Personal & family stories / B reading preview
Mom Donates Kidney to Daughter 12 Years After Heart Transplant Saved Her Life
Jeanne Shields called it a 'no-brainer' to save daughter Lauren from dialysis
Mom Donates Kidney to Daughter 12 Years After Heart Transplant Saved Her Life
Jeanne Shields called it a 'no-brainer' to save daughter Lauren from dialysis
Lauren's Journey
Lauren Shields underwent a heart transplant at age 8 in 2008 at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. For 12 years, she thrived with her new heart, living a full and active life.
But in 2020, at age 20, Lauren developed end-stage kidney disease - a known complication for heart transplant recipients due to long-term anti-rejection medications and elevated blood pressure.
A Rapid Decline
Lauren initially resisted accepting the kidney transplant diagnosis, trying dietary changes and medication adjustments. But her condition deteriorated rapidly during spring 2020.
She lost dramatic weight, dropping from 84 pounds to just 64 pounds within weeks. In May 2020, she required emergency dialysis catheter placement and began grueling three-hour dialysis sessions three times weekly.
A Mother's Decision
Jeanne decided to donate in January 2020. For her, there was no question.
"I spent so many years when she was going through her heart issue wishing I could do something to help her. This time, I could."
She called it a "no-brainer" - the kind of decision that requires no deliberation when it comes to saving your child's life.
The Transplant
On July 21, 2020, Dr. Lloyd Ratner performed Jeanne's laparoscopic nephrectomy at one hospital, while Dr. Rodrigo Sandoval transplanted the organ into Lauren at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital across the street.
The surgery was a success. A piece of Jeanne now lived inside her daughter, keeping her alive just as Lauren's borrowed heart had done for 12 years.
Recovery and Gratitude
Both mother and daughter recovered smoothly. Lauren was discharged two weeks post-transplant and resumed full-time college studies. Jeanne returned to work within two weeks.
"As hard as the whole situation was, especially with COVID, I feel so blessed and grateful."
For Jeanne Shields, giving her daughter life twice - first at birth, then through her kidney - was simply what mothers do.
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