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Transplant

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A second chance at life: How a selfless organ donor saved this young mom's life

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Apr 5, 2024

After passing her nurse practitioner boards with high marks and welcoming her second child to the world in June of 2020, Katie Blalock had a lot to celebrate. But just a month later, she woke up confused in a hospital...

Dialysis or transplant? During kidney failure, know your options

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Aug 21, 2023

When your kidneys are no longer working effectively, waste products and fluid build up in the blood. When kidneys fail—often because of diabetes, high blood pressure or hereditary conditions—the damage can spread to other parts of the body. If you’re...

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How living liver donors shorten wait times for those needing a transplant

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Jul 14, 2023

For many people, waiting on a liver transplant can take years on the current wait list. The traditional organ donor model of waiting on a deceased donor’s organ to match the recipient has created significant wait times for those in...

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A guide to organ donation

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Jul 5, 2023

Nearly 104,000 Americans are waiting for a life-saving organ, but fewer than 43,000 transplants occurred last year in the United States. “As you can see, there are a lot of people waiting, but not a lot of donors,” said Cinda...

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How David found hope through a liver transplant after alcohol use disorder

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Jun 9, 2023

David Hutchison has been a Blue Bell delivery driver for over two decades. He’s in his early 40s, and his son and wife work in the ice cream business, too. While he often enjoyed having some drinks after work or...

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From police officer to transplant recipient, the amazing journey of Kevin Lopez’ heart

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Jun 8, 2023

That Kevin Lopez is able to share the amazing story of his heart is a medical miracle. A retired police officer, former EMT and fireman, and US Air Force veteran, he was only 36 when he had his first heart...

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Son steps up to donate liver, saving his mom’s life

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May 23, 2023

When Carol Jaster needed a liver transplant due to her autoimmune condition, both of her adult children stepped up to help—including offering to be a donor. While both her son and daughter have busy careers and families, giving their mom...

Happily ever after: Couple ties the knot after lifesaving liver transplant

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Jan 24, 2023

When Brandi and Pete fell in love, he was healthy—but liver disease was slowly taking its toll. Brandi knew in her heart it was her destiny to save his life by donating her liver. This is their love story, in...

After lung transplant, Lorenzo cherishes every breath

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Dec 20, 2022

Lorenzo had always been healthy, so when he suddenly started having trouble breathing, he knew something was wrong. One day while playing volleyball, he began coughing and just couldn’t stop. For 45 minutes, he could not catch his breath.Concerned, he...

“Liver buddies” for life: Niece saves her aunt’s life through organ donation

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Nov 17, 2022

As aunt and niece, Demaris and Brittney have always had a special bond. For them, family is everything. So, when Brittney found out that Demaris needed a new liver, she didn’t hesitate to offer hers. Now self-described “liver buddies,” the...

Saving hearts and lives: A behind-the-scenes look at the heart transplant process

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Aug 10, 2022

When the transplant team at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas gets the call about a possible donor heart, many processes and people start moving—quickly. And if multiple calls happen back-to-back, that’s where the team really springs into action.The heart...

Busting 6 common myths about organ donation

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Jan 2, 2022

Have you considered becoming an organ donor? More than 100,000 people in the US are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One person is added to the national waiting list every nine minutes. Despite the need, there remain a lot...

Can transplant recipients be “weaned” off anti-rejection drugs?

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Dec 6, 2021

When I received my liver transplant in 2004, I knew that in order to protect this incredible gift of life, I would stay on anti-rejection medication for the rest of my life. “Sure thing,” I thought. “I will do everything...

A life-changing kidney transplant and a major milestone: Baylor University Medical Center celebrates 10,000th transplanted organ

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Oct 7, 2021

When Jose Suarez moved to Dallas in the mid-80’s, he worked as a high-rise window washer. He remembers washing the windows at Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, and wondering what it was like inside...

A dynamic donor duo: Husband and wife both donate kidneys to strangers

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Apr 2, 2021

Becoming a living organ donor for a friend or relative is an unparalleled act of kindness. And donors who decide to give the gift of life to a perfect stranger? They fall into an entirely different category. Katie and Chris...

After years of chronic pain, islet autotransplantation changed this man’s life

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Dec 29, 2020

Chronic pancreatitis can lead to debilitating, life-limiting pain. That pain routinely stopped David Wright in his tracks. “I would literally double over and couldn’t move,” he said.Medication would sometimes reduce the attacks. Pain blocks administered by an advanced endoscopist at Baylor...

Islet cell transplant frees teen from life of chronic pain

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Jan 31, 2020

13-year-old Randy Lopez is no stranger to pain. Ever since he was a toddler, Randy has battled the pain of a genetic disease called chronic pancreatitis — until now. Thanks to a total pancreatectomy with islet cell transplantation, Randy is...

A gift of love: Wife saves husband’s life through organ donation

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Jan 13, 2020

As a successful practicing attorney, father of two young children and supportive husband, Joel Elliott is quite accustomed to the on-the-go lifestyle. So much so that his wife Cristy explains, “He is the gas, I am the brake.” With 18...

Martial arts helps chaplain thrive after heart transplant

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Dec 27, 2019

For Eric Daniell, everything has come full circle. He spent more than a decade ministering to others as a hospital chaplain. At the Dallas VA Medical Center, he found his calling lending a hand to veterans returning from the battlefield.And...

How my son saved my life by donating his liver

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Nov 7, 2019

Usually it’s the son who looks up to his dad as his hero but for me, my son is my hero. His selfless decision to donate his liver saved my life.I was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in September...