When we began this blog, we knew that many of the other young people who received kidney transplants in 1969 might no longer be with us. We were disappointed to learn that Terri Salyer had died in 1999, shortly after the 30th Anniversary of her first kidney transplant.
For any of the boys in Childrens Hospital at the time, Terri was a great friend and encourager. Her smile alone was enough to make any of these boys perk up. As a 14 year old girl, she was one of the oldest in the hospital that summer and she commanded the attention of each boy on the wing. She was kind, friendly, caring and understanding. Having had her surgery earlier in the summer, Terri was an old pro by the time several of the younger kids followed in her footsteps and she took the time to keep them motivated after their transplants.
Terri's kidney failure was related to the discovery of an obstructive urophy, or a urinary tract with congenital abnormalities. In addition, she would come to battle infection that would complicate matters, ultimately leading to her transplant that summer.
Terri's situation presents a valid reminder that early detection is critical in protecting one's kidneys from potential long-term damage. Such can often be the case today after the use of certain strong medications or antibiotics. Routine tests should be conducted by a physician in order to be sure that the kidneys are continuing to perform normally with no sign of deterioration. In many cases, kidney damage is avoidable with the right diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
We understand that her 1969 transplant was not her last, still after several surgeries, Terri died on September 20, 1999.
Some might say that 45 years is an exceptional life span for a kidney transplant survivor. Frankly, we're saddened that she is gone. She was one of the best on the team: The Childrens Hospital Class of 1969.
For any of the boys in Childrens Hospital at the time, Terri was a great friend and encourager. Her smile alone was enough to make any of these boys perk up. As a 14 year old girl, she was one of the oldest in the hospital that summer and she commanded the attention of each boy on the wing. She was kind, friendly, caring and understanding. Having had her surgery earlier in the summer, Terri was an old pro by the time several of the younger kids followed in her footsteps and she took the time to keep them motivated after their transplants.
Terri's kidney failure was related to the discovery of an obstructive urophy, or a urinary tract with congenital abnormalities. In addition, she would come to battle infection that would complicate matters, ultimately leading to her transplant that summer.
Terri's situation presents a valid reminder that early detection is critical in protecting one's kidneys from potential long-term damage. Such can often be the case today after the use of certain strong medications or antibiotics. Routine tests should be conducted by a physician in order to be sure that the kidneys are continuing to perform normally with no sign of deterioration. In many cases, kidney damage is avoidable with the right diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
We understand that her 1969 transplant was not her last, still after several surgeries, Terri died on September 20, 1999.
Some might say that 45 years is an exceptional life span for a kidney transplant survivor. Frankly, we're saddened that she is gone. She was one of the best on the team: The Childrens Hospital Class of 1969.
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