
Christopher Tock ’12 is a graduate of SUNY Farmingdale and currently works for Nomura, a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions. Christopher was recently highlighted in Newsday for an incredible story of selfless love. A longtime friend of the Tock family, Paul, was in dire need of a kidney transplant due to polycystic kidney disease. After many hardships and possible donors being eliminated, Christopher learned that he was indeed a viable candidate to donate a kidney to Paul.
On January 31st, the transplant took place at North Shore University Hospital-Northwell Health in Manhasset and was described by the surgeon as a “huge success.” Paul’s kidney function had dwindled to 12% prior to the transplant and has now increased to 75%. Christopher, who is currently recovering at home, told Newsday, “Our families have always been close. Paul is as close to being an uncle as you could possibly get. After Paul lost his wife last summer, I guess I just didn’t want my best friends to lose their dad, too… I can live a normal life with one kidney, so it was a no-brainer.”
What inspired you to become a living organ donor?
I was inspired to become a living donor after my father – who wanted to donate so badly – was ruled out as a candidate. I wanted to see if I was a match, and as soon as I found out I was, it was a no-brainer to donate to my friend’s father. At the end of the day, he needed the kidney more than I did.
How do you think your time at Kellenberg Memorial helped mold your identity to become someone who (quite literally) gives of himself for others?
Kellenberg Memorial helped me believe more in myself, which has been critical to giving me the confidence I need to live my life fully. That confidence that was instilled in me, along with my strong faith in God, gave me the inner strength I needed to donate an organ. Honestly, this whole process has been a life-changing journey.
Do you have any advice for current students or young alumni who are interested in becoming living organ donors?
Although it might sound scary at first, I would 100% recommend that anyone who has the ability to become a living organ donor do so. You have the power to save someone’s life by sacrificing a small piece of yourself. It is one of many ways we can live our Catholic faith out loud.
Do you have any favorite teachers, coaches, or club moderators from your time at Kellenberg Memorial?
Honestly, it’s hard to single out one particular teacher, coach, or moderator. The faculty and staff members at KMHS are all so caring and dedicated to not only the subject matter at hand but also the well-being of their students.