​Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Patient Stories

Our team at the UPMC Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program strives to make a positive difference in each patient.

During a stressful time full of decisions and next steps, we hope that by reading the success stories of previous patients you will be able to focus on the potential impact that a transplant can have on your quality of life.

(Note: These patients' treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.)

Jerry Ivory



 

Jerry Ivory’s kidneys were over 40 lbs and larger than footballs when they were removed, a result of a genetic illness called polycystic kidney disease. He had to quit work and had difficulty even breathing. With his kidneys gone, dialysis was only a short-term solution and no one in his immediate family was qualified to be a living donor.
 
After more than three years on the waitlist, Steve Fields, a postal worker from Oklahoma, who had been previously introduced to Jerry through a mutual friend came into the picture.
 
Since the transplant, Jerry can now spend time with his family without extreme fatigue or dialysis. Steve has returned to his normal life – carrying mail eight to 12 miles a day with no problem. Jerry feels extremely grateful that there are still good people like Steve who truly care about helping others.

» Read Jerry's story

Kathy and Courtney Bost



 

Kathy Bost of Pittsburgh and Courtney Bost of Hershey, Pa. are married to two brothers with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a slowly progressing genetic condition that leads to several life-threatening illnesses. When their husbands were in need of transplants, Kathy and Courtney wanted to help.

» Read Kathy's story

» Read Courtney's story

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