OT - Kidney Transplant Successful

Submitted by EastCoast Esq. on December 23rd, 2020 at 11:38 AM

Hi all,

As some of you know, my father-in-law has a hereditary kidney disease that slowly destroyed his kidney function over time and forced him to go on dialysis about a year and a half ago. We did everything we could to find him a kidney donor, and fellow Wolverine Dave Heal came through big time.

A few of you asked me to keep you updated as we got closer to the surgery date, and while I said I would, I ended up staying tight-lipped with most people outside of my immediate circle due to an irrational fear of jinxing things / Dave changing his mind (seriously, though, Dave is an absolute saint. I waited for him to change his mind about giving a stranger a kidney for a year+ now and....nope. Just a f*cking saint).

That fear is no longer applicable, as the kidney transplant surgery was successfully completed on December 18th, and both Dave and Ed are at home recovering. Ed now has a functioning kidney and Dave has lost a couple pounds of holiday-eating weight (his joke, not mine).

Thank you again for all the support, and please send all the positive, Blue vibes in the world to Dave for being a miracle in human form. The Michigan community is truly something else, and I could not be prouder to be a Wolverine.

And, as always, Go Blue!

MGoBoard

rob f

December 23rd, 2020 at 11:44 AM ^

So happy for your father-in-law and you and your loved ones!  Without a doubt, a merry Christmas and bright holiday season for the "East Coast" family.

And kudos to Dave Heal for his healing donation. Wonderful to read about folks like him helping a complete stranger.

BTW, I encourage everyone, if you haven't yet done so, to sign up as an organ donor next time you renew your DL.  It's easy and might just make a difference for somebody.

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 194824

Code-7

December 23rd, 2020 at 11:51 AM ^

This is fantastic news! We have had a few major surgeries in the family this past year, but everyone recovered very well. Truly some great news to celebrate in an otherwise crappy year.

Go Blue and Happy Holidays, EC!

Joined: 02/27/2014

MGoPoints: 19863

BoCanHam15

December 23rd, 2020 at 12:06 PM ^

Wow all is not lost in 2020!!!  Thanks for the update.  God Bless you and your families during these trying times.  Tell your dad I said congrats and I know how he feels it’s been almost 20 years for me!!!  I will have a great day today based upon this great news!!!!  GO BLUE!!!!  Dave you’re the man!!!  

Joined: 07/08/2016

MGoPoints: 16100

901 P

December 23rd, 2020 at 12:20 PM ^

Wow--one of the best things I've read on the internet in awhile. Congrats on the transplant and hoping for a quick recovery. And Dave deserves infinite praise. I can only imagine how grateful you are, and how impossible it is to fully express your gratitude to him. A very heartwarming Christmas story. 

Joined: 01/12/2015

MGoPoints: 9973

EastCoast Esq.

December 24th, 2020 at 1:35 PM ^

They're too intelligent / humble.

Seriously, though, I had an incredibly smart group of people in my high school graduating class. The ones who were true geniuses and/or genuinely decent people went into law, engineering, medicine, etc. The pompous loud mouths were the ones who got involved in politics XD

Joined: 07/16/2012

MGoPoints: 22968

1VaBlue1

December 23rd, 2020 at 12:27 PM ^

Outstanding to hear something like this!  I remember you're original story earlier, and I'm very happy it all worked out!  Merry Christmas to you, your FIL, and to Dave Heal - an extraordinary (and appropriately named) person!

Joined: 01/31/2016

MGoPoints: 127087

MIdocHI

December 23rd, 2020 at 12:31 PM ^

Thanks for the uplifting news!  That is great.  I am glad that your father-in-law is doing well.  Dave Heal is a saint.  It can be difficult to donate a kidney to a loved one. Donating to a stranger is incredible.  He truly is a saint and just the example we need at this time of year and in THIS year particularly with all that has happened.  Best wishes to everyone and a speedy recovery to all!

Joined: 11/08/2009

MGoPoints: 1323

Toasted Yosties

December 23rd, 2020 at 12:54 PM ^

Happy news! Reading this story is timely for me. An uncle of mine has cancer in one of his kidneys and is, at this moment, having surgery to removed the kidney at UofM hospital. Hoping to hear soon that he’s in recovery. 

Joined: 06/05/2013

MGoPoints: 9261

Old Alum

December 23rd, 2020 at 1:18 PM ^

Wonderful news. So glad to hear it went well and everyone is recovering from the surgery. 

My sister had a kidney transplant 20 years ago, and is still doing well. The whole thing is pretty miraculous. 

Joined: 08/30/2014

MGoPoints: 4114

1989 UM GRAD

December 23rd, 2020 at 1:48 PM ^

I wish I had more to give in response to this than my one measly upvote.

Best wishes to your father-in-law on a healthy recovery and for many more years ahead.

And of course a hearty Go Blue to Dave...who is definitely worthy of the term "hero."

Joined: 03/08/2012

MGoPoints: 1530772

MDH68

December 23rd, 2020 at 3:03 PM ^

Awesome news! I too encourage everyone to become a organ donor. I had a double lung transplant 19 yrs ago at U of M due to cystic Fibrosis. I would not be alive if not for the donated organs.

GO BLUE

Joined: 05/01/2010

MGoPoints: 1126

Jeff_GoBlue

December 23rd, 2020 at 4:26 PM ^

Wow MDH68, that is an incredible story!!!  I actually work for UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing).  UNOS is a non-profit that manages the waitlist and organ allocation for the entire US.  Both this post and stories like yours make it very rewarding to go to work every day!!!  

We are always seeking great stories like yours to promote organ donation and our mission.  Let me know if you are interested in getting involved and we can connect.

This goes for the OP as well!

Joined: 12/22/2020

MGoPoints: 571

MDH68

December 23rd, 2020 at 9:18 PM ^

Jeff

I can talk all day about carpentry,which is what I do for a living, Michigan athletics and bowhunting,

But I dont do well talking in depth about myself. I have been asked by a few local papers to do a news paper story and I have respectfully declined. Just makes me real uncomfortable. I totaly understand the need to promote . I was looking for any information out there as I was going through the transplant process. unos website was very helpfull in preparing me. I will say I have been extremely healthy since transplant. Very few boughts of rejection or hospitalizations in 19yrs.

I will also add to the OP my mother inlaw and brother inlaw have both had kidney transplants and are doing really well. Both have a herditary kidney disease,but you wouldnt know after transplant.

GO BLUE

Joined: 05/01/2010

MGoPoints: 1126

MGoStretch

December 23rd, 2020 at 3:12 PM ^

Heal Yea! Awesome stuff from Dave and congrats to your FIL. I’m not gonna lie, it’s dusty in my office currently. Someone might be cutting onion too.

Joined: 03/20/2015

MGoPoints: 8630

SD Larry

December 23rd, 2020 at 3:36 PM ^

Congratulations and God speed to you, your family and father in law.  One of my closest friends from Michigan had a successful kidney transplant from wife three years ago at U of M Hospital.  Turned out well.  Truly life changing and saving.  My friend had enormous confidence with everyone involved at U of M Hospital and could not have been more effusive in his praise of what they did.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Joined: 10/05/2014

MGoPoints: 40988

Kewl

December 23rd, 2020 at 3:45 PM ^

That is so cool!  Glad everyone is doing well.  I only have one kidney and it doesn’t seem to matter... yet.  Good ol lefty is doing his job.  

Joined: 05/06/2015

MGoPoints: 430

bluenoteSA80

December 23rd, 2020 at 5:06 PM ^

Having gone through my own major health scare in 2020, I can really empathize with you and your family's feelings. Great news and best wishes for continued recovery and good health!

Joined: 01/18/2011

MGoPoints: 3033

Sultans17

December 23rd, 2020 at 5:48 PM ^

I bet for every guy that logs in to comment on this amazing story there's 100 who are reading it and thinking the same thing I am. Fantastic news, so inspirational and truly a blessing that the docs did such a great job. Best wishes to your father in law for a speedy recovery and wow, just WOW to Dave Heal for bringing a Christmas miracle to your family!  

Go Blue to all!

Joined: 06/04/2020

MGoPoints: 793