Pioneer Patients’ Tribute to Transplant Forefathers
Linda Halbert
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"For thirty years I have had a wonderful life, thanks to you saying yes to the transplant that my local doctors would not do. Remember the "cold reacting" antibody? Also, if you had not done the transplant, I would not have had the opportunity to try to save my brothers life, like he saved mine. Since I lived and because he and I were HLA identical siblings, I was able to give him a stem cell transplant.
"I finished college with a B.S. in Mathematics, worked for twenty years at Texas Instruments and am currently semi-retired, but working as a computer science instructor for Wichita State University. I am riding my bicycle in the games and my hobby is dog agility and dog therapy.
"There are not enough words to express my appreciation for the gift that you gave to me thirty years ago."
Klarissa Ramirez
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"Dr. Salvatierra, on behalf of all your transplant patients and their families, words can't describe how grateful we are to you for giving us a new life. You are caring, kind, gentle, and very understanding. You also have a great sense of humor and made me laugh when things were rough. You are an awesome surgeon!! Before my transplant, your famous "hand squeeze" and your gentle words calmed me before surgery. We are forever grateful!! Thank you very much!!!"
Robert Tatro
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"You invoked confidence during a very emotional event with your caring explanation of the procedures and process, which my donor brother and I were about to undergo. That confidence carries me through to this day. Shortly after the transplant, I was attending a wedding in Wurtsburg, Germany, when I experienced rejection symptoms.
"There, the German nephrologists were able to determine that no rejection was taking place, but once I mentioned your name for conversation sake, faces lit up in the room, as they knew you as a well respected pioneer and other physicians came to see me and talk about you. The admiration the German physicians showed toward you reaffirmed my confidence that I had received the best transplant care available. While traveling the world, which I enjoy to this day, having just returned from Russia, I travel with confidence, inspired from the beginning of my transplant journey, that I was blessed to have been in your care.
Vielen Dank ab mein Bruder Niere (German for 'Thank you Very Much from my Brother's Kidney')"
Trine Brady
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"Dr. Starzl himself has said, “The success of transplantation is bewildering.” Hence, it would be impossible to measure the profound impact of Dr. Starzl’s work, but I can share my own story with you.
Dr. Starzl has done more for me than I could ever put into words. Not only was he the transplant surgeon who saved my life 20 years ago, when I was two, but he is also the one responsible for taking me off all medications - a feat which many other surgeons would not dare to even dream - more less accomplish.
I am grateful to Dr. Starzl for so many things, but mainly for the times I “haven’t missed.”
"Both, the little things like: feeling the sun shine on my face, or taking my dog Leila to the park, and the many special moments like: hearing the clinking of medals that recipients, like myself, had won at the Games, watching my nieces and nephews open Christmas presents, marrying the love of my life in a candlelit ceremony overlooking the Sydney Opera House, and evenings like tonight.
Dr. Starzl’s genius, research, and commitment to transplantation will ensure that, even after our time, someone else’s miracle will come true. On behalf of all of the miracle seekers, now and in the future, Dr. Starzl, I thank you."
Theresa Klick
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"The first time I met Dr. David Sutherland was February 6, 1987. I was anxious to meet this man that came highly recommended to me by his brother, Dr. John Sutherland, who I worked with at North Memorial. As soon as I saw him coming through the door, he reached out his hand to me and introduced himself. I felt a world of calmness and reassurance come over me. I saw a twinkle in his eye that said without words that everything will be all right and it has been for the most part, even through my second kidney transplant in 2001.
I am the person I am today because of Dr. Sutherland. I am sure if I hadn’t taken the pancreas transplant 17 years ago. I would not be here today, or if I was I would be feeble with juvenile diabetes. Today I have no heart problems, my blood sugar is under control and I have no insult reactions. I thank Dr. Sutherland for his outstanding wisdom and true caring for everyone he comes in contact with. Thank you, Dr. Sutherland."
Jim Casterline
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"The year was 1958. I was 18 years old and had been diagnosed with kidney disease. Given 6 months to live, I was discharged from the hospital so that I could spend my last Christmas at home. I did not die. I am here today not because of miracles or luck, but because of love. The love and care of my family and friends. The love of my father who donated his kidney so that I might live.
"But all this care, sacrifice and love would have failed if it had not been for the skills, research, dedication and most importantly, the love for their fellowman by Dr. Joseph Murray and his colleagues Drs. John Merrill and J. Hartwell Harrison.
Dr. Murray, thank you."
