Florida Hospital Transplant Center (see more articles like this)

WHAT:  The first patient to undergo a kidney/pancreas transplant in the greater Orlando area will be discharged today from the Florida Hospital Transplant Center at Florida Hospital Orlando. Kathy Malley, 40, of Edgewater, Fla. was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was only 4 years old. Fatigue and other chronic symptoms associated with Type 1 Diabetes increased during her teen and early adult years, eventually requiring the use of an insulin pump when she turned 30. In March 2006, she and her family began considering transplantation.

Shortly after her decision, the Florida Hospital Transplant Center expanded its services to include liver and kidney/pancreas transplantation. Malley was evaluated at Florida Hospital Orlando and added to the national transplant waiting list. On June 27, she received the call that a kidney and pancreas had become available.  And soon, after the successful kidney/pancreas transplant, she will be discharged to go home!

WHEN: July 6, 2007
           10 a.m.

WHERE: Florida Hospital Orlando
            601 East Rollins Street
            Orlando, FL 32804

WHO: 

•Patient Kathy Malley, who had a kidney/pancreas transplant on June 27, 2007, will be available to talk about her life before and after the transplant.
•Dr. Michael Angelis, surgical director of transplantation services, will be available to talk about the kidney/pancreas transplant procedure.

BCKGRD: The Florida Hospital Transplant Center has transformed lives for more than 30 years through personalized care of patients awaiting transplantation. The program offers kidney, liver and kidney/pancreas transplantation services, patient and professional education, and dedication to those in need of lifesaving organ transplants. Last year more than 28,000 lives were saved due to the generosity of organ donors. Today, nearly 100,000 children and adults await this special gift.