Round #2: Another Successful Transplant

46 years after his 1969 kidney transplant at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and after nearly 10 years of dialysis treatments since that kidney had failed, in early December of 2015 Darel finally got the call he had been waiting for.  We rushed to reach the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood and for the next several weeks that hospital became our home away from home. 

While the bottom line was the same as in 1969 (a new kidney; a new life)... it was amazing to witness the many ways that the likelihood of transplant success had improved.  In Darel's case, it took a few weeks of "stop & go" as the transplanted kidney began to function again.  However, the team never gave up; they seemed to know exactly what medications to tweak... what change would create a better outcome for Darel.

So... as we enter our third Christmas season since that marvelous gift for Darel... we remain grateful that his days are productive and he continues to share his life in the company of dear family and friends.  

Thanks to our extended network of both family and friends who have prayed for Darel across the years.  It's been a fascinating journey with this amazing medical pioneer!