WESTWOOD—Henry Chen, a dedicated and beloved physics teacher at Westwood Regional High School for more than a decade, is facing a critical health battle—and his students, past and present, are rallying to his side.
Chen has been diagnosed with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease. In a heartfelt public letter, he explains that a kidney transplant from a living donor would be his best chance at recovery and long-term health.
“My name is Henry and I have been diagnosed with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease which means that my kidneys have failed,” he wrote. “The kidneys help the body to filter blood and get rid of poisons, salt, and water. Without kidneys that work, people can become very sick.”
Chen has taught physics at Westwood Regional High School for over 10 years. “I try to help students become mature learners,” he said. “In my free time I enjoy photography, learning more about the world around me, and cultivating the learning community I affectionately call the Chenation.”
He said that a kidney from a living donor—not a cadaveric transplant—would give him the best odds: “A transplant from a living donor would mean that I wouldn’t have to wait years for a transplant and I’d be able to come off of dialysis. A transplant from a living donor also has the best chance of working for many years.”
Unfortunately, Chen said, there are no suitable matches in his immediate family. With more than 100,000 people on the kidney transplant waiting list in the United States and only about 16,000 receiving transplants each year, the odds are steep.
That’s why he’s asking for help—not just financially, but to spread the word.
His transplant evaluation took place at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Those interested in learning more about the living donor process can confidentially contact the transplant center by emailing CBMCLivingDonor@rwjbh.org or calling (973) 322-5346. A brief questionnaire can also be filled out at CBMCLivingDonor.org. Completing the questionnaire or calling does not obligate anyone to proceed, and all inquiries are confidential—even from Chen himself unless the potential donor gives consent to share.
“Shout-out to my Chendren (my students) who have been spreading the word and even created a GoFundMe to help me out with ancillary costs,” he wrote.
That campaign, launched by recent graduate Daniel Shotkin, is intended to support Chen’s expenses related to the transplant process, including transportation, prescription drugs, and three-times-a-week hospital visits in the first three months of recovery. He would also require lifelong immunosuppressant medications.
Shotkin, who said Chen’s class was one of the most memorable experiences of his high school career, described his former teacher as someone who “has gone above and beyond to create a tight-knit academic community” and “hosted fun traditions like his aptly named Chen Awards.”
Shotkin said, “Even if you’re not in a position to consider organ donation, there are still many ways to help. Donating to this GoFundMe will help Mr. Chen cover the cost of the medications and treatments he needs. Sharing this page will also spread the word and increase the chances of finding a matching donor. Any support, no matter how big or how small, helps.”
As of press time, the GoFundMe campaign is live at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-mr-chen-get-a-kidney-transplant.
“Your support, whether through sharing this message or simply keeping Mr. Chen in your thoughts, means a great deal,” wrote Board of Education president Jason Garcia in a widely shared social media post. “Let’s come together as a community for someone who has given so much to others.”
Chen closed his letter with a message of gratitude and realism.
“I wholeheartedly appreciate any support that you can offer to me, no matter how big or small,” he said. “I realize that donating a kidney may not be right for everyone, or it simply might not be the right time. I also know that donating a kidney is a very personal decision that requires not only education about the risks and benefits but also thoughtful consideration and the support of loved ones.”
To contact Chen directly, email chenry333@gmail.com.