as a Shriner, transporting children to and from Shrine Hospitals and Clinics.
On the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, Jan called Blaine and invited him to lunch. Blaine turned him down because of a doctor’s appointment. Jan asked him to reconsider because he had good news. “You have a donor. It’s me.” Blaine had been unaware that Jan was even testing.
Jan stated that, “I hope I would do it for any Brother but when it is someone you truly respect and care about, it becomes a no brainer.” Jan has known Blaine for about 15 years and “his family are just good people; everything he does is a family/team effort.”
The two men underwent surgery in Chicago on December 20 . According to Jan, “My surgery will start at 4:30 a.m. and his will start an hour later. They will simply walk it from one room to the other.” The two are hoping to meet in the hallway on the way to surgery for a fist bump. After the surgery, Blaine and his wife Stacy will have to stay in Chicago for 6-8 weeks. Blaine will have to report to the hospital every other day to check on his status and his medication. The family has a “Go Fund Me” page https://gofund.me/f2145b25 to offset expenses.
Blaine and Jan are comfortable and confident with the surgeon, Dr. Stephen Bartlett, MD. When asked how the two knew each other and they replied “Freemasonry” the doctor’s reply was “Which lodge?” The surgeon, a Brother of Cambridge Lodge No. 66 in Maryland, the lodge his father had been a member of. All three are also Scottish Rite Masons and Shriners.
Blaine is very grateful to his entire Masonic family for the help and support, “They really stepped up.” Jan noted his respect for Blaine being brave enough to ask for help when he needed it. Often times Brothers are too proud to ask for help when there are Brothers willing to help.
Jan added that he and Blaine had thought any article about this should be entitled, “He ain’t Heavy. He’s my Brother.” Jan laughed, “Corny I know but it is a great song and in this case it is true.” According to Blaine’s wife, Stacy, “ Jan is our hero.” Brother helping Brother.
To learn more about kidney donation or to see if you are a match for somebody, email RN25979@renewal.org or call 718-431-9831 ext. 315.
By PGM Dave Ritchie
