Community Rallies Behind Boyertown Teacher in Search for Kidney Donor

In a display of solidarity and compassion, the Boyertown Area School District community is rallying behind teacher Maritza Ventresca as she bravely faces the daunting challenge of finding a kidney donor. A dedicated educator in the school district, she has inspired countless students with her passion for teaching. However, behind her infectious enthusiasm lies a silent struggle – the urgent need for a kidney transplant.

“Maritza Ventresca knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher, playing school as a kid with her stuffed animals,” shares Oscar Lopez, an associate with the Gift of Life Program that is working with the Ventresca family to publicize Maritza’s need for a donor organ. “Education is a passion of hers and she has taught in the Boyertown School District for the last 20 years. Lately, that passion has gotten harder to perform give the progression of her IgA nephropathy disease,” he continues.

Diagnosed with kidney disease a year after marrying her husband Pete, who is a coach and physical education teacher in the school district, Maritza also has a corneal disease that impacts her ability to drive at night. Then last summer she found out that she would need a kidney transplant. Ventresca has been courageously battling the condition while continuing to fulfill her duties as an educator. Despite her unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues, the severity of her condition has reached a critical point, necessitating a life-saving transplant. She is finalizing tests to be placed on the official University of Pennsylvania Hospital transplant list.

In a recent interview, Ventresca expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received from the Boyertown community. "The kindness and generosity of my colleagues, students, and the entire Boyertown community have been overwhelming," she said. "Their unwavering support gives me hope and strength to face this challenge head-on."

Ventresca's story has touched the hearts of many in the community, prompting an outpouring of support and offers to help. Friends, family, and even strangers have stepped forward, expressing their willingness to undergo testing to determine if they are a compatible kidney donor match.

One of Ventresca's colleagues, who preferred to remain anonymous, spoke of her dedication and the impact she has had on the lives of those around her. "Maritza is not just a teacher; she's a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration for all of us. It's the least we can do to rally behind her in her time of need."

As Ventresca awaits a compatible donor match, the Boyertown community has organized several initiatives to support her cause. Fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and community events have been launched to raise funds for medical expenses and spread the word about the importance of organ donation.

A message from Ventresca was shared via the school district Facebook feed. Referring to the photo shared above, “"I would love to draw attention to the fact that our shirts were a team effort. Tom Dareneau at the HS put forth a challenge to some of his students and allowed me to pick the final design from their ideas. Peyton Hartline came up with the final design, which was tweaked and later made into the team t-shirt we have now for our Philly Donor Dash Walk this Sunday. This community has really risen to help my family and me. I am so appreciative for all the outreach. It helps me get closer and closer to finding my match."

In a world often plagued by division and strife, Ventresca's story serves as a  reminder of the extraordinary things that can be achieved when a community comes together.  

[Information sourced by ChatGPT;  Boyertown Area School District Facebook feed.]

You can contact Maritza Ventresca:  kidney4maritza@gmail.com  

You can access her Facebook page here. 

More about UPenn organ donation.  

Read more about The Gift of Life donor program here.

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