Transplant Tragedy: Mom Dies Giving Kidney to Daughter

[okarol]

Transplant Tragedy: Mom Dies Giving Kidney to Daughter

By Georgie Pilcher and Grant McArthur

Herald Sun

June 23, 2009 12:01am

A MOTHER'S selfless devotion to her daughter has seen her make the ultimate sacrifice in a transplant tragedy.

Penny Halbish, wife of the former cricket supremo Graham, died a day after giving her daughter Suzanne, 29, the greatest gift - a life-saving kidney.

Suzanne returned home in good health last night but is reeling from the shock loss of her 62-year-old mother.

A devastated Mr Halbish, former chief executive of Cricket Australia, was by his daughter's side at home in Heatherton in Melbourne.

He paid tribute to his soulmate of 40 years.

"She made a tremendous impression on everyone she met," he said.

In a heartbreaking notice in the Herald Sun, Suzanne wrote: "Mamma, the most loving, caring, selfless mother ever. I will miss you forever. I am so proud to be your daughter."

Son Phil said his mother gave so much to the community as well as her family.

"She just lived for her family. She was very generous and caring. Everybody loved her," he said.

"We were all anxious and apprehensive and it was such good news when she got through, then for it to happen it is hard to believe. Everyone was fully aware of what could go wrong. It is ridiculous."

The risk of a donor dying through a live kidney transplant is very low.

There have been 3931 kidney transplants in Australia since 1966, with the only other tragedy occurring in 2006.

Phil Halbish said the family discussed the risks, but as they watched kidney disease ravage Suzanne the family was determined to do everything possible to save her.

Mrs Halbish's own mother had died of surgical complications at just 52, but she had no hesitation in risking her life for her daughter.

After months of psychological and physical tests, mother and daughter had the transplant at Monash Medical Centre on Thursday.

Mrs Halbish, a grandmother of two, died on Friday.

"Mum and dad both put their hand up to be donors. They were both matches, but unfortunately dad couldn't (have this surgery) so mum did," Phil said.

"She was strong, fit and healthy. This was a freak occurrence. Her heart was strong, her blood pressure was strong, but unfortunately she developed a clot, because she had surgery, which caused a heart attack and she passed away.

"Mum gave Suzanne a fantastic kidney and she is recovering better than scheduled. She is shattered her mum is gone."

Southern Health director of nephrology Prof Peter Kerr said Ms Halbish's death had devastated all concerned.

The hospital referred the tragedy to the coroner and is conducting an internal investigation.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25675013-1243,00.html

[paul.karen]

Tragic.

2 deaths since 1966 is a pretty good record however.

I woudlnt be able to cope with something like that.

[tamara]

I've been thinking about it all day...... poor girl what she must be going through..

[okarol]

For me, I think of it from the mom's side of the story. I would be happy to give my life for Jenna.
It's a rare event to lose a kidney donor, the evaluation is so rigorous that only the healthiest people are cleared to donate.
This is not something that could have been anticipated.
I am sure it's tough on the family, and especially the recipient.

[Sluff]

Survivors guilt is tough to live with.

[Sunny]

I really feel for the daughter. She will probably feel so guilty for so long. I would definitely lay down my life for my daughter too.

[RichardMEL]

Yes it is quite the story here and there are fears that some aussies will now hesitate to consider live donation because of this. I agree 2 deaths since 1966 is bloody low. Unfortunately people pass away as the result of major surgery. It is a small risk, but it does happen. I also feel heavily for the daughter - every day she "enjoys" the benefits of her kidney she would feel guilty for that. Very difficult for the whole family. I just hope some idiots don't blame HER (the daughter) for the death of her mother.....