Pioneering organ transplant saves mother of 3
Adriana Rodriguez, a young mother, welcomed her third child in 2022 — her first girl, Annalea. Her family was thrilled. Annalea’s older brothers, Adrian and Junior, were excited to spend time with their new baby sister.
But less than two weeks after giving birth Adriana experienced tightening in her chest while eating breakfast. She described thinking that the last bite “went down the wrong way.” Then she felt nauseated and light-headed — like she might pass out. Stress and pregnancy hormones weakened a coronary artery in Adriana’s heart, and it burst in that moment. The tear couldn’t be repaired, and it kept Adriana hospitalized for months.
A first-of-its-kind procedure
The solution brought by doctors at UW Medicine in Seattle was a dual heart and liver transplant — a procedure that existed in concept only and had not been performed on a patient as sick as Adriana.
“I was scared. Freaked out. I didn’t want to hear what they had to say,” said Adriana. “They would talk to my mom, and she had to explain it to me later.”
This option was considered because Adriana’s body produced many antibodies that would attack a donated heart, which greatly reduced her chance for matching with an organ donor. But for reasons not completely understood, transplanting a liver from the same donor before the heart transplant could lower the risk of rejection.
The 17-hour transplant procedure was Adriana’s only hope, and it worked. Adriana was blessed to receive a liver and heart transplant from a generous organ donor. Her own healthy liver saved someone else in need.
And that sweet baby girl she hadn’t held in five months? “She was quite heavy!” remarked Adriana.
The generosity of a stranger continues to save lives
Today, life is almost back to normal. Adriana has strength and a whole lot of gratitude for the organ donor who saved her life. Adriana worked with LifeCenter Northwest to write to her donor’s family. She thinks about them often.
“I never realized the impact of organ donation before … how much it mattered,” she added.
An additional gift is that the historic dual transplant she received has been performed successfully for three other people as of early 2024. Adriana, her organ donor, and her care team have marked a new chapter in life-saving medical advancements. Organ donation is truly transformative.
Why is organ and tissue donation important?
- Organ donation is the greatest gift that a person can give, and the opportunity to donate is extremely rare. Less than 1% of deaths even allow for the possibility of organ donation, which is why it’s important to get informed, make a choice, and talk to your family about your decision.
- There are more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
- On average, 17 people die each day waiting.
- One organ donor can save up to 8 lives and heal the lives of many more through tissue donation.
Know the facts
- The only priority when you’re admitted to a hospital is to save your life. Organ donation is considered after all life-saving measures and treatments have failed.
- Anyone can register as an organ or tissue donor. There is no age limit.
- Your decision to be an organ, eye or tissue donor will not affect your desired funeral arrangements. An open casket funeral is possible and very common for donors.
- Any costs associated with organ and tissue donation are not paid by the donor or their family.
- The families of organ donors are provided with specialized grief and bereavement support from LifeCenter Northwest for a minimum of 18 months.
There is power in your choice
Watch “Antonio’s Gift” to learn more about the impact of one young man’s organ donation and the connection his family shares thanks to his life-giving legacy.
There are more than 100,000 people in the United States on the transplant waiting list, including nearly 2,300 of our Northwest neighbors. Sadly, 17 of those people die every day while waiting. Talking to your loved ones about donation and knowing the facts are the most influential ways to spread the word about the beneficial impact of organ and tissue donation. This opportunity reminds us of the power of humanity and the compassion that resides within each of us. Learn more about organ donation from LifeCenter Northwest at lcnw.org.
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