By RYAN O’CONNOR
roconnor@yourneighborhoodnews.com

Last summer, Jim McIntire, a Bow police officer, was in Wisconsin helping his best friend, Curly Weber, build a new cottage.

Although 13 years apart in age, the two men had developed a strong friendship after meeting 20 years ago – each having an interest in water skiing.

Over the next two decades, Weber would serve as McIntire’s first Taekwondo instructor, best man in his wedding and provide support through difficult times.

The two even named children after each other.

It came as quite a shock to McIntire during his visit to Wisconsin when he learned that his best friend had a potentially fatal form of polycystic kidney disease.

“I didn’t know what to say,” said McIntire. “So, I did what anyone would do and told him if there was anything I could do to let me know.”

McIntire meant it.

As the two men discussed the disease and treatment options, McIntire realized Weber would need a new kidney. He also discovered that the two share the same blood type, O-positive.

According to McIntire, those who are O-positive are considered universal donors, but they are limited to accepting blood and organs from others with the same blood type only.

McIntire went through a plethora of tests to determine if his kidney would match. The tests eliminated Weber’s sister in early August, leaving McIntire next on the list of possibilities.

The call for McIntire’s donation came roughly three weeks ago and even Weber is shocked by the reality of the situation.

“It’s unbelievable, actually, that it’s all working out this way and that Jim was willing and able to do this for me,” Weber said. “I think it’s one of the most unselfish acts he could do, to share part of himself, and I couldn’t ask for a better guy to get it from.”

The feeling is mutual, said McIntire.

“He’s been a mentor, a friend, a confidante. He’s been by far the best friend I’ve ever had,” McIntire said. “For all intent and purposes, he’s a brother to me. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and God has a plan for all of us. The fact that we’ve been friends for so long and that I am not only the same blood type, but a match for his kidney as well, is all the proof I need.”

Even though Weber’s job took him to Wisconsin in 1993, McIntire, who was 17 when the two first met, would not let distance hinder their relationship.

“He and his family have been an important part of my life for many years and he’s really quite a guy,” said Weber. “Jim doesn’t let his friendship die and he doesn’t let his friends die either.” 

Now, with all the necessary exams complete, McIntire leaves for Wisconsin on Sept. 21 for surgery scheduled five days later. After a brief recovery, McIntire plans to return to New Hampshire in early October.

If all goes well, McIntire will be on medical leave for about six weeks and will return to the police force.

Town Manager Jim Pitts said McIntire qualifies for the town of Bow’s disability insurance and will receive two-thirds of his regular pay. The other third, said Pitts, will be covered by vacation time and sick days, so McIntire will not take a financial hit while making the sacrifice.

Chief Jeff Jaran said even though McIntire will be out for a significant amount of time, which will now have to be covered by other officers, the department fully supports his decision.

“He’s making the ultimate sacrifice here, saving his best friend’s life and going all the way out to Wisconsin to do it,” said Jaran. “It’s heroic and nothing short. Everyone in the department prays that it goes well for him and he recovers quickly without any complications.”

Jaran’s number one concern is McIntire’s family.

McIntire, however, said although it was an initial concern of his as well, he no longer worries about future consequences.

“People have been asking, ‘But what if something happens to you or what if one of your children has a kidney fail or there is someone else in your family that you could give it to?’” said McIntire. “They’re understandable questions, but my response is, ‘By me doing this, I pray that someone would step forward and do the same thing for me if I would ever need it.’ If not, then I know I’ve done everything I can do.”

McIntire is happy to be in a position to give such an extraordinary gift to someone he cares about so much.

Although he will be on medication which will ensure his body accepts the kidney for the rest of his life, McIntire said Weber should be able to resume a normal lifestyle without dialysis.

Weber noted that McIntire’s contribution doesn’t have to be exclusive.
“So many people don’t know that they could do this because I think there is a lot of fear in people’s minds as far as what could happen to their own function if they give a kidney,” he said.

“But, everything I’ve read and all the research I’ve looked at says that those who donate go on to live a completely normal life after. I think a lot more people would potentially donate and could really give the gift of life to someone else if they knew that.”