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JUNE 4, 2026 | FREE
West Side man urgently needs living kidney donor IN THIS
EDITION
By Mike Lydick Correspondent
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Retiring educators honored by School Committee
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Four retiring educators received applause and recognition from the West Springfield School Committee just a few weeks before their final days with the district, honoring their long-term commitment to the students and lasting impact on the district.
181 ROOT ROAD WESTFIELD, MA 01085 413 - 562 - 7221
for safety. Less than one percent of people ever needs a kidney after they give one. Think about that. It’s an amazing statistic that the public needs to know to calm any fears of donating.” Pinkerman’s immediate family members wanted to donate, but due to medical conditions, they didn’t qualify. Susan Moore, one of his sisters, who lives in Ashburn, Virginia, with her husband, wanted to help her brother in any way possible. So, both went
through the process to see if they qualified medically to donate. “They walk you through everything, and are very careful to make sure it’s absolutely safe for the potential donor,” said Moore. “They also make it clear that you can step away from the process at any point, so there is no pressure to commit right away. We weren’t able to donate, but I hope others will consider getting tested.”
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 142
biggest decisions: buying a home. Pinkerman is now reaching out for help with a deeply personal request: finding a living kidney donor. “I never thought I’d be in this position of asking for help. It’s difficult because I’m a very private person,” said the 63-year-old father and grandfather. “A living kidney donor could save my life,” said Pinkerman. “Most donors go on to live healthy, normal lives with one kidney, and every donor is carefully evaluated
ECRWSS
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Theodore “Ted” Pinkerman of West Springfield urgently needs a kidney transplant from a living donor. He is shown in this photo with some of his family members. From left: Kathy Pinkerman; their son Teddy, Jr.; Ted Pinkerman; Kayla Cook (Teddy, Jr.’s fiancée) holding three-year-old Hazel.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 142
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Fifteen years ago, routine bloodwork revealed that Theodore “Ted” Pinkerman had kidney damage. The diagnosis changed his life. Pinkerman began doing everything possible to protect his health. He lost 65 pounds, improved his health dramatically — even reversed his Type 2 diabetes — and worked hard to stay active and strong. But his kidney disease continued to progress. Pinkerman now has stage 4 kidney disease. His doctors have told him his best chance to live a longer, healthier life is to receive a kidney transplant — preferably one from a living donor. He is currently on the deceased donor transplant list, but the estimated wait is six to seven years. Unfortunately for Pinkerman, his kidney function continues to decline, so time is not on his side. “My primary care physician as well as the staff of nephrologists and kidney surgeons at Baystate Medical Center’s transplant program have decided it would be better for me to have a kidney transplant sooner than later. The outcome would be better for me since I’ve worked so hard to stay healthy,” said the lifelong West Springfield resident. Throughout his life, Pinkerman has always tried to help others. He spent 35 years working in information technology in addition to mentoring many young soccer players as a Pioneer Valley travel team soccer coach. He currently has his own home inspection business that helps families through one of their
See KIDNEY on page 2
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