The Rogosin Institute

Transplantation

Valerie is a 43-year-old working mother who had chronic kidney disease as a result of lupus. She was on dialysis for three months at Rogosin and waiting for a kidney transplant.

No one in Valerie's family was a good match "Both my parents are elderly and my father has heart problems so they couldn't be donors. My son was too young to donate and everyone else was the wrong blood type," Valerie said.

Then, Jeanette, a co-worker, came forward with a life-saving offer. Jeanette was the only person who matched out of 22 people who volunteered to donate a kidney to Valerie.

"The fact that she would volunteer to do that for someone she barely knew when she had her own family - I think is remarkable," Valerie said.

Jeanette donated a kidney during a transplant operation that took place at New York-Presbyterian/Cornell in June 2007.

At Rogosin, the patient becomes part of the transplant team. Patients are given everything they need to feel comfortable with the process as they prepare for the transplant, through the surgery and during the all-important follow up period.

There is a lot of information and it may seem overwhelming at times, but Rogosin has a nurse educator who helps make the process easier for transplant patients and their families.

Valerie said, "They talk with you in very simple terms that are easy to understand. They are also willing to talk with your family and give you literature to read at home. They let you know that if you have questions you can call. I think this place is wonderful... I recommend it to everyone."

Valerie describes her recovery from the surgery as quick and easy. "If you follow the advice of the physicians and social workers, it's simple," she says.

"Once a month, Jeanette and I celebrate our anniversary, which people think is kind of silly. But every four weeks in your life - in my life - is a big deal. And in Jeanette's life, it is a big deal because every time she sees me, it's a reflection of how she helped someone."