A surgical team led by Ty Dunn, M.D., UI clinical professor of surgery, played a key role in the procedure on November 6. Two of the organs, both kidneys, went to Iowans on the waiting list. The remaining organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and small bowel, benefited three other patients across the United States.

Terence Claypool, 41, of Vinton, Iowa, and Jeffery Johnson, 38, of Chelsea, Iowa, received the donated kidneys. Both were experiencing end-stage renal failure and required frequent dialysis treatments to remove toxins from their blood.

"I was handling the dialysis fairly well, but I was working fulltime and I was always tired," Johnson said. "Now I'm back to a normal life, my energy is good, I'm even going deer hunting with my daughter."

"I feel great," Claypool said. "This was my second kidney transplant, and I'm looking forward to doing all the things I like to do again."

"The donor's family probably can't imagine how much they've helped the people who received their loved one's organs," Johnson added. "There's no way to repay them for what they have done."

Transplant specialists urge everyone to consider giving the gift of life. "This is the perfect time of year when families are together to talk to your loved ones and let them know that you wish to donate your organs, tissue or eyes if the opportunity should arise," explained Paul Sodders of the Iowa Donor Network.

You also may sign up to donate organs, tissue or eyes when you obtain or renew your driver's license go to the Iowa Donor Network site.

For more information:

Iowa Donor Network