Stratford Police Rally to Support Detective in Need of Kidney Transplant

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford Police Department is rallying behind one of its own, Detective Jennifer Murolo, who urgently needs a kidney transplant. A dedicated member of the department for 17 years, Murolo is recognized for her exceptional skills, compassion, and tireless commitment to both her colleagues and the community.

“She is literally one of my best detectives in the bureau … She’s at the top of her game.”
said Capt. Jerry Pinto.

However, her health tells a different story. Murolo, 39, has been battling polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a hereditary condition that causes kidney failure. Despite her dedication to her work and advocacy for animals, her condition has reached a critical stage, leaving her in dire need of a kidney transplant.

The Need for a Living Kidney Donor

Dr. William Asch, a nephrologist at Yale New Haven Health, explained that Murolo’s kidney function has deteriorated to the point where a transplant is urgently needed. While she is on the kidney transplant waiting list at Yale, the average wait time for a deceased donor transplant in the region is between 5 ½ and 8 years.

“A living donor transplant is the optimal solution” said Asch. “It can happen within months, and the kidney functions better and lasts longer.”

“A living donor transplant is the optimal solution… It can happen within months, and the kidney functions better and lasts longer.”
said Dr. William Asch

Community Support and Upcoming Event

Stratford Police, alongside Yale New Haven Health, will host an organ donor screening event on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the PAL building next to the police department. The event aims to educate the community about organ donation and provide opportunities for preliminary screenings to determine donor eligibility.

“People can live perfectly healthy lives with just one kidney,” Asch noted, emphasizing the benefits of living donations.

“People can live perfectly healthy lives with just one kidney”
Asch noted, emphasizing the benefits of living donations.

The screening process is straightforward, involving a review of medical history and basic evaluations. Yale’s Clinical Program Director for Transplants, Kara Ventura, stressed that a donor does not need to be related to the recipient or have the same blood type. Paired exchange programs allow for flexibility, enabling more patients to receive life-saving transplants.

A Call for Help

Murolo’s colleagues describe her as stoic and selfless, always ready to support others. Now, they hope the community will come together to support her in return.