Lisa Hebert Was On Dialysis For 38 Years

Family, Friends Remember Longtime Dialysis Patient
Lisa Hebert Was On Dialysis For 38 Years

POSTED: Thursday, February 12, 2009
UPDATED: 10:56 am CST February 12, 2009
SAN ANTONIO -- A woman considered to be one of the longest surviving dialysis patients in the country has lost her battle with kidney disease.

Lisa Hebert, 45, passed away Monday after two failed kidney transplants and 38 years on dialysis.

Those who knew her said she never lost hope that a cure would be found.

"She never came out angry or crying, you know," dialysis patient Martha Gallegos said.

Gallegos said other patients will tell Hebert about how much she inspired them.

"Well, we got to, you know, be more not afraid, you know, and keep going like you," Gallegos said.

Hebert was considered an unofficial "patient ambassador" to the others at University Hospital, where she would receive dialysis treatments. She was admired for her smile and positive qualities and was even featured a poster for University Hospital.

"She was an example of a human being who enjoyed life and wanted to live longer," Dr. Wajeh Qunibi said. "If they take her as an example, she was never discouraged."

Her family said Hebert had incredible courage and kept a positive attitude.

"She'd be feeling bad (but) you wouldn't know it," Hebert's husband of 20 years, Leroy Stone, said.

"But after a while, a body can't take it anymore," her brother Crosby Hebert said. "No matter how hard she tried, it just can't take it anymore and she got tired and wanted to go home."

http://www.ksat.com/health/18699769/detail.html#-