Kidney program reaches milestone

Kidney program reaches milestone

Deseret Morning News, Monday, May 21, 2007

Since its launch in 2003, the Good Samaritan Kidney Donor Program has reached a milestone. There have now been 25 volunteers who have stepped up to save the lives of strangers.

Last year, Jan Vanderhooft, an AP chemistry teacher at Brighton High School, became the 25th donor, saving the life of Dave Isbell of South Jordan. Vanderhooft is married and has four children.

His recipient has become part of the family. He came to the viewing after Vanderhooft's sister died. He also fixed a sewing machine for the donor's wife, who makes costumes for the Utah Opera Company. Vanderhooft says they plan to keep in touch.

Isbell needed a kidney because of a genetic disorder that causes cysts to form on the kidneys. At age 64, his kidney ceased to function. The genetic defect will have no effect on his new kidney.

More than 95,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant in this country, including 270 in Utah. Two-thirds of those on waiting lists are for kidneys. To learn more about the Good Samaritan Kidney Donor Program, go online to www.yesutah.org or call 866-YES-UTAH.

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