Transplant Patient Stories

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Every transplant is a unique experience of hope that can bring reassurance to thousands of others. Many who have undergone transplants at Houston Methodist have shared their story. Whether you are a patient, a living donor or a patient’s loved one, your journey of hope and healing can raise awareness about this life-giving gift and bring reassurance to those who are currently waiting for a transplant.

Heart Transplant: Harvey's Story

When former NBA player Harvey Catchings underwent surgery for a rare heart condition, more issues were discovered and he was quickly hospitalized and put on the waiting list for a heart transplant. Learn more about his new teammates at Houston Methodist and what they went through together in his journey for a new heart.      

Heart Transplant: Lucio's Story

At 50 years old, Lucio Arreola needed a heart transplant. Worried that his new heart wouldn't 'love the same' he wrote a song for the old one. Learn more about his inspiring story in the Houston Chronicle. 

How a Transplant Saved Both of Our Lives: The McBride Story

The journey for transplant patients is typically challenging, but Michael and Kris McBride faced more challenges than most in their years-long journey. Learn more about how they saved each other's lives along the way. 

Living Kidney Donation: Diane's Story

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Diane Ikonomidis is an alltruistic donor. Her generosity answered thirty years of prayer for the recipient of her kidney donation. Learn more about Diane's special story.  

Living Kidney Donation: Tina and Christy's Story

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Tina and Christy share a strong bond. After six years of being on dialysis, Tina needed a kidney transplant and Christy didn't hesitate to help. Learn more about their special bond.  

Left Ventricular Assist Device: Curtis’ Story

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Diagnosed with congestive heart failure, Curtis Dumesnil became so sick he couldn’t breathe. The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) Houston Methodist doctors implanted vastly improved Dumesnil’s health and his quality of life, allowing him to travel, fish and start his own business. “It’s the smartest thing I ever did,” Dumesnil said. “I haven’t felt this good in years.”

Lung Transplant: Joshua's Story

Joshua Garza had a chance to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in January, but he passed it up thinking he didn't really need it. Now, the 43-year-old is hoping to inspire others to get the vaccine after he became so ill with COVID-19 that he needed a double lung transplant to survive. Learn more on ABC News. Joshua also recently spoke to the U.S. Congress as covered by USA TODAY.

Lung Transplant: Jesus' Story

Transplant, a special three-part series from the Houston Chronicle follows the COVID-19 diagnosis and subsequent double-lung transplant of 29 year-old Jesus Ceja Ceja. 

Chapter 1: The diagnosis

Chapter 2: The match

Chapter 3: Recovery 

Lung Transplant: Dr. McKenzie's Story

When thoracic and congenital heart surgeon Dean McKenzie, MD needed a life-saving lung transplant, he turned to Houston Methodist. His transplant surgeon Erik Eddie Suarez, MD trained with Dr. McKenzie when he was a resident in this inspiring story. Learn more. 

Multi-Organ Transplant: Tara's Story

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Tara Goodwin was just seven months old when she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. By the time she was 31, she was in need of a lung-liver transplant. At the time fewer than 100 patients had ever undergone this type of multi-organ transplant. A year later, her lung capacity is 100% and she's enjoying her second chance at living life to the fullest. Learn more. 

Organ Donation: Creating a Never Ending Chain

Kidney swaps are of growing importance as there continues to be long waits on kidney organ lists. Learn more about how to create a never ending chain and the importance of organ donation. 

Kidney Transplant 

  • Greg Liberty overcame a multiple myeloma and a double lung and kidney transplant to return to the sidelines as the Rice Owls' recruiting coordinator and defensive assistant.
  • Dawn Dupree traveled all the way from England to have her kidney transplant at Houston Methodist. 
  • Marcy Shipp saved three lives by donating a kidney through the Houston Methodist donor swap program.
  • Candace Wathan had suffered from diabetes since childhood and got a new lease on life through a kidney-pancreas transplant.
  • Kenneth King received the most loving and life-changing gift a spouse could give: a new kidney from his wife, Angie.

 

Heart Transplant 

 

 

Liver Transplant

 

  • Leslie Dial was diagnosed with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. After four years, she received the call she'd been waiting for - a donor liver was ready.
  • Laura Criel found herself fighting to stay alive at age 23 when she received not one liver transplant but two — the second saved her life.
  • Kande Fogle is now cancer free after receiving a life-saving liver transplant. 
  • Tyrone Ivory now lives a life that does not revolve around sickness after receiving a heart-liver transplant.
  • Beverly Lanier is thankful for the treatment she received at Houston Methodist after undergoing a liver transplant to survive cancer.

 

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs)

  • Cloyd Powell, a retired soldier, received an LVAD device that helped bridge the gap until a donor heart became available.

 

Islet Transplant 

  • Susan Bienduga suffered from chronic pancreatitis for more than 10 years; now an islet transplant lets her lead a pain-free life.      

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