Northland's NewsCenter's Your Health Matters: Local News
Organ Transplant Miracle
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Story Updated: May 17, 2009
Many of those who walked are either organ donors or even recipients.
More than 100,000 people nation- wide are waiting for organs, and many of them won't get them.
However, Tiffany Tarrolly brings the story of two families who were brought together by the gift of organ donation.
"My wife was the picture of health, we hiked and jogged and ran and went out to the mountains in Wyoming... Suzie was rarely ever sick her whole life," said Michael Jahn.
But after a routine doctor's visit, Jahn came home to hear some devastating news from his wife.
"She said, "Michael, I was told today by a cardiologist that I have one year to live.""
That shocking revelation took Michael, Suzie and their two children on a long journey, that eventually led to the University of Minnesota's hospital clinic in Minneapolis.
"Suzie was admitted to the intensive care unit and was told she could not leave there until she received a heart transplant," Jahn said.
After waiting nearly seven weeks- a tragedy occurred that would change the Jahn's life forever.
"My son, Tom at the age of 28 on Thanksgiving day, 1993, he was in a snowmobile accident and he passed away," said Gloria Mattakat, Tom's mother.
After a brief discussion, Tom's family decided to donate his organs.
"I remember the Dr. coming out and telling our family that, that Suzie was going to get a second chance at life and that was blessing beyond blessings," said Michael.
A blessing, not only because Tom's heart gave Suzie 14 more years of life, to see her two grand children.
But also because this tragedy turned miracle formed a life- long bond between the Jahn's and the Mattakats.
"We are very very closely connected here in our friendship," said Mattakat.
Suzie spent the remainder of her life promoting organ donation and Michael and Gloria continue to do the same today.
Tom's organs gave life to seven people other than Suzie, and sight to two.
For information on how you can become an organ donor, Go here!
National Foundation for Transplants says ...
On Tuesday, May 19 at 1:52 PM
What a touching article! The National Foundation for Transplants has launched the Transplant Challenge to register 100,000 new organ donors this year. Accept the challenge today! Visit www.transplants.org and click on the Transplant Challenge logo. NFT helps patients fundraise to cover their out-of-pocket expenses. A heart transplant costs about $750,000, and insurance won't always cover all expenses, plus the lifetime of expensive anti-rejection medications. NFT can help! Call 800-489-3863.