Former Brick Teacher's Aide Seeking Kidney Donor

BRICK, NJ — For 25 years, Camille Licandro spent her work days in the Brick Township Schools helping students with special needs as a teacher's aide.

Now it's Licandro who's seeking help.

Licandro, 67, is suffering from chronic kidney disease that has cost her one kidney and requires her to undergo dialysis three times a week.

"I had no symptoms and except for feeling tired sometimes, an annual physical with a blood test uncovered my kidney failure," said Licandro, who was diagnosed three years ago. She required nephrostomy tubes in both kidneys immediately, and as it worsened, constant infections and multiple hospital stays resulted in the removal of her left kidney in July 2018.

Her remaining kidney is only operating at 8 percent, she said.

"My husband, Joe, has been so supportive through this whole sickness," Licancro said. "From daily cleaning of my nephrostomy tubes, endless doctor visits, to getting up at 5 a.m. three days weekly to take me to dialysis and returning to pick me up."

It wasn't exactly the way she envisioned spending her retirement with her husband.

Licandro said the couple moved from the Bronx to Brick in the 1980s, and she started working for the Brick Township Schools not long after.

"I found my calling when I signed up as a substitute teacher’s aide," she said. "After about one week of subbing, I was offered a full-time position assisting handicapped/classified children and remained in the Brick system for 25 years doing the same job."

"I loved helping these children through the years and was truly blessed," Licandro said. "It was a mentally and physically challenging job, but I loved every minute and every child I helped to cope and learn their lessons. It still gives me satisfaction as I have seen some of my past students working in a local store or just a chance meeting. They are quick to come over and say hi and the excitement in their voices when they fill me in on their life experiences made all 25 years worth it."

The couple moved to an active, age-restricted community in Manchester that allowed them to stay near their children — daughter Nicole and son Joey — and their four grandchildren, who are ages 6 to 13.

"I wish more than anything to watch them grow and accomplish the many things destiny has planned for them," she said.

"I thank the Lord for the time we have been happily married and only ask Him to grant me some more years together to watch our grandchildren grow and our children continue to have successful lives," Licandro said. A donor will allow help her "fulfill my dreams and wishes (and) continue to be an integral part of my family’s lives and enjoy some years retired with Joe."

Licandro said that while she's been stable for three years, she is seeking anyone who's willing to participate. She has blood type A but anyone willing to participate is welcomed because St. Barnabas Medical Center participates in the Paired Exchange Program, which allows someone to donate a kidney while someone they care about also receives a kidney.

Anyone who is willing to participate in providing Licandro with a donor can fill out the form here.