On the night of Sunday, November 29, Mary Ruth got the call! She and Bev Carroll headed out around 3:30 am on Monday to arrive in the ER a the UNC Medical Center around 7:30 am.

There were 3 recipients, the first got the liver and one kidney, and then the other kidney was to go to either Mary Ruth or the other person. Mary Ruth got the kidney!  And on Giving Tuesday!

WHY ONLY A KIDNEY??? This September, Mary Ruth went through her annual big exam and work up.  Sometime after that, the team informed her that the doctors had determined her liver was healthy enough that she could do with just a kidney.  She started hemodialysis, in which a machine filters wastes, salts and fluid from the blood, as her kidneys were no longer healthy enough to do this work adequately. It was very difficult for her.  She had the surgery to enable her to change over to the peritoneal dialysis, and just last week was supposed to begin the training to learn how to do it at home.  

Mary Ruth came through the surgery like a champ, and is recovering in the transplant suite at the SECU Family House in Chapel Hill. Bev is with her, and has been a fantastic support and liaison person for Mary Ruth.

They have told us that transplant site looks great, and everything is working as it should. Mary Ruth will remain there through at least Monday, December 14.  She will continue to have check-ups during that time, and her condition is being monitored.

Mary Ruth is having to learn a whole new way to handle, eat, prepare, and store food, among the many other things associated with being immune compromised.  She and Bev have already met with a nutritionist.  Please resist the urge to send her flowers, candy or edible fruit – she can have none of that.  A quick text or email would be a great way to let her know you’re thinking of her.

Happy dance everyone!  Send out prayers and hold her in the light!