By Carol Britton Meyer

Hull native Jodi Cowen-Elliott’s donation of a kidney to a stranger in February didn’t stop at that unselfish deed.

This life-changing experience led her to become an advocate for potential “End Kidney Deaths Act” legislation – a proposed 10-year pilot program that would provide a $50,000 refundable tax credit allocated equally over five years for Americans who donate their kidneys to a stranger who is at the top of the kidney waitlist. The goal is to greatly increase the supply of living-donor kidney transplants.

Proponents estimate that if the legislation is approved, by year 10 the lives of 100,000 people could be saved.

Cowen-Elliott got the idea of donating a kidney after watching a segment of NBC’s Today show in April 2023 about a couple who were donating kidneys, which raised her awareness of the great need for donors.

Desire to make a difference

“I had been drinking coffee and feeling helpless following a news story about the 2024 election and was wondering what one person could do to make a difference [in the world],” she told The Hull Times. “Then the segment about kidney donations came on following a commercial. A little boy named Cooper was mentioned, and my dog with the same name had just passed away, so this seemed to be the answer to my wondering. I literally asked the universe in a moment of reflection what I could do as an individual, and then the segment came on with the tie to my dog’s name.”

Cowen-Elliott got off of the couch and contacted the National Kidney Foundation immediately to explore the process of donating a kidney.

In the meantime, she talked with a Hull resident who had donated a kidney to her father and who encouraged her to also donate one because of the positive impact on both the donor’s and recipient’s lives.

There were multiple tests, PET scans, and X-rays to determine if she was healthy enough to donate a kidney, “and I got a thumbs up,” she recalled.

Positive impact on another’s life

Considering that the person receiving the kidney would be off dialysis after the transplant and could then lead a normal life was enough to convince Cowen-Elliott that she had made the right decision.

“Police, doctors, and firefighters save lives, but those of us not in those fields don’t often have a chance to make such a positive impact on another person’s life,” she said.

While she doesn’t know who the recipient is, she’s aware that donating a kidney to a stranger is not very common. Statistics show that only about 300 people donate to strangers a year, while there are 90,000 people on a waiting list to receive a kidney.

“I wanted to make a difference. It was such a gift to me being able to do this,” she said. “I was back to normal quickly, and the inconvenience and pain were balanced by the positive impact I was able to make on somebody’s life.”

Initially, members of her family had objections to her donating a kidney due to the potential risks. Still, she went ahead with the process with the conviction that she was doing the right thing.

“My hope is to inspire others to consider also donating,” Cowen-Elliott said.

As a result, she received several vouchers that could be used by members of her family should any of them ever need a liver transplant.

Owner of two local businesses

After graduating from Hull High School in 1984, Cowen-Elliott left town for a while but eventually returned. She is the owner of Mosquito Joe and the Wonderly Lights of the South Shore holiday decorating company, which festively decorated the Hull Lifesaving Museum and the Paragon Boardwalk last year. Both businesses employ the same Hull kids, she said.

Maureen Gillis, director of development for the Hull Lifesaving Museum, said the staff at the historic site were “not entirely” surprised by Cowen-Elliott’s good deed.

“Jodi’s generosity has been a cornerstone for the Hull Lifesaving Museum for many years,” Gillis said this week. “Along with her team from Mosquito Joe of Weymouth, Jodi has ensured our outdoor space remains safe and enjoyable for our visitors and Summer Adventure kids, free from mosquitoes and ticks.”

The crew also painted the kids’ loft at the museum, and Gillis said that for the first time this year, the building’s exterior was decorated with lights during the holiday season by the Wonderly Lights crew.

“Jodi’s unwavering support has truly brightened our museum, both literally and figuratively. The festive decorations brought a new level of joy and holiday spirit to our community, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all our visitors.”

Cowen-Elliott decided that the break between the seasons for each business early this year was the perfect time to donate her kidney.

If you are thinking about the possibility of donating, she is willing to help potential donors learn more. Contact her at jelliott@mosquitojoe.com or visit the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-new-england.

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