what you do getting you back to University Transplant Center Experts On Life.

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1 2013 getting you back to what you do University Transplant Center

com Liver Program ONLY Living Donor Program in South Texas Lung Program Shortest Wait Times

2 getting you back to what you do living life. University Transplant Center 4502 Medical Dr. San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com Liver Program ONLY Living Donor Program in South Texas Lung Program Shortest Wait Times in the Region Kidney Program Expert Care to High Risk Patients Liver and Pancreatic Cancer Program Extensive End Stage Management

University Health System is the first and only health system in San

country to be awarded the Beacon Award for Clinical Care Excellence

3 University Health System is the first and only health system in San Antonio and South Texas to earn Magnet status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Our Transplant Intensive Care Unit is only the second in the country to be awarded the Beacon Award for Clinical Care Excellence by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. New Transplant Clinic inside University Hospital Opening 2014

Elizabeth Melendez Organ: Liver Transplant: May 18, 2000 On May 9, 2000, two-and-a-half weeks after Gina gave birth to her daughter Elizabeth, the baby girl was admitted to the hospital for liver

4 Elizabeth Melendez Organ: Liver Transplant: May 18, 2000 On May 9, 2000, two-and-a-half weeks after Gina gave birth to her daughter Elizabeth, the baby girl was admitted to the hospital for liver failure. I wish I had realized it was going to be almost a month before I would hold her again, Gina said. Elizabeth was too young then to remember her swollen belly, the long surgery and the stress her tiny body endured, but her scars are a reminder. Today Elizabeth is 12 and enjoying a normal life in the sixth grade. She loves her cats, drawing, listening to Christian music and exploring non-fiction books and documentaries. She hopes to be a veterinarian someday. You would never know what she went through as a baby. I had always prayed for a daughter, and once she was here I felt my dream had come true. I am so fortunate to have been able to keep my dream thanks to the doctors and nurses at University Transplant Center, Gina said. ELIZABETH GINA

University Transplant Center JANUARY 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 New Year s Day 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

5 University Transplant Center JANUARY 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday New Year s Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

Tony Duff & Organ: KIDNEY Transplant: February 16, 2012 Organ Donor: Jack McGarrity Tony and Letha have been destined for each other since the day they met in the fourth grade.

In 1996, Letha was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that attacked her liver. After enduring endless days in and out of the hospital, she received the call that her transplant would take place.

6 Tony Duff & Organ: KIDNEY Transplant: February 16, 2012 Organ Donor: Jack McGarrity Tony and Letha have been destined for each other since the day they met in the fourth grade. Neither the challenges they faced nor the distances that separated them in college and while serving in the military could test their love more than what happened in the years that followed. In 1996, Letha was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that attacked her liver. After enduring endless days in and out of the hospital, she received the call that her transplant would take place. Four years later, the roles were reversed and Tony would need a transplant after being diagnosed with kidney failure. Before that, he had always been the one caring for others as a registered nurse in the burn unit at San Antonio Military Medical Center. Now, Tony was fighting for his own life. One day at work, he was discussing his illness with some soldiers. Jack, his co-worker, overheard the conversation and said, I will give you a kidney. In 2012, Tony got his new kidney, Letha got her husband back, and their four children were again enjoying the company of their parents. We have been truly blessed to both receive a transplant, Letha said. And to anyone who questions if God is real, she added, let me tell you our story. Letha Duff Organ: Liver Transplant: March 18, 2006 LETHA TONY

7 University Transplant Center FEBRUARY 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Ash Wednesday Valentine s Day Presidents Day Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

Sharon Barlow Organ: lung Transplant: February 3, 1999 Organ: kidney Transplant: August 10, 2012 At age 31, Sharon was diagnosed with emphysema. Little by little, things became harder for her to do.

8 Sharon Barlow Organ: lung Transplant: February 3, 1999 Organ: kidney Transplant: August 10, 2012 At age 31, Sharon was diagnosed with emphysema. Little by little, things became harder for her to do. In November 1996, she told her lung doctor that September was terrible and October was barely worth living. It was time to get on the transplant list! She was able to make it through the next couple of years with the support of her husband, Bill, who helped bathe and dress her every day. I remember him driving me around the Hill Country often to keep my mind off the wait. A couple of weeks after her lung transplant in 1999, Sharon began to do things she never thought she would be able to do again, such as traveling, cycling, camping, and crab fishing. But in 2003, she went into kidney failure. Her life became challenging once again and she began dialysis three days a week. It left her exhausted and without an appetite, and she was quickly placed on the kidney waiting list. Only eight days later, she was called in for her second transplant. My transplants have saved my life, she said. They gave me a second chance, twice. It is such a joy to wake up feeling good and ready for the day, and being able to take a deep breath and pee! SHARON

University Transplant Center MARCH 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Daylight Saving Time (begins) 17 18

9 University Transplant Center MARCH 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Daylight Saving Time (begins) St. Patrick s Day Passover Good Friday Easter Sunday 4502 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

10 John Mangos, MD Organ: kidney Transplant: February 26, 2009 Organ Donor: David Umbel A pioneer in pediatric research and care, Dr. John Mangos of the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) has dedicated his life to helping children and their families, and mentoring junior faculty at the School of Medicine. In 2008, Dr. Mangos kidneys were damaged by an insufficient flow of blood to his heart. For nearly two years, he managed to work part-time while undergoing dialysis treatments three days a week. It is difficult. But if you are determined to do it, you do it, he said. Despite his age of 77 Dr. Mangos was able to receive a transplant through living donation. While discussing living donor transplantation with his family, one of his sons-in-law, David, a former Marine, said to him: I will give you a kidney. Although Dr. Mangos thought compatibility between the two was unlikely because of their ethnic differences, David proved to be a perfect match. Post-transplant, Dr. Mangos has been able to continue writing and will soon release several publications, one on the unique life of his wife, Rae Mangos; a two-part book about his own life; and another regarding his research into cystic fibrosis. He has recently retired but continues to mentor faculty at UTHSCSA. He is also enjoying time with his family and 12 grandchildren. As a Greek Orthodox priest, I believe that miracles still happen every day! JOHN

11 This Month is University Transplant Center APRIL 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Easter Monday April Fools Day Earth Day Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

Ted Branson Organ: Liver Transplant: October 14, 2011 On December 22, 2010, while Ted was interviewing a guest on his radio show, Under the X in Texas, his doctor called to tell him he had a large

Since 1994, we had one health setback after another while trying to stay active in the city and run our family-owned business, Out of the Past Collectibles.

12 Ted Branson Organ: Liver Transplant: October 14, 2011 On December 22, 2010, while Ted was interviewing a guest on his radio show, Under the X in Texas, his doctor called to tell him he had a large tumor and would need a liver transplant. My wife Linda and I were devastated, he recalls. Since 1994, we had one health setback after another while trying to stay active in the city and run our family-owned business, Out of the Past Collectibles. I felt this was a hurdle I may not be able to get over, and was losing hope. With the University Transplant Center staff s diligent support and medical knowledge, his life-changing journey began. The Austin, Texas music community helped raise funds for his transplant. The support of his wife and two children, and countless prayer lists containing his name provided the emotional and spiritual support. In 2011 he got his life back. Three months post-transplant, Ted was back on the radio feeling healthy, youthful, and energetic. As his five-year-old granddaughter grows, the Branson family future brightens every time she says, Grandpa, I love you. Ted and his family now organize medical benefit fundraisers for others, where he shares his story of success, love, faith, and hope. Share our story of love, faith and hope. TED LINDA

13 University Transplant Center MAY 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Cinco de Mayo Mother s Day Memorial Day 4502 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

14 George Donahue Organ: lung Transplant: August 8, 2012 At age 44, George was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although his illness progressed slowly, his priority remained his career and three active sons. For four years, he worked at a ski resort where he met his current business partner, Carl. In the summers, Carl would bring George to Dripping Springs, Texas. I fell in love with the town so much that my wife and I decided to make the move here, where Carl and I opened up our restaurant Creek Road Café, he said. My boys, who were on their own, moved as well to help with the restaurant after my condition worsened. I had continuous complications and my lung function decreased to under 20 percent capacity. George felt his life nearly come to an end after developing an infection. I felt anxious and began to hyperventilate to the point I could no longer breathe. After being in intensive care, undergoing treatments and rehabilitation, George was cleared for transplant. During the procedure, it was determined that he needed a heart bypass too. Luckily surgeons from University Hospital were able to help and UTC surgeons completed the double-lung transplant. I should have been dead. I was so impressed by the doctors, surgeons, and especially the nurses working tirelessly behind the scenes. I am just now allowing myself the luxury of thinking that I might make it. I believe it is not what you do in life, but the effect you have when you interact with other human beings that matters. I am grateful to return to the restaurant business and have newfound respect for the people at the hospital that went the extra mile for my family. I am especially grateful for my wife, Sharon, who never left my side. GEORGE

15 University Transplant Center JUNE 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Father s Day Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

Francisco Tapia Organ: Kidney Transplant: October 13, 2011 Francisco, a former Marine, had suffered from kidney stones for years but never felt really sick until March, 2005.

Francisco s doctor advised him to get on dialysis, adding that if he refused, he would only have a couple of weeks to live. His health was deteriorating and our whole family was suffering.

Francisco never thought it would happen to him, Margie said, but on August 5, 2011, we drove from Olmito, Texas to San Antonio to update his transplant evaluation after being on the list since

16 Francisco Tapia Organ: Kidney Transplant: October 13, 2011 Francisco, a former Marine, had suffered from kidney stones for years but never felt really sick until March, After progressive damage from blockages over time, his kidney eventually began to fail. His wife, Margie explains, It was devastating to see a man who would get up at 5 a.m. every day, not be able to get out of bed. Francisco s doctor advised him to get on dialysis, adding that if he refused, he would only have a couple of weeks to live. His health was deteriorating and our whole family was suffering. In 2010, the possibility of a transplant became a reality. Francisco never thought it would happen to him, Margie said, but on August 5, 2011, we drove from Olmito, Texas to San Antonio to update his transplant evaluation after being on the list since November Only 67 days later, Francisco was called in for a transplant. It has been awesome to wake up and know that we are going to have a good day, said Margie. Today, Francisco is healthy and enjoys life with his family, attending events and looking forward to seeing his daughter get married and becoming a grandfather one day. This was an incredible journey! he exclaimed in tears. I am grateful to everyone (at University Transplant Center) who helped me. FRANCISCO

17 University Transplant Center July 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Independence Day Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

Rodolfo Rudy DeLeon Organ: Liver Transplant: January 11, 2012 Rudy joined the Navy at age 19 and served as a hospital corpsman/lab tech for four years on active duty and 14 years in the reserves.

18 Rodolfo Rudy DeLeon Organ: Liver Transplant: January 11, 2012 Rudy joined the Navy at age 19 and served as a hospital corpsman/lab tech for four years on active duty and 14 years in the reserves. In 1978, he joined the Corpus Christi Fire Department and has been a paramedic, engineer, and firefighter for 33 years. In September 2010, he was diagnosed with a liver tumor. After undergoing testing and several procedures, it was determined Rudy was cancer-free, and was placed on the transplant waiting list. In 2012, he received the call that gave him his life back. I am back on full duty as of November 7, He often thinks of his donor s family. They are always in my thoughts although we have not had the opportunity to meet, and I thank them for the choice of donating life. My life is now normal. I live healthy and exercise. I enjoy fishing, restoring my old truck, home remodeling, union activities, and community service. With God s grace and my faith, I am ready to start a new chapter of my life. Rudy plans to retire within the next year to enjoy his second chance at life with his wife of 38 years, his three children, and four grandchildren. RODOLFO

19 University Transplant Center AUGUST 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

20 Stephen Tyson Organ: Lung Transplant: March 21, 2011 Stephen was born with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic lung disease that requires daily care and medication. For me, the hours spent on my disease meant a constant clash between the daily challenges of life and the desire to be normal. More times than not, I would avoid taking care of myself, which quickly resulted in my becoming extremely ill. But I didn t give up. Every day I was fighting two battles: the battle against CF, and the battle to convince everyone I was fighting. As his lung function decreased, he was referred to University Transplant Center. In March 2008, Stephen and his family met Dr. Luis Angel, director of the lung transplant program. He evaluated Stephen and asked him how long he thought he had left to live. They both agreed it was two to three years. In that time, I reached a point where I could not function. I required oxygen for the first time and could barely ride my bike (less than half a mile) to school. Three months after Stephen was placed on the transplant list, he got the call. In the operating room, I said goodbye to all my family. I remember saying to myself, please let me wake up. Let me wake up. Having a transplant really humbled me, and has taught me the basic goodness of people. Had it not been for those who support finding a cure for my disease, the staff at University Transplant Center, and my family, I would not be here today graduating from Trinity University, with the ability to cycle 31 miles on my bike, travel, and enjoy life! STEPHEN

21 University Transplant Center SEPTEMBER 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Labor Day Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

Sylvia Vega Organ: Kidney Transplant: SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Organ Donor: Rosanne Carrillo In 1990, Rosanne s mother, Sylvia, was diagnosed with diabetes.

22 Sylvia Vega Organ: Kidney Transplant: SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 Organ Donor: Rosanne Carrillo In 1990, Rosanne s mother, Sylvia, was diagnosed with diabetes. In March 2009 she began dialysis three times a week. She was so tired after the treatments that she lacked the energy to do anything, Rosanne remembers. The days became longer and her body more fragile. Sylvia was reluctant to have a transplant due to fear of the unknown, but Rosanne insisted and underwent testing to be a kidney donor. In June of 2011, Rosanne was notified that she was in fact a perfect match. I tried not to cry, but I knew this was part of God s plan, and he had sent me to her. On September 8, 2011, we had our surgeries, and I was able to give her the same gift of life that she had given me. My mom is now full of energy, laughter, and love! I feel like I got my mommy back, and my kids are enjoying their grandmother s new life. This past year, Sylvia was even able to join the entire family (three daughters, one son, and 10 grandchildren) in their traditional summer vacation to South Padre Island, Texas. As for me, I was back at work with my Texas Diabetes Institute Wound Care Clinic family only six weeks after the procedure. I feel truly blessed. Our lives are forever changed! Thursday: Playdate with the grandkids! SYLVIA ROSANNE

23 University Transplant Center OCTOBER 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Columbus Day Halloween 4502 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

Joshua Saul Organ: Kidney (Auto-Transplant) Transplant: December 23, 2011 While serving in Afghanistan, Joshua s patrol was suddenly ambushed and he was shot in the back.

24 Joshua Saul Organ: Kidney (Auto-Transplant) Transplant: December 23, 2011 While serving in Afghanistan, Joshua s patrol was suddenly ambushed and he was shot in the back. He was quickly flown to a hospital on base. I remember there being a lot of blood, and the pain being so severe. I was happy when I finally arrived at the operating room and was put under anesthesia. After two days, Joshua awoke in Germany where he underwent several surgeries. He was then transferred to San Antonio Military Medical Center, where they found damage to his ureter. A tube had to be placed in his kidney to help drain fluid. I contracted three kidney infections within a three-month period and before I could get a fourth, I was referred to Dr. Gregory Abrahamian at University Transplant Center. He had the capabilities of performing a complex procedure called auto-transplantation. On December 23, 2011, Dr. Abrahamian removed Joshua s left kidney from his lower back and relocated it to the right front of the pelvis while reattaching an undamaged portion of the original ureter. In January 2012, Joshua was awarded the Purple Heart. I am just grateful to be able to be a normal guy again. Prior to the auto-transplant, he recalls people pitying him due to his condition. After my procedure, my friend Brandy and I started dating. She made every effort to take care of me during my recovery, and on August 25, 2012, a year to the day after I got shot in Afghanistan, we got married. It is such a great feeling to have the ability to enjoy every moment of my new life with her. JOSHUA

25 University Transplant Center NOVEMBER 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Daylight Saving Time (ends) Veterans Day Hanukkah Thanksgiving Day 4502 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

26 Cesar Faz, MD Organ: Kidney Transplant: July 12, 2012 Organ Donor: Mauro-Cesar Faz Dr. Cesar Faz, a pediatrician in Del Rio, Texas, had diabetes for almost 18 years without any complications until he suffered a heart attack on September 25, By December 2011, he had gone into acute renal failure, leaving him weak and tired. Despite this setback, he could not let his patients down at Frontera Pediatrics. I decided to do peritoneal dialysis, thinking this would allow me to perform my treatments at night and continue my profession during the day, he said. This was not the case. My life now revolved around dialysis and I soon discovered I could no longer practice as I did. Problems with the machine, the constant interruptions in sleep, and having to stay home were taking a toll on him and his family. Dr. Faz s eldest son Mauro was the third person to be tested for compatibility as a living kidney donor. This made me nervous because Mauro was in the Marines, and after a year back from Iraq, I felt he had to now face the wounds at home. But neither Dr. Faz nor anyone else could deter Mauro from donating. As soon as he found out he was a match, he wanted to have the surgery immediately. The hardest part (for me) was having my son donate, Dr. Faz explained. But only after a week post-surgery, Mauro was ready to return to work and had resumed his active life. I am now seeing patients full-time, and could not be happier to return to my normal life. This has been a great year thanks to the staff at University Transplant Center and my angel and son Mauro-Cesar! MAURO-CESAR CESAR DEONA

27 University Transplant Center DECEMBER 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Christmas Eve Christmas Day New Year s Eve 4502 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

28 University Transplant Center 4502 Medical Dr. San Antonio, TX UniversityTransplantCenter.com

Esophageal Cancer: Real-Life Stories from Patients and Families

Esophageal Cancer: Real-Life Stories from Patients and Families Clare L. 12 Chapter 4 Know That Life Is A Gift by Clare L. My journey began during a routine check-up with my primary care doctor. I mentioned the post-eating discomfort and the occasional vomiting I was