Chicago artist, 84, gets kidney from expanded pool

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Chicago artist, 84, gets kidney from expanded pool

Associated Press

7:28 AM CDT, September 21, 2009

CHICAGO

A Chicago sculptor and wood carver is back in his studio after receiving a new kidney at age 84.

Juan Guano is the oldest kidney transplant recipient at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He's part of a growing trend, having received his kidney from an expanded donor pool that includes older, sicker deceased donors.

Recipients have to pre-approve these organs. A Northwestern transplant surgeon says that while they aren't the right option for all patients, it was a good option for Guano.

The expanded criteria pool is helping address the nation's shortage of donor organs.

Guano received his new kidney in June, and his doctor says he's recovering as well as recipients half his age. He's off dialysis and no longer feels constantly fatigued.

Guano says he feels like a young man -- and has much left that he wants to accomplish.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-octogenariantrans,0,1684690.story