Transplant Patient Stories
Heart & Kidney
Heart and Kidney Transplant: Kenneth's Story
After being turned down for transplant by six different hospitals, Kenneth Woodka looked to the University of Chicago Medical Center for help. Soon after he arrived, Kenneth had a successful heart-kidney transplant. Video included.
Heart-Kidney-Liver
Michael: Triple Transplant Recipient Is Going Strong Four Years After Surgery
Four years after receiving a rare heart-kidney-liver transplant, Michael Gaynor is active and feels more energetic than he did at half his age. Here he shares his experiences and his commitment to helping people cope with life before and after transplant.
Kidney
Carmen's Pre-Transplant Experience
Carmen is a recipient of a deceased donor kidney. This is her account of what she went through while waiting for her transplant.
Mark: A Living Organ Recipient's Account of the Pre-Transplant Experience
Mark kept a journal from the time he learned he had kidney failure until the time his transplant surgery was scheduled. Mark's brother, Jeff, donated a kidney to him.
Kidney Donation
Jeff: A Living Donor's Experience
Jeff describes what he went through when donating a kidney to his brother, Mark.
Kidney & Liver
Virginia's Kidney and Liver Transplant Experience
Virginia suffered kidney and liver failure as a result of polycystic kidney disease. This genetic disease causes numerous cysts to grown in the kidney. Other organs, including the liver, can also be affected.
Kidney & Pancreas
Debbie's Post-Transplant Experience
Debbie has received two kidney transplants and three pancreas transplants. Here she shares her post-transplant experiences.
Sam's Transplant Surgery Experience
Sam, a kidney-pancreas recipient, shares his surgery and hospital experience.
Liver
Patricia's Post-Transplant Experience
Patricia waited 3 ½ years for a deceased donor liver after being diagnosed with advanced autoimmune hepatitis. Patricia shares some of what she went through during the post-transplant period.
Sung's Transplant Experience
Sung had very few options to treat the large, cancerous tumors growing in his liver. A liver transplant from a "marginal donor" saved his life. One full year after his transplant, Sung is feeling great.
William's Pre-Transplant Experience
William is a recipient of a deceased donor liver. Here, William describes what he went through while waiting for his transplant.
