Hundreds of organ transplant patients come through the doors of our hospitals each year, and each patient has a unique, personal story to tell. The following stories narrate the transplantation process for each patient - from the time the patient became ill to their recovery from the transplant. The stories also reveal some of the thoughts and feelings our patients had as they progressed through the transplantation process. 

To read the extraordinary stories of our patients, click on the links below. It is our hope that their stories are an inspiration and encouragement to all organ transplant patients.

Living Life to the Fullest Byron Clark Successful Liver Transplant Recipient Byron was just 44 years old when doctors found a cancerous tumor in his liver. The doctors removed the tumor on April 30, 1998. However, Byron was told he would also need a liver transplant in order to survive. more...

The Christmas Wish John Feck Successful Kidney Transplant Recipient After suffering from chronic headaches for some time, John's mother, Linda, asked him to visit a doctor for her Christmas present in December 1995. John agreed and soon made an appointment. He walked into the doctor's office one man and came out a completely different one. more...

A Five-Time Champion Art Hull Successful Kidney Transplant Recipient For 24 years, Art lived with a kidney disorder that was diagnosed during a routine physical exam. The doctor told Art that he could delay the onset of end stage renal failure if he quit smoking and lost weight. Art quit smoking, embraced a healthier diet and engaged in a regular physical fitness routine. However, the kidney disorder did not go away.  more...

Between Father and Son Ian and Harold Kaplan Successful Living Related Liver Donation Ian and Harold Kaplan have a very special relationship. In 1979, Harold gave his son life, and 20 years later he had the opportunity to do the same once again. In 1999, Harold became the second living related liver donor in Ohio. Harold was given the opportunity to give his son, Ian, a very special gift--a future. more...

Family Ties Calvin and Taswell Shaw Kidney Transplant Survivor and Donor Calvin, along with his two brothers and sister, suffered from low blood pressure. In 1993, after more than ten years of battling the disease, Calvin was forced to have one of his damaged kidneys removed. A few years later Calvin began dialysis, because his remaining kidney could no longer function on its own.  more...

Beating the Odds Again and Again Debbie Tunnacliffe Successful Heart Transplant Recipient Debbie Tunnacliffe's life is an inspiration of courage and survival, and her story gives new meaning to the word "survivor." It was Valentine's Day in 1996 when Debbie, eight months pregnant with her second child, found a cancerous lump in her breast. Three days later, she gave birth to her son, Matt. more...