Christine M. Goodwin, a long-serving administrator at St. John’s University and Assistant Provost for Institutional Research, is seeking a living kidney donor due to the irreversible decline of her transplanted kidney. Goodwin, 51, has worked at St. John’s for nearly three decades and is known for her methodical approach to problem-solving in her role supporting institutional research.

Goodwin was diagnosed with a complex kidney disorder at age 15 during her first year at Sacred Heart Academy. After a period of illness and treatment that included a kidney transplant from her father at Boston Children’s Hospital, she went on to complete high school on time despite ongoing health challenges. Since arriving as an undergraduate student at St. John’s in 1992, she has remained involved with the university both as an alumna and administrator.

“I want to continue to serve St. John’s and our students, but to do so, I need to find a match and a willing kidney donor,” Goodwin said.

Colleagues have spoken about Goodwin’s determination in facing this new challenge while continuing her work and involvement on campus.

“A lifelong learner, Christine wants to make this experience a teachable moment,” said Lucy A. Pesce, Executive Director for Mission Initiatives at St. John’s University. “There are 500+ people already on a waiting list at Northwell. Waiting on a transplant list will take time that Christine does not have. Christine wants people to know that

“Not everyone is willing or even a suitable candidate for kidney donation,” stated Victoria Santangelo, Associate Vice President for University Mission and Ministry. “But perhaps another person in your social network is and could be the difference-maker. Everyone can send positive thoughts and prayers for Christine and her success in identifying and securing a living donor.”

According to information provided by Northwell Health—New York State's largest healthcare provider—more than 100,000 people across the United States await organ or tissue donations each year; thousands die annually because organs are not available in time; in New York alone, one person dies every 18 hours while waiting for an organ.

“What Christine needs is for her story to be told, the details of the transplant process, and how potential donors can help,” said Brian Browne, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Public Affairs at St. John's University. “This effort is not only about prolonging her life. For Christine, it is about trying to solve a lifelong equation to gain more time—our most precious commodity.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Goodwin's situation or considering becoming a living donor can contact Libbie Binkiewicz or the Living Donor Team at Northwell Health.