Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Tim Schmitt, director of transplantation, The University of Kansas Health System
- Through the Center of Transplantation at The University of Kansas Health System, kidney chains are a common way to help people who have a willing donor, but the donor isn’t a match for them.
- This kidney chain involved four donors and four recipients.
- All transplants in this chain were performed within three days with each operation taking about four hours.
- We have 90,000 people on a kidney list and 12 people per day die waiting for a kidney.
- It is really rewarding to facilitate the gift of donation to save a life.
Samantha Brenner, R.N., organ transplant coordinator, The University of Kansas Health System
- Sometimes, there are people who want to donate to their family or friends, but they are not compatible. So the kidney chain offers a way to be able to donate and also get a kidney.
- We have done many kidney chains.
- Because of more visibility, we are seeing more altruistic donors step up to donate.
- The organ recipient’s insurance usually covers the costs.
- We provide a lot of education for those interested in becoming a donor.
Daniel Pearson, altruistic kidney donor
- Daniel’s kidney donation initiated a lifesaving kidney chain involving four donors and four recipients.
- The people who are in this chain have a particular need.
- He said that being part of this and help others is truly a blessing.
- Daniel said it feels wonderful to help and encourages others to find out more about becoming an organ donor.
April Nuessen, kidney recipient
- April went into atrial fibrillation and when at the hospital, they found her kidneys were only at three percent.
- After her new kidney, she immediately felt 100 percent better.
- She wants people to know you can donate a kidney and still be just fine.
- April is grateful to Daniel because four people ended up with kidneys because of his selfless act.
Christopher Loveless, kidney recipient
- His kidneys were declining over a 20-year process.
- As a diabetic for 50 years, he thought this was likely.
- The next morning after getting his kidney, he said he was a different person.
- He feels like he has a responsibility to take care of the gift he was given.
Stephanie Loveless, kidney donor
- She was not a match for her husband, Christopher, but her donation in the chain helped him get his kidney.
- Her pain from donation went away in two days.
- She noticed Christopher’s health improved immensely after he received his new kidney
- She wishes she had another one to give.
Tracey Shearer, kidney recipient
- She first started having kidney problems when she was pregnant.
- Her new kidney has helped turn her life around.
- She wants people to know it doesn’t cost anything to give and you are helping so many people.
Jeff Shearer, kidney donor
- He wasn’t a match for his wife, but he was a match for someone else.
- So when he donated his kidney to someone else, they were able to find a donor for his wife.
- He said everyone has been so great throughout the process.
- It is important to realize that just one donation can start this chain.
Renee Madden, kidney recipient
- She said it was a little overwhelming to be on the list and it took an emotional toll.
- She got an offer 3-4 months after she joined the list, but it did not work out.
- A month and a half later, she got the offer that worked out.
- She was very helpful that someone like Daniel decided to start this chain and she was overcome with joy that people would be so generous.
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 8 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Hear more about the use of AI in mammograms and how it is helping the future of healthcare.
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