Southtown Star

Tinley man gets kidney - and now he's giving back

April 16, 2009

By Luke Baker, Staff Writer

Jeff Studzinski was so determined not to let dialysis slow him down that the 51-year-old Tinley Park man defied doctors' orders and vigorously exercised on a stationary bike during his kidney-cleaning treatments.

For two years, Studzinski pedaled along during his sessions at Fresenius Dialysis Center in Orland Park. Each trip was draining, but he was determined to keep his body in the best possible physical condition so he would be ready for the kidney transplant he needed.

Studzinski 's son Josh, 21, found it tough to stay optimistic while watching his dad grow tired and weary. But hope was just around the corner. Studzinski's youngest daughter Monica, now 24, was a perfect donor match.

"It took a lot of courage on my daughter's part," Studzinski said.

Monica, who was 21 at the time of the transplant, became nauseated just at the thought of drawing blood, but she was driven.

"I did what I had to do," Monica said.

Josh said the Studzinski family drew strength from the support of family and friends.

"It wasn't just that I offered (a kidney) or my sister offered. When we looked into the transplant, people from the church offered and about over 50 people tried to offer my dad a kidney."

Though doctors urged Studzinski not to exert himself while on dialysis - the treatment alone can be exhausting - he continued to pedal and push himself while preparing for the transplant surgery.

"The biggest problem you have (during dialysis) is cramping up, because

(technicians) are extracting fluids off of your body. Now I'm riding a bike and you're getting more fluids off of your body. When the cramps came, they were brutal," Studzinski said.

While riding his bicycle, Studzinski would pray and listen to the Bible narrated on audiocassette.

"The universal message is love, God and giving back. The amazing thing that I found out in my life is that the more that I give back, the better I feel," Studzinski said.

Studzinski received Monica's kidney Oct. 12, 2006. One week after the transplant, he and his family started Revolutionizing Growth, through which Studzinski wants to inspire others by speaking to senior citizens and youth groups.

"I wanted to let people know that they could live a life of fulfillment regardless of life's extreme challenges," Studzinski said. In many of his speeches, he often stresses the importance of being an organ and tissue donor.

Today, Studzinski feels better than ever. He exercises daily, meeting a goal of 100 pushups a day, and he does plenty of jogging with his dog.

Monica is feeling equally well today. She works at Smith Crossing Retirement Center in Orland Park.

Giving back, Studzinski said, is important.

"One kind word a day to someone can make a person's day," he said.

"Remember that each one of us has choices to make in life. Just to be an organ and tissue donor, it's a choice. You are defined by the choices you make in life."

Zimmerman and Sandeman Funeral Homes Spring Luncheon 

May 28, 2009

The Annual Spring Luncheon sponsored by Zimmerman & Sandeman Funeral Homes, along with the Andrew J. McGann and Son Funeral Home, and Hallinan Funeral Home,  was once again a memorable day for local Senior Citizens.  It was held at Palermo’s on 95^th Street in Oak Lawn and featured speakers that included Jerry Schmitt, CFP, Glenn Borkowski and Jeff Studzinski.  The guests were treated to a four course meal that started with Soup and Salad.  The main course saw a choice of Roast Beef Au Jus or Oven Roasted Chicken along with Green Beans Almandine and finished with a bowl of ice cream, which was perfect for a warm spring day.   

After opening remarks from Joe Stubits, Director of Community Relations and Paul Goldman, Director of Operations, the crowd was entertained by Jeff Studzinski, Managing Partner of Revolutionizing Growth, LLC.  Jeff gave an inspirational talk about his journey through a kidney transplant and his strategy to live every day with maximum joy.  The guests certainly enjoyed his passionate enthusiasm and motivational ideas!  Glen Borkowski, President of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, followed Jeff to the podium where he gave a visual presentation of many ideas that make navigating through the home each day easier and safer.  Jerry Schmitt, CFP, and Principal at WealthCare Consultants gave the audience a visualization on investments and what types of vehicles may be best for them.  With the current volatile economy, every ear was tuned in to Jerry’s talk!  Don Kaminski, Sales Executive for Forethought followed and answered several questions related to final burial arrangements and the value in pre-planning.  All of the speakers generated many questions and provided additional information on each of their specialties.  The Palermo’s staff was superb and provided a perfect setting for the Luncheon.  “The afternoon was near perfection, and I look forward to our luncheon next year!” said Joe Stubits.