SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA: In a remarkable story of resilience, Vicky Hagan, who received a kidney transplant in 1975 at the age of 24, reflects on her journey as one of the longest surviving kidney transplant patients. Initially, she faced serious health issues stemming from latent nephritis, a rare kidney condition that jeopardized her dreams of starting a family with her newlywed husband. Her only hope rested on a successful kidney transplant.
Arriving at the University of Washington Medical Center, Vicky was treated by Dr. Thomas Marro, who pioneered the kidney transplant program in the Pacific Northwest. After a thorough evaluation, it was determined that her older sister, Donna, was a suitable donor. The surgery marked a pivotal moment in Vicky’s life, putting an end to years of health struggles and enabling her to eventually become a mother of two.
Vicky’s recovery took ten weeks at the hospital, a stark contrast to the two weeks typically seen today due to advancements in medical procedures and immunosuppressive therapies. Dr. Nikolai Leka, the current leader of the kidney transplant program, acknowledges the monumental progress made since Dr. Marro’s foundational work, with over 27,000 kidney transplants performed annually in the U.S. in recent years.
Despite the bumps in her journey—including surviving breast cancer and dealing with weight gain—Vicky turned her challenges into inspiration, becoming a health coach and advocating for living life to the fullest. She expresses profound gratitude to her sister, recognizing the layers of life her donation fostered: “She gave me life, and then she gave my two children life, and then she gave my three grandchildren life.” Vicky’s experience serves as a testament to hope and the enduring bond of family.
