Living Organ Donor Program at UAB

Описание: Debbie Shearer's son, George, lost his life in a car accident. Her son's final act was to try to give life to others through donation of his organs.

As a result of the accident, George's organs were unable to be donated. However, that single act set in motion a series of events that even the most altruistic of souls could have never seen coming.

Taking inspiration from her son, Debbie decided to become a living donor and give one of her kidneys to someone in need in honor of George. Her decision brought her to UAB in Birmingham and the transplant specialists at the UAB Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Clinic.

Debbie's decision to donate started a donation chain. This happens when donors are willing to donate, but do not have a paired recipient. The donors and recipients are matched together, thus creating the donation chain. As a result, Debbie's donation of a single kidney meant life for many others awaiting a transplant.

Debbie's donation resulted in what is known as a "Living Donor" transplant, where a donor gives up one of their two kidneys for someone in need. Living donors are carefully screened and only the healthiest donors are allowed to donate an organ.

For more information about the living donor program.