November 25, 2019
After ‘Just Surviving’ on Dialysis, Canna Celebrates Life With a New Kidney
Canna Caldwell endured a four-year wait for a new kidney. And for 2½ of those years, she required dialysis four days a week — a grueling experience that sapped her energy and narrowed her world. But then Canna got the call she had been waiting so long to receive, and a kidney transplant transformed her […]
November 20, 2019
Taking Life One Easy Breath at a Time
When Tim Thomforde was diagnosed with COPD, his quality of life began to gradually decline, and he had to abandon many of the activities he enjoyed. Since undergoing a double lung transplant two years ago, however, Tim has had experiences he never dreamed possible when he was struggling with COPD.
Tags: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, Dr. Mark Wylam, Dr. Richard Daly, Lung Transplant Program, Mayo Clinic Transplant Center
November 15, 2019
Motorcycle Dreaming After Two Heart Transplants
When Dale Leighton underwent a heart transplant at Mayo Clinic, the motorcycling enthusiast believed his days of poor health were behind him. But the new heart failed to work. For Dale, who’s dealt with life-threatening heart disease for years, that meant a second heart transplant and a second journey through recovery.
Tags: Dr. Richard Daly, Heart transplant, ventricular assist device
November 6, 2019
Arizona Family is ‘Transplant Strong’ for Son’s Journey to Kidney Health
When Kendon Holdaway found out he would need a kidney transplant, his close-knit family rallied around him. With his mother as his living donor, and his father and siblings stepping up to be caregivers, the transplant turned into a bonding experience that drew the family even closer.
Tags: Living-donor kidney transplant, Mayo Clinic Transplant Center
October 4, 2019
Pedaling His Way to a Successful Heart Transplant
Told he needed a heart transplant to stay alive, Greg Williams could have simply sat back and waited. Instead, he chose to take ownership of his health by exercising in his hospital room at Mayo Clinic right up until the day of his transplant in hopes of preparing his body and mind as best he […]
Tags: Cardiac Rehab Program, Cardiogenic shock, Dr. Alfredo Clavell, Dr. Richard Daly, Heart transplant, Mayo Clinic Transplant Center
September 6, 2019
Kidney Transplant is All in the Family
When Jose Ramirez learned his kidneys were failing and he needed a transplant, his sister Kelsey Ramirez-Macias immediately stepped forward to be his donor. With guidance from Mayo Clinic’s Hispanic Transplant Program, the Ramirez family navigated the transplant process, and now Jose’s health has been restored.
Tags: Living-donor kidney donation, Mayo Clinic Hispanic Transplant Program
August 19, 2019
After Kidney and Pancreas Transplant, Allma Says Goodbye to Diabetes
For decades, Allma Johnson managed her diabetes with insulin and diet. But at 43, her heart and kidneys were failing as a result of the disease, and she needed a kidney and pancreas transplant. Today, thanks to the transplant she received at Mayo Clinic, Allma’s diabetes and its devastating complications are gone.
Tags: diabetes, Dr. Andrew Singer, Dr. Brian Hardaway, Dr. Hasan Khamash, Dr. Winston Hewitt, kidney transplant, Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, pancreas transplant
August 2, 2019
Fighting Leukemia, Then Joining the Team
When Nicklaus Lego was diagnosed with an aggressive blood and bone marrow cancer, he was told his chances of survival were slim. To beat the disease, Nic needed a bone marrow transplant and an expert medical team. At Mayo Clinic, Nic found both. And in the process, he discovered a new life’s mission.
Tags: Acute myeloid leukemia, Bone Marrow Transplant program, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Dr. Allison Rosenthal, Dr. Jeanne Palmer, Kidney Failure, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Mayo Clinic in Arizona
July 19, 2019
Living and Breathing His Truth About Organ Donation
At 71, Robert thought he was too old to qualify for lung transplantation. Affected by a devastating, rare disease that destroyed his lung function, the Florida retiree had all but given up hope that the illness wouldn’t claim his life — until his Mayo Clinic medical team stepped in and encouraged him to pursue a […]
Tags: Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Augustine Lee, Dr. David Erasmus, Dr. Ian Makey, lung transplant, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Transplant Center
July 17, 2019
From Health Care Advisor to Transplant Patient to Mayo Clinic Employee
Piper Nieters Su had spent years in Washington, D.C., working with institutions like Mayo Clinic on health care policy reform. Piper’s relationship with Mayo Clinic changed dramatically, however, after she was diagnosed with a rare liver disease.
Tags: Dr. Charles Rosen, Liver Transplant, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Saint Marys Campus