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Bank’s Giving Spirit Shines with Kidney Transplant
By William M. Macfadyen, Noozhawk Publisher | 
| Published on 06.11.2009
[Noozhawk’s note: Debbie Whiteley, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust executive vice president, said Friday that the kidney transplant surgeries went smoothly for both donor Randy Weiss and recipient Katherine Pinedo. According to Weiss, Pinedo’s new kidney is functioning well. Weiss, meanwhile, says he feels like he’s done “a thousand situps,” but he was strong enough to go for a spin down the hall in his wheelchair Friday night and a walk Saturday. He told Noozhawk that while he hadn’t yet seen his surgery partner Saturday morning, the hospital staff was buzzing at how well she was responding. “I made sure she got the extended warranty,” he said.]
This hasn’t been the best of years for Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. Like establishment financial institutions across the nation, it has been under intense pressure as the economy sputters, mired in recession. In March, the bank announced the elimination of 300 jobs.
Through it all, however, Santa Barbara’s namesake and iconic bank has cheerfully gone about its business of serving the community, and its employees have continued to fan out as an army of volunteers. Out of adversity come true acts of compassion and charity. Some have the ability to lift the spirits of an entire company. This one should be an inspiration to us all.
Katherine Pinedo is a senior teller at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust’s downtown branch, 20 E. Carrillo St. The newly married Pinedo is petite, perky and popular among customers and colleagues. But appearances are not always what they seem, and Pinedo has been fighting a long-running battle that has very nearly destroyed her.
At the age of 6, when little girls should be about as carefree as they come, Pinedo was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic, elusive inflammatory disease that attacks the body’s immune system. Zeroing in at random on often healthy organs, the disease established itself in her kidneys, which shut down two years ago. The development forced her into a grueling routine of self-administered, nightly 12-hour dialysis treatments.
For the past 24 months, Pinedo has waited patiently on the national organ donor transplant list, which includes almost 95,000 other people with an average stay of four to seven years.
Pinedo’s wait is over Friday, but the source of her organ donation isn’t from an official list. It’s from a coworker.
For many South Coast residents, Randy Weiss is Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. The handsome, prematurely gray 54-year-old community relations officer is an ubiquitous presence at school functions and nonprofit events all over town. From early morning to late at night, he can be found handing out pens, Frisbees, towels and fist bumps. You could say he’s as local as it gets.
According to bank executive vice president Debbie Whiteley, the match was made in the bank’s lobby when Weiss breezed through, doling out his trademark greeting, “Hi. How’s it going?” to everyone he saw. For reasons neither can explain, Pinedo replied, “It would only be better if I had a new kidney.” On the spot, Whiteley said, Weiss vowed to donate one of his.
After extensive medical tests determined they were indeed perfect for each other, the date of destiny was scheduled at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. On Thursday, Pinedo and Weiss were resting in nearby surgical suites for an operation that begins early Friday.
Donating a kidney is considered a relatively simple procedure and Weiss should be in and out of the hospital in a day or two, followed by a brief recuperation and with a small scar to show his friends. For the last few months, he’s become something of a fitness fanatic while preparing for Pinedo’s big day.
For Pinedo, however, the two-hour surgery is far more complicated. She’ll be in the hospital for up to two weeks, recuperating at home for up to a month, and facing a mountain of medications intended to help her body accept the new organ. But she’s waited this long and is looking forward to the freedom of a new lease on life with her husband.
“We talk a lot about the unique community we live in and how important it is to give of ourselves to others in need,” said George Leis, the bank’s president and CEO. “We all give generously of our time and our money to the nonprofit organizations that really make a difference in our communities.
“But this gift — by one coworker to another — is truly something very, very exceptional. We are honored to be part of a team that includes people like Randy and Katherine. And we ask our community to join us as we send our encouragement and our prayers to them.”
As a sign of solidarity and support, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust employees will be wearing green organ transplant ribbons through June 19. The free ribbons are available at the Main Branch for customers and others who would like to participate in the tribute.
Click here for more information about becoming a potential organ donor.
— Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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» on 06.12.09 @ 05:01 AM
The generosity of live organ donors like Randy Weiss is wonderful. It’s a shame we need so many live organ donors. Americans bury or cremate 20,000 transplantable organs every year.
There is another good way to put a big dent in the organ shortage – if you don’t agree to donate your organs when you die, then you go to the back of the waiting list if you ever need an organ to live.
Giving organs first to organ donors will convince more people to register as organ donors. It will also make the organ allocation system fairer. About 50% of the organs transplanted in the United States go to people who haven’t agreed to donate their own organs when they die.
Anyone who wants to donate their organs to others who have agreed to donate theirs can join LifeSharers. LifeSharers is a non-profit network of organ donors who agree to offer their organs first to other organ donors when they die. Membership is free at http://www.lifesharers.org or by calling 1-888-ORGAN88. There is no age limit, parents can enroll their minor children, and no one is excluded due to any pre-existing medical condition. LifeSharers has over 12,000 members, including 1490 members in California.
Please contact me - Dave Undis, Executive Director of LifeSharers - if your readers would like to learn more about our innovative approach to increasing the number of organ donors. I can arrange interviews with some of our local members if you’re interested. My email address is {encode=“daveundis@lifesharers.org” title=“daveundis@lifesharers.org”} My phone number is 615-351-8622.
» on 06.12.09 @ 05:03 AM
I must be a chicken because I would be afraid to donate a kidney. Good for you, you are a true hero!
» on 06.12.09 @ 05:10 AM
Thanks for cheering up, and tearing up my morning….a wonderful story of courage and selflessness…love it! Now, I have to go find a tissue or two.
» on 06.12.09 @ 05:12 AM
Kudos to Randy for stepping forward to donate a kidney - that is amazing! And, I have been to the downtown branch and seen Katherine in action, she is indeed a wonderful person as well. Best wishes to both of you for a speedy recovery.
» on 06.12.09 @ 05:49 AM
What an uplifting story! It is so wonderful to hear that there are still loving, unselfish people in this world. My thoughts and prayers are with Randy and Katherine this morning and in the future. I hope they both realize that God’s hand was the guiding force of that fateful exchange in the bank lobby that day.
» on 06.12.09 @ 06:03 AM
We are so blessed to have good people like Randy in our community.
» on 06.12.09 @ 06:19 AM
Hey Randy! Unbelievable! What a truly inspiring and gracious gift! You are an amazing man and one of our heroes over here at the Unity Shoppe.
May your recuperation be brief. You are a blessing to many and an example of unselfish willingness to go beyond the call.
Way to go!!
Love ya,
Tom
» on 06.12.09 @ 06:42 AM
What an inspirational story! This is a testament that good, kind-hearted, caring people do exist in this world. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to both Katherine and Randy.
» on 06.12.09 @ 06:57 AM
Ever since I met Randy about 4 years ago, I knew he was a great guy. But this story made me cry with pride!!! Words can’t express how proud I am to know such a truly selfless person as he is. Way to go Randy!!! You have extra stars in heaven because of this truly miraculous gift. Love, Melinda Johansson
» on 06.12.09 @ 07:37 AM
Randy has always been a favorite of mine and, now even more! Well done, friend.
» on 06.12.09 @ 07:38 AM
I have know Randy for 25 years and this story does not surprise me one bit. I wish both Katherine and Randy a speedy recovery. If you get out first, Randy, please stop by my shop in the Montecito Upper Village (just across the street from Santa Barbara Bank & Trust) as I would like to give you a beautiful new nightgown to give to Katherine for use during her recovery.
» on 06.12.09 @ 08:19 AM
Randy Weiss is an amazing person to give such an incredible gift of life to his co-worker, Katherine. It’s inspiring to see the caliber of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust’s good people in action. Well done. That’s it, I’m changing my bank accounts to SBBT!
» on 06.12.09 @ 08:34 AM
Wow!! Randy is an incredible inspiration to all of us!!
Thanks for this uplifting story!!
» on 06.12.09 @ 09:03 AM
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to both Katherine and Randy!
What an amazing man and a great institution- SBBT has been a wonderful long time supporter of the CEC, and Randy is one of our best advocates…
From the Staff at the
Community Environmental Council
» on 06.12.09 @ 12:40 PM
Wow. Way to go, Randy. Hope you and Katherine get fast recoveries, while the rest of
us don the green ribbons, and spread the good word.
» on 06.12.09 @ 07:38 PM
Awesome Randy!!! But it really doesn’t surprise me. You are and have always been one of the nicest people on the planet. You are a perfect husband to your Beautiful wife Wendy. The greatest dad to your Beautiful daughters, and a Great friend to all. It is an Honor to know you! Here’s to a speedy recovery to you and Katherine, and a Healthy, Happy life.
There really are Angel’s among us!
» on 06.12.09 @ 08:31 PM
Unbelievable bravery shines in Mr. Weiss’ actions. Wow.
» on 06.13.09 @ 03:24 AM
Randy, What a wonderful thing to do. You reflect the true nature of humanity and compassion. I am trying to get the word out on another woman who is in need of kidney in case anyone else is so inspired. Rochelle
p.s. Research shows that kidney donors live longer than those who have 2 kidneys!
» on 06.13.09 @ 04:16 AM
I met Randy when he walked into a room full of fundraising professionals…he had to have felt like a minnow in a sea full of sharks! I smile when I think of that incident. Another smile crossed my face when I read the article. It’s truly the ultimate gift one person can give another. In fundraising we talk about “leadership by example” and Randy is a leader in the live organ donor arena. Wishing a speedy recovery to Randy and Katherine.
» on 06.13.09 @ 06:06 AM
Way to go Randy! Your generosity is truly amazing - what a hero. My best wishes to both you and Katherine for speedy recoveries.
» on 06.13.09 @ 10:07 AM
I am crying as I read the wonderful comments that friends and strangers have posted regarding Randy’s gift of life to Katherine. I work with Katherine and have witnessed her daily struggle with lupus. She has had such a difficult struggle just to live, but never complains or expects us to make concessions because of her health. And as others have written, Randy is an inspiration and that he would do this is not all that surprising.
Yesterday was an emotional day as we awaited word that the surgeries were a success. We were not surprised that by the end of the day Randy was e-mailing to tell he was sore, but fine.
Soon after, we heard from Katherine’s husband Danny that she was out of surgery and in recovery. Recovery! What a concept for a young lady that has spent half of every day on dialysis.
I can hardly wait to see Katherine and Randy and hug them close. Two good friends. Two amazing and inspiring people. I am humbled and blessed to know them.
» on 06.13.09 @ 10:11 AM
I had the privilege of working with Randy when he was a writer for Coastal Woman. All I can say is that offering — on the spot — to offer his kidney is such a Randy thing to do. What a remarkable man.
» on 06.13.09 @ 01:43 PM
Yes, there are angels among us and Randy is certainly one of them. Thank you for sharing an inspirational story.
» on 06.13.09 @ 02:18 PM
I was so pleased to see Randy participate in the Momentum for Life triathlon training last weekend. When our leader, Dawn Schroeder, told us why he wasn’t there today, we were so proud of him.
Way to go Randy! What an inspiration for us all. We can’t wait to see you back in the pool and on the track. Here’s to a speedy recovery to both you and Katherine.
» on 06.14.09 @ 03:06 AM
Way to go Randy. The East Coast is verrrrry proud of you. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Actions speak louder than words. Aunt Gladys is looking down on you with a big smile on her face. Love, Kathy
» on 06.14.09 @ 05:34 AM
INSPIRING!! Randy, you are incredible. Thoughts and prayers to you and Katherine for speedy recoveries and many years of happiness and health.
» on 06.14.09 @ 01:03 PM
I am so proud of Randy…this does not surprise me in the least. He has ALWAYS been the most generous and caring person in every walk of life.
I am so honored to be his sister and I only wish I could be there with him right now. I know “Mimi” and “Big Tom” are looking down on him with loving eyes.
I hope this act of generosity will open the eyes of others to consider donating their organs.
Way to go, Randy! We love you! Speedy recovery to Katherine, too!
Love, Jeri
» on 06.14.09 @ 01:04 PM
RANDY WHAT GREAT THING TO DO
» on 06.14.09 @ 01:46 PM
I can’t put into words the gratitude I will always have in my heart for Randy. I gave life to Kat; Randy has given a life back to Kat. How blessed are we to know this man. We have a new family member, as Randy so perfectly put it “She’s my little sister now”. Here’s to a speedy recovery to both Kat and Randy as I love you both very much.
» on 06.14.09 @ 06:14 PM
Way to go Randy!!
» on 06.16.09 @ 04:29 AM
Randy has given new meaning to the bank slogan “Above and Beyond”. WOW! I worked with Randy for several years and always loved his bubbly, caring and giving nature. This has added a whole new dimension to the appreciation I have for this man. My prayers are with you both as you recuperate. God bless you!!! cot
» on 06.17.09 @ 05:33 AM
What a wonderful gift for Katherine and selfless act by Randy. Speedy recovery to both of you.
» on 06.23.09 @ 05:02 AM
Dear Randy,
Congratulations, what a wonderful thing to do, we’re so happy that we knew you when you an Susan were in high school. Walter & I were just talking about you yesterday, when we gave our friends son a unicycle!
Remember coming all the way over to our house on your unicycle. We feel so proud to know you, and your donation of a kidney to an employee - How Wonderful!
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Love, Gloria & Walter
» on 06.26.09 @ 02:36 PM
Hi Randy,
It doesn’t surprise me to hear that you are a donor. I rememeber you when we were in elementary school at Academy Street and all the way up to high school.You were always such a nice guy. I always admired your mom and dad also.
God bless you and Katherine.
Melissa
PS. I bet your family is so proud!!
» on 06.26.09 @ 03:23 PM
Hey Randy !
Congratulations on being an organ donor and here’s to a speedy recovery !
Peg sent me your link for your article ~~ glad to hear your story. Keep in touch when you feel up to it. Best regards,
Cindy
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
» on 06.28.09 @ 03:25 PM
THANK YOU MR WEISS.. CANT WAIT TO SHAKE YOUR HAND AND THANK YOU IN PERSON.. DJ OGGIE..
» on 06.29.09 @ 10:38 AM
I lost touch with Randy in the early 1980’s until a mutual friend shared this story with me. I’m not surprised to read about Randy’s generosity and contribution to the community. Like a fine wine, Randy gets better with age!
» on 09.16.09 @ 07:53 PM
Thats my sister who got the kidney! Im so happy and Randy is such a nice guy. Now she gets to visit me, before she couldnt cause of dialisis (idk how to spell it) my sister is the best sister and im so happy shes healthy
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