This I Believe: Altruism

By Frederic Reamer

Providence, RI – Imagine finding out in the middle of an otherwise ordinary day that you could save a friend's life - a friend with a chronic, debilitating illness - if you are willing to sacrifice one of your own organs. Would you hesitate, or would you jump at the chance to donate one of your body parts, and to endure the invasive surgery, in order to keep a friend alive? Indeed, this was the choice facing Daniel Carpenter.
Carpenter teaches Latin, Ancient Greek and Ancient Literature courses at the University of Rhode Island. He is especially interested in the study of the Greek epic poet, Homer. Carpenter lives with his wife, Jean, in Wakefield, Rhode Island.