This past week, I had the great honor to speak with Ed Henry, Chief National Correspondent for Fox News Channel, about his recent live liver donation for his sister, who was in need of a liver transplant. This past July, Ed announced on Fox and Friends that he would be donating a portion of his liver, to be implanted into his sister who was currently awaiting a liver transplant for complications of end-stage liver disease. Ed reported that his sister is doing well post operatively, and that he has recovered as well without any complications. When Ed announced his decision to help his sister, I was asked to appear with Ed to explain what he might experience with the surgery. That broadcast is posted here.
Currently, about 30% of all those waiting for a liver transplant do not survive the wait due to organ shortages. More needs to be done with public education to increase donation of all organs including liver, heart, lung, kidney, and pancreas. Additionally, a single tissue donation can help up to 70 individuals. This story with Ed and his sister Colleen, has increased both the discussion about organ donation and transplant, hopefully starting a trend of greater awareness and understanding. On this podcast, Ed opens up about this transplant experience, and answers questions about transplant, that will encourage everyone to look at organ donation and transplant in a different, more positive light moving forward.
Also on this episode is Kelly Perdue, President and CEO of The Living Bank, and organization based in Houston, dedicated to liver organ donation.
Make sure you share your decision to be an organ donor with your family.
For additional information about organ donation and transplant, check out these following links.