Brave Act of Kindness Highlights
True Spirit of the Season
An extraordinarily brave act
of friendship between two District Court employees highlights
the caliber of Trial Court personnel at a time of year
focused on the spirit of giving. "This heartfelt
and selfless donation exemplifies the character and innate
generosity of our people and the quality of this organization," said
Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert
A. Mulligan.
Case Coordinator Louise Johnson
spent 21 years at the Orange Division of the District
Court where she provided a warm welcoming presence to
court users. In recent years Louise suffered from a rare
kidney disease. She required dialysis, received a transplant
from a friend in 2006, and became an advocate for organ
donation.
Over the past 20 years Greenfield
Clerk Magistrate Meg Palmieri met Louise when the Greenfield
court held jury sessions in Orange. They took annual
shopping excursions to the Mall of America with Meg's
good friend, Orange Clerk Magistrate Laurie Dornig.
When Meg learned that Louise's
2006 transplant was unsuccessful, she was tested for
compatibility without telling Louise, because she didn't
want to disappoint her. Meg was thrilled to learn that
she was able to help Louise, and they moved ahead with
the extensive advanced testing and planning needed to
prepare for Louise’s second transplant.
"People need to know
how important a transplant is to the lives of those who
need them,"Meg told Quabbin Valley Voices, a monthly
newspaper. "And I want them to realize that if
they can be a live donor, it is much more effective to
the person needing the transplant." Meg, Louise
and Louise's first donor met with the newspaper
in October for a frank discussion on transplant experiences
and the importance of organ donations.
On November 9, 2007, Meg and
Louise underwent kidney transplant surgeries. In a tragic
turn of events Louise encountered complications and died
unexpectedly on November 11. Trial Court employees join
Louise's family in mourning her loss and in supporting
Meg, who has returned to work half days in Greenfield.
"Despite the very sad
outcome, I feel that this example of extraordinary charity
within the Trial Court should be shared," said
Chief Justice Mulligan. "The depth of friendship
and commitment between Louise and Meg is an inspiration
to all of us, especially at this time of year. And in
extending Louise's enthusiastic advocacy for organ
donation, we honor her positive energy and spirit."
