Looney Finds Kidney Donor

New Haven State Sen. Martin Looney is scheduled to receive a needed new kidney this month after receiving an outpouring of offers and support.

Democrat Looney, the president of the State Senate, said he has surgery tentatively scheduled for Dec. 20 to receive the kidney. He said he expects to return to work when the next legislative session begins on Jan. 4. He said the procedure will not interfere with negotiations with Republicans over how rules will work in the Senate, which is now deadlocked 18 – 18 between the two parties. (Democratic Lt. Nancy Wyman will serve as the tie-breaking vote.)

“I intend to be in the chamber on Jan. 4,” Looney said in an interview.

“At least 30” people came forward to offer to donate their kidneys to Looney after he announced in August that his doctors said he needs one. Looney suffers from interstitial nephritis. 

A release from Looney’s office noted that he has suffered from ​“Ankylosing Spondylitis since he was a teenager. This form of arthritis affects the neck and spine. A long-term side effect of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories to treat this condition is kidney problems.”

The chosen donor has asked to remain anonymous for now, Looney said. He describe the donor as ​“somebody I’ve known for a long time.”

The surgery has been scheduled pending the outcome of a few final compatibility tests scheduled in coming days.

“I’m just extremely grateful for the large numbe rof people who came forward who agreed to be tested,” Looney remarked. ​“To donate a kidney is the height of friendship and big-hearted generosity and kindness. It’s an extraordinary gift. Medical professionals say it’s beneficial that I am able to get the kidney before having to go dialysis. It increases the likelihood of a successful transplant.”

Looney, who’s 68, has served in the Senate for 24 years. He served in the state House of Representatives for the 12 years before that.