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Risa Gans founded
TransplantBuddies.com on February 12, 2000, having seen a need
for support and communication with many transplant patients
throughout the world. As a consequence of cystic Fibrosis,
Risa had a double lung transplant January 21, 1996, at Loyola
Medical Center, Illinois. She recently received a second,
double-lung transplant on July 26, 2005, at Jackson Memorial
Hospital in Florida. E-mail
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| Following, alphabetized by first name, are some
of our contributors and their families. |
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Alese had a Pancreas/Kidney transplant on April 22, 2003... shortly after her 60th birthday on April Fools Day! She is doing well 4 years later. |
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Amanda with her brother and Grandfather. During a hike in August I felt winded in a really easy part of this hike and thought it was strange, I found out soon after that I was in chronic rejection. The doctors here at Barnes thought I should go on the transplant list for a double lung transplant which I did in January. By Feb 14th I had my second set of lungs. And I am so happy to begin my new second life. I’m just not 100% sure what I am going to do with my life, but I have a million and one chances. |
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My name is Amy and I’m 31 years old. I was born with Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. I was in and out of the hospital with GI Bleeds for the first 10 years of my life. I finally received 2 liver transplants, the first one in December of 1986 and because that one wouldn’t take, I received the second on January 1987. I then had my daughter Angela in 1996. She will soon be 12 years old. I’m still on anti-rejection medication, which I am praying for deliverance for that. This year marked the 21 anniversary of my second liver. Praise the Lord!!! And I just wanted to say thank you so much to this site, hopefully I can meet new friends with the same concerns I have. |
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Andrei Mihail lives in
Bucharest and is the first (and the only) Romanian citizen to
undergo a double lung transplant. (Performed in Vienna at AKH Wien on 22 August,
2001.) Andrei is a frequent contributor to
TransplantBuddies.org, advocates organ donation and
transplantation on the media in Romania, and has developed
several websites. He married Simona on November 17, 2005. Andy
now serves as youth pastor at the Grace Church
in Bucharest. |
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Andrew Wilson b:August 23rd 1978, d:July 7th 2005
Received one of the very first "Domino Heart Transplants" in UK in 1987. Andrew actually met his heart donor face-to-face post transplant. To read about this amazing journey, please check out Andrew's website: http://www.transplantsunited.com |
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Andy had a heart transplant on October 5, 1998 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England, after suffering from a heart disease called Cardiomyopathy which causes the heart to become enlarged. |
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My name is Angie White,
and I'm a college student from Michigan. My mom had end stage
renal failure, and I was lucky enough to be a match, and a
kidney donor for her. I had the hand-assist laparoscopic
procedure on January 2, 2002. Donating to my mom was one of
the most rewarding things I've ever done, and I would love to
talk with anyone heading down the same path. God Bless! |
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Anthony Porreca is a Microsoft Certified Network Administrator from R.I. who received a Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT) November 19, 2007. Anthony has a magnetic personality & is loved by everyone he meets. Anthony is a baseball, football & hockey fan and growing up participated in baseball, basketball, track & bowling with his Dad as his coach. Post transplant Anthony will be working on updating his Microsoft certifications and looks forward to attaining the career goals his illness only temporarily placed on hold. |
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Here is a picture of Alyssa (on left) and I (Barbara) a few days after surgery. I donated my left kidney via open procedure on March 6th, 2008. We are holding our lucky teddy bears, mine is a gift from Alyssa. Our surgery was at the Fairview Transplant Center in Minneapolis, MN. Alyssa is the daughter of a couple we are friends with from the campground we stay at. She is 19 and engaged to be married May 17th, 2008. |
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A picture of Becky and Dad two days after surgery. Dad (Frank) donated a kidney to 29 year old daughter, Becky at UCSF on August 23, 2007. Pancreas transplant to follow, hopefully in 2008. |
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Bill Wohl - from the worst ever Cardiac Case in 28 years of UMC's 800 plus Heart Transplants as their "Terminally Ill FDA Experiment". Now in 2007 Captain of Team USA Cycling for the XVI World Transplant Games in Bangkok and 2008 Captain of the World Elite Transplant Team for "The Escape From Alcatraz." Because my Donor Family said "YES" I get to "Live Way Large" as my Donor would say. Watch my kids grow up, compete all over the World and try to make a difference with Media & PR opportunities! |
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My name is Bob Pitcock, retired trucker from Texas. My heart transplant was performed 17 years ago 1991. LIVIN' AND LOVIN' IT
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I am Bobbiejo Winfrey (on the right in photo), re-born on October 6, 2005, who ended up receiving the best birthday gift on my twenty-fifth birthday, a multivisceral transplant. I received a new stomach, liver, pancreas, spleen, small and large intestines. I had a history of a digestive tract that gradually over time lost its motility leading to diagnoses of acid reflux, almost complete aperistalsis of the esophagus, gastroparesis, and pseudo-obstruction of the bowel. My aspirations are to either become a professor teaching about the medieval ages or classical languages or to enter the medical field, and it is these loves and my faith in God that has kept me getting up each morning to embrace a new day. |
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Bradley Thomas Moore, born
8/30/88
Donated Gifts of Life to Eight Others 3/26/02
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Bridget Cavanaugh b: July 7, 1984, d: May, 29, 2007
Bridget (seated next to her fiance Don) always lived like there was no tomorrow. She treated her illness as an obstacle and not as a threat. Her many accomplishments and travelings during her 22 years surpassed most living a full lifetime. Her double-lung transplant gave her the ability to fulfill her expectations, even though it was short-termed. |
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Buddy's story and
information can also be found at Lung
Transplant Info and at The Golder Family.
Our friend Buddy Golder died on Thursday, June 1, 2006. He
will be missed.
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I'm Candi Collins, born on Oct. 6, 1983. Had my double lung transplant and heart surgery June 4, 2007 at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas when I was 23yo. I was diagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans on Jan 5, 2007, but began to get sick in Feb 2006. This picture is of me and my paint mare Alleyway, 4 months post transplant. I can't wait for us both to get back in shape so we can resume barrel racing! I've named my lungs Thomas and Mack after the famous rodeo arena. Everyday I thank my donor for the best gift ever given to me! Also thanks to all the nurses, doctors, surgeons, staff, and my parents, brother, family, and friends for taking such great care of me! |
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My name is Christy, and I am a 37 year old wife and mother. I was first diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when I was 4 years old, but my first hospitalization wasn't until I was 23. I was very blessed to have a daughter at the age of 25. After Casey was born, I worked in the nursing field for 3 years before becoming very ill with a mycobacterium in my lungs. Three years after that, at the age of 31, I had a double lung transplant at Duke University Medical Center. Because of an anti-body issue, I had to receive organs from a relative, so they removed both of my lungs and replaced them with a lobe from my Uncle Joey and my mom. This is called a living-related lobar transplant. What a gift they both gave me!! After lung transplant, I could do so much I hadn't done in years, but was still dealing with complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and chronic sinusitis. Because of the anti-rejections meds, the diabetes and high blood pressure, I now have to have a kidney transplant. God has brought me this far, and has blessed me in so many ways. I feel like this is just one more speed bump to get over. |
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His mom, Melinda Sue,
nicknamed Chuck, “My Sunshine” because that's what he was. "He
my very own ray of sunshine that the Lord sent to me for a
while. He was an amazing young man whose life was shortened by
Cystic Fibrosis. You can visit his website; please take time to sign his
guest book. It makes me feel as though My Sunshine is right
here with me again, right by my side! God Bless You All!"
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I'm Chuck, a 65 yr. old white male born in Jersey City, NJ, at home on March 11,1943. I had one lung transplanted in June 2007. I am a USMC veteran (4 yrs) and I work for the USPS (33 yr). I ride a 1978 FXE iron horse (Harley Davidson). I hope to retire in about 6 years or less. |
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I'm Colette, mother of three wonderful kids (plus a new daughter-in-law), wife to a supportive husband and grateful recipient. I was blessed with a Liver transplant on the National Day of Re-Birth, November 1st, 2006. Without this precious gift, I would not have been able to enjoy over 400 sunrises and sunsets, and look forward to thousands more! I have not had contact with my donor family as yet, but hope to be able to meet and thank them someday. I pray for my donor every day and am convinced that he or she was addicted to chocolate, walking and photo-archiving, as these are my new passions. Life is good! |
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Cory Cumberworth, multiple organ donor. Cory gave the gift of life to seven people including me (Tom Emahiser); I received his heart. Cory was born October 16, 1989 and was killed in a head on crash January 25, 2005. A beautiful young man who is greatly missed but never forgotten. |
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My name is Dale and I received a heart transplant due to secondary ischemic cardiomyopathy at Temple University Hospital located in Phila, Pa. on July 16, 1997. As I got out of the car on Forklandinding Road Maple Shade, New Jersey and approached the front steps of my home my Granddaughter, ran up to me and placed her hand over my heart and said, "Pop-Pop,do you have a new heart now so we can play and fish together?" I said to her, "that if God wills me to I shall play and fish for a long time to come". For the last 10 years, I have taken the Grandchildren fishing as much as my health has allowed me to do. We just have a ball when we go fishing too. |
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My name is Dan Doucleff, user name dantheman, I'm 45 years old. I have two teenage boys, Victor and Joseph. I live with my spousal equivalent Shirley. We are cat owners but dog people. My transplant date was August 31st, 2006. The people in the picture are myself, my coordinator, and my surgeon on the one-year anniversary of my transplant. |
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Dani Greene is currently a teacher of preschool students with disabilities in Arlington County Virginia outside of Washington, D.C. She has a B.A. in American Studies with a minor in Art from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania and an M.A. in Special Education from George Washington University. She is married and lives with her husband Scott in Springfield, VA. On February 7th Dani celebrated her fifth birthday post transplant! Scott and Dani have been approved for adoption and are very excited about that possibility. More information about "It's Good to Know a Miracle: Dani's Story" can be found at http://itsgoodtoknowamiracle.googlepages.com/home |
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I am David (Dave) Grisier and I was born on Jan 13, 1944 in a small town in Northwest Ohio. Finishing High School in 1961, I entered the US Naval service where I received my education as a Photographer. Serving on the support staff for President John F. Kennedy’s personal Photographer was one of the most exciting periods of my life. I continued life as a Professional Photographer, Laboratory Specialist, and Instructor for 35 years. I had to leave that all behind when I was stricken with COPD, Emphysema w/Fibrosis in 1996. I am currently in Pre transplant Testing for a bi-lateral TX at the Cleveland Clinic. |
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Dave is Director of our Prayer
and Inspiration Board.
His wife Lil received a
kidney 2/22/98 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
Her donor was 15 year old girl, Holly; Dave and Lil continue
to communicate with her mom, who made a webpage at In
Memory Of Holly Lea Nelson
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Dawn Porreca was the living liver donor to her brother Anthony on November 19, 2007. Dawn is energetic, driven and determined. She actively enjoys exercise and is extremely interested in nutrition & health. Dawn was guided to TransplantBuddies & would like everyone to know of all the compassionate, caring, helpful people who kept her motivated and supported throughout the screening, transplant & recovery process.
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My name is Debbie, I am 45 years old, and live in Nebraska. I received a non-related living kidney transplant 12/7/2005 at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Ne. I was diagnosed with an “acute” finding of chronic kidney disease in 2004. I am now 2 years out of transplant and life is GOOD. I have had no rejection and continue to enjoy life with my family, donor family, and friends. Thanks to Charlotte, my donor, I was given a second chance at life!!! (Charlotte is on the left and I am on the right). |
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Donald Wong is director of
the TransplantBuddies "Heart
and Lung Transplant Forum". Don received a pacemaker
November, 1993, a Left Ventricular Assist Device implant
February, 1995, and a heart transplant July, 1996 at Columbia
Presbyterian Medical Center, New York City. This picture page
was originally Don's idea. |
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Hi, My name is Don, but I go by DAP. I'm a heart transplant recipient (May-2007). I am 57, married for 37 years and I am thankful for and enjoying every "Extra" day I've been given since my transplant. My personal web site is www.2ndHeartBeat.com.
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Dottie received a lung
transplant in October of 1994. She's a strong believer in the
benefits of exercise and nutrition for a healthy lifestyle.
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Our member Irene's daughter Erin is a fiery seven year old who received a liver transplant when she was very young. Erin loves to participate in all kinds of sports and her proudest moment was at the transplant Games.
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Gavin is just over 2 years old and he received his precious new heart at the tender age of 3 months old. He was on the waiting list for 7 weeks. At that time he was 1-A (top of the list). He was on a ventilator clinging to life. Texas Children's Hospital was granted the use of a Berlin Heart Pump from Germany, to place Gavin on. Just 7 hours before his Berlin Pump surgery, his true miracle heart was sent our way. I'll never forget that call at the Ronald McDonald House at 2am. We are forever grateful to our donor and his/her family and thank God for them daily. |
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Gloria donated a kidney to
her brother in August of 2000. Although she lives in
Pennsylvania, the surgery was done at Piedmont Hospital in
Atlanta, her home town. |
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Gregg Curtiss was diagnosed with kidney failure at 52 years of age in August 06 from unrecognized high blood pressure. He received a kidney from his wife, Diane, 50 on October 30, 2007 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Missouri. This photo was taken February 2008 at the Washington Park Botanical Gardens Springfield, Illinois while Gregg and Diane were at the Prairie State Orchid Society annual show and sale. |
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Hi, I'm Gustavo Braslavsky and I have started http://www.transplantgroups.com to help people share their experiences and offer information to others about transplantation. Prior to this site, I spent over 15 years as a doctor in a liver transplant center. I write health and tech blogs also. |
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Harvey received a kidney
transplant 9/30/99, at the age of 61, having had cancer in the
left kidney and chronic kidney disease in my right kidney.
After a threat from Lymphoproliferative disease, his meds were
changed and the kidney functions well. He participated in the
2000 US Games, 2001 World Games in Kobe, Japan and the 2002 US
Games in Orlando. He is a solid believer in healthy eating and
exercise to help keep the body healthy. E-Mail
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My name is Heather. I am from east central Illinois. I donated a kidney to my Dad on 12-1-99 in Chicago. Since donating, my Dad and I have a special bond we did not have before. I hope to continue helping on this site, to support and help others who would like to donate, already have donated, and those who were wanting to donate and could not. |
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I am Howard W. Smith. The
'W' stands for 'waiting.' as I await an acceptable living
donor or for my name to reach the top of the UNOS list. I live
in Hawaii..
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I am Jamie Lynne; a 31 year old women blessed with the gift of life through the miracle of a perfect match kidney transplant. I am happily married to the love of my life, Ryan. We have two furry children; Rooney our chocolate lab and Calie our calico cat. We look forward to completeing our family with a "little one" sometime soon!
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Jan received a
living-donor kidney transplant on May 10, 2000 at Rochester
Methodist Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota. Her son, Michael,
was her donor. She is a mentor on the Kidney/Pancreas
Forum. E-Mail
. |
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Jeff Goldstein is a native Miamian currently living in Coconut Grove with his wife Martha Austrich. Jeff received a double lung transplant in July 2003. |
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Jeff Wilson was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease on June 16,2007. After a few months of dialysis, he received a life saving kidney on October 26,2007 from his sister Patty shown here with Jeff the day after transplant. |
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I’m Joanne Giglia, 31
years old, and I live in Jacksonville, Fl. I received my
kidney/pancreas transplant on 08/31/04 at Mayo Clinic/St.
Luke’s Hospital; after having Type 1 diabetes since the age of
two. I feel great! I’ve had no complications or
rejections to this point. I plan to finish nursing school, and
then work with transplant patients and diabetics. Thank you to
all the donors and the families who make the selfless decision
to give people this second chance!
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My name is Jodi Phelan, I
donated half of my liver to my daughter Mckayla January
5,2004. It was so awesome to be able to do that, to cure the
Citrullinemia that was tearing down her body. For once in 6
years I didn't feel helpless anymore! E-Mail
, McKayla's mom. |
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Joe Keller was born on
June 1, 1980. Joe died August 21, 1994, when he attempted to
save a friend from drowning in a low-head dam on the Conewago
Creek, in Dover, PA. He donated the gift of life to 4 people.
He donated his heart to a retired nurse in Southern New York
state, his one kidney to a teacher in the Philadelphia area,
his other kidney to a clerk in the Central Pennsylvania area,
and his liver to a Veteran in the Pittsburg area. His lungs
were used for research. As a family it has been a blessing to
know that Joe lives on by helping transplant recipients to
live a longer healthier life. E-Mail
, Joe's mom. http://www.childreninheaven.netfirms.com/joekeller.htm |
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J T Rhodes received a
kidney transplant in 1992 and a bone tissue transplant in
1994. Three of his five sisters have also received transplants
due to Polycystic kidney disease.
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Karen Range with her son Sammy. Diagnosed in 2006 with Bronchiolitis Obliterans - a rare lung disease of the small airways, Karen is undergoing lung transplant evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic. |
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Kathryn Flynn and daughter
Sarah. Kathryn received a double lung transplant on March 25,
1996 at Duke University Medical Center. She works with
hearing-impaired students and is the current President of Second Wind Lung Transplant
Association. |
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Kayla was part of a Domino Heart Transplant at the age of 2 mos. Her donor, Jason, will be forever in her heart, literally. Her family is forever grateful to God, Jason and Jason's family for the opportunity to be able to love Miss Kayla. |
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My name is Kelli (aka Eccoblue). I underwent a heart and liver Tx on February 1, 2007 at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. Please visit http://www.eccoblue.org to learn about me.
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My name is Kim. I live in Tallahassee, FL and I received a heart/double lung transplant on June 14, 1996. Through the internet I've been able to "talk" to teens and young adults who are either considering transplantation or are already on the list. Because of my experience, I'm able to show them what life can be like post-transplant and offer them hope, encouragement, and advice.
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My name is Kristin Dwyer. I live in Chicago suburbs and I received SPK transplant on May 24, 2007. I got my two miniature schnauzer puppies a month after transplant-- I love them. I had dialysis for about five months and I am so grateful for this great gift I received. I enjoy this website and it has been a tremendous help .Thanks to everyone’s hard work. Love, Kristin |
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Kyle Curry and his
mother, Shawn. Kyle had a living unrelated donor liver
transplant 12/19/00 at the age of 15 months. The transplant
was performed at Egleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta,
correcting liver failure due to Biliary Atresia. Their website
is found at The
Curry Family
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This is me (Lacie, in bed) with my sister-in-law Patty. She donated her kidney to me on August 25, 2005. My husband was also willing to donate until they found out that he had minor kidney problems of his own. Luckily Patty was there to save me from any more dialysis! |
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My name is Leah. I have accomplished so many things with my life. I have lived with three different kidneys from wonderful donors. Please read my story. |
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Linda Cumberworth and her daughter Chassity. My (Tom Emahiser) donor's Mother and sister. |
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Lizzie received her new heart on April 12th 1999. She loves animals and really wants to be a model one day. She loves photography, her phone and the computer. She is full of life and a really joy to be around. |
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Marichi "MiMi" Turner, a
23 year old Cystic Fibrosis patient, was preparing for a lung
transplant in the near future by focusing on research,
nutrition and exercise. She was a mentor on the this website
for many years, before her death in the fall of 2003.
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Marisa had a liver
transplant in 1988 due to Biliary Atresia. Her webpage is Marisa's
Miracle. |
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My name is Marjolein and I come from the Netherlands. I was born in 1984 and with my birth my parents found out I had Cystic Fibrosis. Through the years the infections I got because of my disease caused my lungs to deteriorate. In August of 2006 I recieved the call that someone had donated me the gift of life, two 'new' lungs. |
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Mark and Mary Grace have developed the Blood & Marrow Transplant Resources Web site to share their knowledge about cancer treatment and what they have learned about bone marrow and stem cell transplants. The URL is www.BMTresources.org. Mark has written a book entitled, “Over 140 Things You Need to Know about Your Autologous Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant” to help educate people about the benefits of these procedures. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book are donated to The Bone Marrow Foundation to help those who need financial assistance with their transplants. |
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Max McLeod drowned in
March of 2000. His donated organs helped three other
individuals survive. Max will be deeply loved and missed by
his family. http://littlemaxwell.tripod.com |
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I'm Melissa and have been Type 1 diabetic since age 11. I am waiting for a pancreas/kidney transplant. I have been so inspired by all on Transplantbuddies.org. Thank you all so very much!! |
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Hello. My name is Michelle Martin, born March 13th, 1973. I received a kidney from my loving husband Ty July 13, 2005, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. My function was compromised by Lupus Nephritis and the treatments used while trying to suppress it. Less than two years later, at the same facility, we welcomed our son Jake on March 23rd, 2007. Please feel free to visit our Family Site at Michelle & Ty's Miracle Baby. |
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My name is Micky Byrne, I had my Heart Transplant on March 9th 1999. This was done at Harefield Hospital in West London, United Kingdom. After two seperate heart by/passes, a triple in 1983 and a quadruple in 1996, my heart still went into heart failue in the latter part of 1998, and I was sent to Harefield Hospital to have all the tests to see if I really needed a transplant. I was put on the waiting list and despite my blood goup being AB negative, I only waited just over three months before I got a donor.
My Surgeon was the world renowned heart transplant surgeon Prof Sir Magdi Yacoub.
Visit my website http://www.micky-byrne.co.uk/index.htm
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This is a picture of my me (Mindy) and family. I am 46 with CF and in the process of lung transplant. I am going through the evalutation tests again because it has been over a year since my first evaluation. I will be having my tx at Duke. I have 2 children: a son,13 and a daughter, 9.
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I'm Nelson of Southern California. On March 5, 1998 I had to have an emergency life saving liver transplant after I had been prescribed a thyroid medication (by a well meaning doctor) to which I had an allergic reaction causing me fulminate liver failure. I have been to 4 U.S. Transplant Games representing team Southern California and to 1 World Games representing the USA in 2003 in Nancy France. I am now an internet marketer and enjoy excellent health thanks to the miracle of transplantation. http://transplantcafe.com |
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Patrick Pedraja was 10 years old when he was diagnosed with Leukemia. One day while he was in the hospital he learned how so many people with Leukemia, Lymphoma or 50 other blood disorders were dying every day when they couldn’t find a matching marrow donor. Pat decided to do something to help and started DRIVING FOR DONORS which began as a national marrow donor drive in the summer of 2007. Pat raised over $150,000 for tissue typing fees to add those donors by selling ad space on his bald head. He ended up registering over 6500 donors in just a few months and won the CNN HEROES Viewers Choice Award for his efforts. Pat is currently planning DRIVING FOR DONORS 2008, an international tour, to help promote awareness about the critical need for minority donors worldwide. So far 3 marrow transplants have been done after matching donors were found for them from DRIVING FOR DONORS events! Pat will continue his chemotherapy treatments until July 2009 and feels very lucky to be doing so well! http://drivingfordonors.com |
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This is one of my proudest moments. The picture is me (Patti) and my little sister after my transplants and about 2 minutes after the breathing tube was removed. Due to Cystic Fibrosis, I had double lung and liver transplants at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio on January 31, 2007. I have started a blog about myself and living with Cystic Fibrosis. www.3organtransplant.blogspot.com.
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I am Rohan Patel, aged 22 years when I underwent a transplant. Am a Mechanical Engineering graduate. Live in Pune, Maharashtra (India). Currently am handling my dads business and leading a normal healthy life. |
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Scott Fouts, Wife: Sandy & Son: Timmy. Scott was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at age 11 and had a bilateral lung transplant at age 41 on February 27, 2007, only one month after being listed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Scott & Sandy were foster parents to Timmy for two years and when they found out they were going to get to adopt, Scott decided it was time to be evaluated for the transplant. They are hoping to some day meet the donor's family to express their deep gratitude for the gift of life that was given. Feel free to check out his story in more detail at: http://hometown.aol.com/neverslowdown/transplant.html |
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Scott received a double lung transplant in 2001. Since that time he has competed in 24 short course triathlons, 3 Half Ironman distance triathlons, 4 unfinished attempts at Ironman distance triathlon (including Ironman Hawaii), 1 finished attempt at Ironman distance (Ironman Florida, 2006) , 3 Half Marathons, 15 or so 5Ks. He also enjoys surfing, kayaking, hiking and cooking. |
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Stacey Leanne Pchajek died tragically following a motor vehicle accident at the age of thirteen. Stacey always wanted to help people and that’s why her parents knew, without any doubt, that she would want to be an organ donor. Stacey lives on in the lives of six other people and through the Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation, which is a nonprofit charitable organization providing scholarships, bursaries & prizes to students graduating grades 8 & 12. http://www.spmf.ca/ |
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Stephanie after her multi visceral transplant (liver, small intestine, stomach and pancreas) on 4/17/2006. Steph has a history of familial polyposis and desmoid tumors that led to short bowel syndrome requiring her to live on TPN for years. This all lead to liver and intestinal failure therefore eventually the need for her multivisceral transplant. You can read more about Stephs journey at her homepage.
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Steve Ferkau lives in
Chicago with his wife, Laura. Steve has cystic fibrosis and
was transplanted four days before his 40th birthday
in April, 2000. He established direct contact with his donor
family a few years after his transplant. His donor was a
beautiful 17-year-old girl from Iowa named Kari. Kari was
healthy, but twice in the month before she passed she let her
family know she felt strongly about organ donation. Steve now
participates in building climbs like the Hustle up the Hancock
with his team, "Kari's Klimbers". Steve regularly speaks for
Gift of Hope ( Illinois) promoting organ donation. He
maintains a tribute to Kari at: http://www.climbingforkari.org/ |
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Susy received a double
lung transplant on November 23, 1999. |
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Sylvia is a Cystic
Fibrosis patient, and she received a double lung transplant at
Jackson Memorial Hospital January of 2006. Her husband Bob is
with her in this photo. |
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Tasha Knobel received a
kidney transplant 12/10/99. |
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I'm Terri, I was born with Tyrosinemia and had my liver transplant in 1991 at age 13. I run at the U.S. Transplant Games and ran my first marathon in October 2007. You can visit my website for more about my story: http://hometown.aol.com/terri7291/index.html |
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Todd was born with
Transposition of the 2 Great Arteries and had three open heart
corrective surgeries by the age of 4. With these medical
miracles, medication and the unparalleled care his doctors,
Todd's own heart lasted until shortly after his 33rd birthday.
At that point he received the most the most precious gift, a
heart transplant. This allows Todd to spend more quality time
with his wife and their 3 kids. Todd says that his wife "is
truly my angel!" |
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Tom "Rocket Heart" Emahiser, heart transplant recipient 1/26/05. |
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My name is Trisha Hanley and I live in Lantana, Florida. I’m 39 years old, I’ve been married now for 15 years, and I have two beautiful daughters and three crazy dogs. This is my dad, Lou, who suffered from ESRD and recently passed away January 3, 2008. I was scheduled to be his live kidney donor in May 2007 when a sudden twist of fate took us both down another path. In honor of my dad, I will continue to help others here at Transplant Buddies as they have helped us. Although my journey did not end as I wanted it to, it has given me life experience that has made me a better and stronger person. I love you for these lessons Dad…..always have & always will. |
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Vicki is a CF patient, and she received a double lung transplant at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on Oct 27, 2007. She is married to Dan, and they
share an 18 month-old son, Samuel and a 3 year-old pug named
Pudge. |
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Zachary Renwick, son of
Jodi, received a liver transplant 08/27/01. |
Contact