Mark I. Rosenblatt MD, PhD, MBA, MHA Chief Executive Officer | University Of Illinois Hospital - Chicago
Mark I. Rosenblatt MD, PhD, MBA, MHA Chief Executive Officer | University Of Illinois Hospital - Chicago
Katie Moll, a resident of Shelbyville, Illinois, has long been aware that she would eventually require a kidney transplant due to her diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease at the age of 20. This genetic disorder leads to the growth of cysts in the kidneys, potentially causing kidney failure. Moll recently experienced a decline in kidney function and began dialysis two months ago after being placed on the transplant list in March 2023.
Her brother, Philip "Lantz" Turner III from Knoxville, Tennessee, is set to donate his kidney to Moll. Upon learning about his sister's condition, Turner volunteered as a donor through UI Health. "I love my sister, and she needs a kidney. I’m able to donate one," he stated.
Dr. Stephen Bartlett, a transplant surgeon at UI Health and clinical professor of surgery, explained that sibling transplants generally have better outcomes than unrelated ones. "Sibling transplants typically have a slightly better outcome than unrelated transplants," said Dr. Bartlett.
Living donations are considered safe and beneficial for both recipients and donors. Dr. Bartlett emphasized that donors undergo thorough health assessments to ensure they can live normally with one kidney.
UI Health's Kidney Transplant Program is among Chicago's largest and most experienced transplantation programs. The siblings' choice of UI Health was influenced by their connection as fourth-generation graduates of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Moll expressed gratitude for her brother’s decision: “This transplant is giving us more time together." For Turner, donating his kidney was motivated by the desire to extend his sister’s life: “That’s what motivated me the most — the opportunity to give Katie a few more years."
The operation coincides with Christmas Eve, which holds special significance for Moll and Turner as it has always been their time together during holidays. “If I could have picked any day, it would have been Christmas Eve,” said Turner.
For further information on this story or related inquiries:
Contact Francesca Sacco at fsacco@uic.edu
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