After dedicating more than 20 years to the NYPD and over 40 years as a volunteer firefighter in his Long Island community, John “JJ” Gillen now needs our help so he can continue doing what he loves—serving others.
About John “JJ” Gillen
Today, JJ is in urgent need of a lifesaving kidney transplant, and a living donor is his best option.
Throughout his career, JJ served with distinction in the NYPD's Organized Crime Bureau before retiring as Commander of the Detective Squad in Corona, Queens. He also answered the call as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Wantagh Fire Department, where he rose through the ranks to become Chief and later Fire Commissioner. Even while battling advanced kidney disease, he continues to volunteer in an administrative role because serving his community is simply who he is.
Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, JJ learned the meaning of service at a young age while accompanying his father during his FDNY shifts. That commitment carried him through decades of public service, including assisting with the cleanup efforts at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks—both as an NYPD officer and as a volunteer firefighter.
For more than 40 years, JJ has put others first. Now, he hopes for the chance to regain the strength to once again wear his gear, answer the alarm, and help those in need.
About 12 years ago, JJ was diagnosed with diabetes. Over the past two years, his kidney function has steadily declined, and in the last several months it has worsened dramatically. He now needs a kidney transplant to save his life.
JJ and his wife, Karen, have been married for 44 years. Together they've raised two daughters, who followed his example of service by becoming a teacher and a nurse. His family also includes two dedicated sons-in-law—one a volunteer firefighter and the other a Navy veteran with more than 23 years of service—and four grandchildren who absolutely adore their grandfather.
Family is everything to JJ. While kidney disease has taken away much of his energy, it hasn't taken away his determination. You'll still find him at nearly every game, recital, and school event, proudly cheering on his grandchildren. What breaks his heart is not having the energy to run and play with them the way he once did.
A living kidney donor could give JJ that chance again.
Please consider becoming a hero for a man who has spent his entire life being one for others.
If you'd like to help JJ, please share his story or contact Kidneys for Communities at info@kidneysforcommunities.org to learn more about living kidney donation. Their team is available to answer your questions and guide you through the process—there is never any obligation to donate simply by asking for information.
One selfless decision could save JJ's life.
KIDNEY DONATION
How does kidney donation work?
A donor doesn’t need to be an exact match. In fact, because of the Nobel Prize-winning paired kidney exchange program, your kidney donation will not only save one life, but it will save several more in the chain.
Living kidney donation is safe, and all costs associated with your donation are covered. Living donor kidneys also last much longer than deceased donor kidneys. A deceased donor kidney transplant, on average, lasts 10-15 years, while a living donor transplant lasts 12-20 years.
Kidneys for Communities® Donor Benefits
Donating a kidney is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling acts someone can do.
Kidneys for Communities can help you through the process to help save a life, but we know there are many obstacles that can be prohibitive to the donor. At Kidneys for Communities, we take care of our donors with the industry’s most complete donor benefits package:
Onboarding and education
Personalized guidance through the donation process
Anonymity
Cost reimbursements:
Travel, food & lodging, lost wages, child, pet and adult care