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Larry Reeves

Loretta Zerr

Julian Michael Adams-LaCas

Loretta Zerr

Stef Duer

When Connor’s mom took her three-month-old son to the doctor for a cold, she learned that Connor had a condition called cardiomyopathy, a deadly heart disease that could only be remedied by a heart transplant. Connor spent nine weeks on the waiting list and received a transplant on Mother’s Day in 1992.

Ten years passed and Connor’s body started to reject the heart. He was placed back on the waiting list and more than a year later, Connor received his second heart transplant on July 18, 2005.

Connor thanks Donor Alliance for helping to improve the number of donors.

“If it weren’t for their work, I and many other recipients I know might not be alive,” he said.

About his family, Connor relates, “We didn’t always have that future to look forward to—but now, we do. And it’s a big deal.”

Connor

Donor Dash to raise money, awareness for the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donations

The 26th Annual Donor Dash is Sunday, July 20, at Washington Park in Denver. CBS News Colorado is a proud sponsor of the event, and evening anchor Michael Spencer will once again serve as the emcee.

Donor Dash to raise money, awareness for the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donations

Colorado nurse joins 5K in honor of organ donor who saved her life

The 26th Annual Donor Dash is Sunday, July 20, at Washington Park in Denver. CBS News Colorado is a proud sponsor of the event, and evening anchor Michael Spencer will once again serve as the emcee.

Donor Dash to raise money, awareness for the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donations

What You Should Know About Pancreas Transplants

Pancreas transplants are among the rarest organ transplants performed each year. These procedures have become increasingly uncommon since 2004. There are different reasons for this, including difficulty in both the recovery and transplantation processes. Other available treatments that are less invasive than a transplant and strict criteria that limits the eligibility for many donors.

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is a small tubular-shaped, glandular organ that is located behind the stomach. It produces enzymes that are used for digestion. The pancreas also produces insulin which is essential for life because it regulates the use of blood sugar throughout the body.

If the pancreas stops producing insulin, this can result in a diagnosis of Type I diabetes. This is an autoimmune disease and those diagnosed with it must take insulin daily to live. Type II diabetes occurs more often in adults and is considered a chronic disease. With Type II diabetes, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but for unknown reasons, the body cannot use the insulin effectively. Maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle can help in managing both types of diabetes.

Why would you need a pancreas transplant?

Most transplant candidates in need of a pancreas transplant are listed because of diabetes, pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer or chronic kidney disease. Often, candidates who are in need of pancreas transplants are also in need of a kidney transplant. It’s common to transplant both organs together, though it can make finding a match more difficult.

One Advocate’s Story: Rhonda Hill

One of our Advocates for Life  shared her story about her need for a kidney-pancreas transplant and how that transplant saved her life. Rhonda Hill, from Douglas, Wyoming, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child and spent years managing her health. Eventually, her condition progressed to the point where she needed both a kidney and pancreas transplant to survive.

She shared how deeply her life was impacted by the gift of donation. “I know my donor changed the lives of many others that same night in October of 2000 with her gifts,” Rhonda shared. “I think of her and thank her every day.” Now, more than two decades later, Rhonda continues to honor her donor’s legacy by advocating for organ donation and encouraging others to say “yes” to giving the gift of life.

 

What You Can Do To Help

If you have questions about pancreas or kidney-pancreas transplants, speak with your doctor or contact a transplant center for more information. And remember: anyone can register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor. Don’t assume you’re ineligible, even transplant recipients can sometimes become donors. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, by visiting Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.

What You Should Know About Pancreas Transplants

Nicholas Shane McCarthy

Loretta Zerr

Dawn Clearwater

Loretta Zerr

Jerry Ligrani

Loretta Zerr

Dawn Clearwater

Loretta Zerr

Avery Leman

Loretta Zerr

Ryan Nelson

Loretta Zerr