From left, Sister Angela Laurenzo, Terri Haina and Jill Holley of the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, Sister Catherine Acain. (Courtesy photo)
For the last 30 years of her life, Sister Julia Marie Acain prayed every day for the anonymous donor who gave her the “gift of life.”
In 1983, the Maui Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet was the recipient of a kidney transplant. She lived without complications or infections until her death by cancer at age 79 in 2013.
In gratitude, last month, her community of Sisters of St. Joseph gave the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii a monetary donation of an undisclosed amount in her memory, presented by Sister Angela Laurenzo and Sister Catherine Acain, Sister Julia Marie’s younger sister.
Sister Julia Marie was one of 12 children, born and raised in Makawao, Maui. For much of her life, she suffered from chronic kidney disease requiring visits to Oahu for dialysis treatments. Her successful transplant changed her life, allowing her many productive years.
The sisters’ donation will contribute to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease.
The Maui office of the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii welcomes contributions. Call 808 986-1900.