Award winning racing writer Beverley Smith recently told the story of Ontario horseman Phil Coole and his kidney transplant odyssey. Coincidentally enough, another Standardbred horseman had his kidney transplant story told in print just days later.
John Sacco of Pennsylvania’s Observer-Reporter recently caught up with veteran harness conditioner Carl Cocciolone, who on October 5 underwent surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh for a kidney transplant.
Sacco didn’t have to search too far to find out who the donor was.
“I am lucky,” the Meadows-based Cocciolone explained. “It’s a great birthday present. My sister (Patty Alcorn) gave me a kidney and my life has improved tremendously. What a gift.”
“When they said we were a match, I just had a feeling of being blessed, knowing I could help him,” Alcorn said.
Cocciolone has said that he cannot wait to get back conditioning his stock again.
“That will make me really happy,” he said. “Honestly, I have been blessed and I am thankful to just be able to live a better, healthier life.”
To read the Observer-Reporter article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from the Observer-Reporter)