Stephen Mensch was like any other young father, happily married and enjoying life. That is, until he started feeling the effects of his chronic liver condition that would soon leave him in desperate need of a transplant. In his early 20s, Stephen was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a chronic liver disease in which … Continue reading How his best friend became his living organ donor
One year ago, we welcomed the birth of our second baby delivered from a transplanted uterus. Today, we celebrate her birthday and the hope she brings to women born with absolute uterine factor infertility. She’s the reason we believe in miracles. Do you? The second phase of our uterus transplant trial is currently seeking donors to … Continue reading Video: Celebrating the birthday of our second baby delivered from a transplanted uterus
Talking to the parents of the first baby born in the U.S. after a uterus transplant, you wouldn’t know they were part of a major medical milestone in a landmark clinical trial. They’re just like any other set of parents — overjoyed and in love with their precious baby boy, who recently celebrated his first … Continue reading A message of hope for those struggling with infertility
When her brother’s kidneys began to fail, nothing could keep Bindu from saving his life, not even the nearly 10,000 miles separating them. From Coimbatore, India, all the way to Dallas, Texas, Bindu made the selfless decision to be her brother Biji’s living organ donor. Since childhood, the two siblings have always been close, but … Continue reading Sister travels all the way from India to be her brother’s living kidney donor
Ja’Niece DeCay promised to love her husband through sickness and in health. What she didn’t realize was that one day she would offer an even greater sacrifice to her husband’s brother — her own kidney. The search for a lifesaving kidney Kenny DeCay was encouraged to get tested for kidney disease after his twin brother … Continue reading With dialysis looming, Kenny’s living kidney transplant was the gift of a lifetime
For a few moments, time stood still at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple. Employees from all areas of the hospital gathered and lined the hallways to pay tribute to the life and legacy of 21-year-old Matthew Spahn. Matthew’s final farewell lap Nearly two weeks after being struck by a vehicle early in … Continue reading Hospital staff honors 21-year-old organ donor in moving “Walk of Respect”
“Why don’t you compete in the Transplant Olympics?” A friend asked me this question back in early May 2018. “I’ve never heard of the Transplant Olympics,” I replied. But despite my lack of knowledge, I was intrigued. After doing some research, I learned the purpose of Transplant Games of America (TGA) is to honor organ … Continue reading 72-year-old lung transplant recipient honors organ donor by competing in Transplant Games
For a brief moment in time, Jimmy Taylor and Kevin Sheldon did not have hearts in their chests. They are two of the lucky few given a second chance at life — a new heart. In 2011, Jimmy’s heart function fell to less than 10 percent and was diagnosed with heart failure. Over time, his heart … Continue reading Two men with failing hearts granted new life and new friendship
In Women in Medicine, read stories of Baylor Scott & White physicians, leaders, employees and patients who are paving the way for women in the field of medicine. When Liza Johannesson, MD, set out to become a doctor, she had no idea her path would one day bring her here — to Dallas, Texas, transplanting uteruses … Continue reading Outlive Yourself Award: Inspiring surgeon recognized for impact in landmark uterus transplant clinical trials
Melany needed a kidney. Jennifer was a living organ donor. Brought together by organ donation, two complete strangers share their journey to an unforeseen friendship. Melany: The diagnosis Growing up, I’ve always been pretty sickly. Many mountains have crossed my health path, first beginning with the diagnosis of an autoimmune disease known as Crohn’s disease. … Continue reading How we became sisters through a kidney transplant
