Bert's brother David was weeks away from dying. His kidneys were failing. He needed a transplant.
Bert was a perfect match. He stepped up and donated one of his kidneys so his brother could live.
The operation took place at Massachusetts General Hospital. It was successful. David lived.
Bert recovering at Massachusetts General Hospital after the kidney donation
A Side Note on Love
During David's hospitalization, their nurse was a woman named Theresa. Father João met her during David's recovery. He fell in love and eventually left the priesthood to marry her. Their son Chris was born April 1, 1982. A kidney donation meant to save one brother's life ended up connecting the family in unexpected ways.
This act of sacrifice—donating an organ to save a sibling's life—defined who Bert was. It was the kind of quiet, selfless act he would repeat throughout his life in smaller ways: mentoring employees, helping family members, being present for friends.
He didn't talk about the kidney donation. He didn't need recognition for it. It was simply what you did when someone you loved needed you.