Kidney donation runs in the family

Who’s who? Hover over the icons to find out. In addition to being relatives, Susie Percy, her brother Paul Bears, Jr., her father Paul Bears, Sr. and his brother-in-law Bill Cashell all have one thing in common — they each have one kidney. “Kidney donation is a family affair,” says Susie. Thirty-four years ago, Bill Cashell gave a kidney to his son Sean, who was born with a rare genetic condition called Alport syndrome. Eleven years later, when Sean needed a new kidney, his Uncle Paul, Sr. stepped forward. And nine years after that, when Sean was experiencing rejection, Paul Jr. offered to donate to his cousin. Fast forward 14 years. Bill Cashell’s grandson Joseph Abbott, an honor student and varsity soccer player, also born with Alport syndrome, finds himself needing a kidney. His mom’s cousin Susie doesn’t hesitate to offer hers. “It is really strange, but I always knew it would be her,” says Joseph’s mom Mary Abbott. “We had a lot of people tested, but I always knew it would be Susie. They have good kidneys.” Mary Abbott with her son Joseph According to UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing, 21 people die each day because the organs they need are not donated in time. Joseph Abbott didn’t have to wait. Susie was a perfect match. “It is my hope that by telling our story, those considering being an organ donor see that people who donate can continue to lead long, healthy and active lives and improve the lives of others,” says Mary....
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Our Patients’ Stories Heung Bae Kim kidney kidney donation kidney transplant Kidney Transplant Program living donor organ donation Pediatric Transplant Center (PTC) Source Type: news