Willow Grove Teacher Seeks Living Kidney Donor After Diagnosis

Christina Behan, a middle school teacher, is searching for a living donor after being diagnosed with kidney and heart failure.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:22pm

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A translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structure of a human kidney, with ghostly blue and gray lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the medical condition of kidney failure.An X-ray view of a kidney, highlighting the critical need for organ donations to support those facing kidney failure.Glenside Today

Christina 'Christie' Domingo Behan, a middle school teacher at Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with kidney and heart failure last year. She has been receiving dialysis treatments twice a week and is now searching for a living kidney donor to undergo a transplant surgery, which she hopes to have during the summer.

Why it matters

Behan's story highlights the ongoing need for living organ donors, especially for those with kidney failure who require transplants to maintain their health. Her willingness to share her personal journey may inspire others in the community to consider becoming living donors and help save lives.

The details

After spending almost a month in the hospital, Behan began dialysis and physical therapy before going through a cardiac rehabilitation program. Her heart function has returned to normal, making her eligible for a transplant. Behan's husband, John, has spoken to their parish at Saint David Roman Catholic Church in Willow Grove to ask for a living donor, and he is currently being tested as a potential donor as well. Behan has received responses from caring community members, including some strangers, who have offered to donate a kidney.

  • Behan was diagnosed with kidney and heart failure last year.
  • She has been receiving dialysis treatments twice a week at the DaVita Dialysis Center in Willow Grove.
  • Behan hopes to have the transplant surgery during the summer.

The players

Christina 'Christie' Domingo Behan

A middle school teacher at Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, who was diagnosed with kidney and heart failure and is searching for a living kidney donor.

John Behan

Christina Behan's husband, who is being tested as a potential donor for his wife.

Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School

The middle school where Christina Behan teaches.

Saint David Roman Catholic Church

The church in Willow Grove where Christina Behan's husband, John, spoke to the parish to ask for a living donor.

DaVita Dialysis Center

The dialysis center in Willow Grove where Christina Behan receives treatment twice a week.

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What they’re saying

“So many people have responded with care and kindness. There have been some people who reached out and offered me their kidney, and some of them have even been strangers.”

— Christina 'Christie' Domingo Behan, Middle School Teacher

What’s next

Behan is currently waiting for a suitable living donor to come forward. Her husband, John, is being tested as a potential donor, and the transplant center at Jefferson Hospital is accepting inquiries from others interested in becoming a living donor.

The takeaway

Christina Behan's story highlights the critical need for living organ donors, especially for those with kidney failure. Her willingness to share her journey has already inspired community members to step forward and offer to donate, demonstrating the power of compassion and the impact one person can have in saving another's life.