5 Celebrities Affected by Organ Transplantation
According to the U.S. Government Information on Organ Donation and Transplantation, there are more than 116,000 people waiting for a transplant.
The need for a life-saving transplant doesn’t discriminate, so reading about the experiences of others can offer comfort to those facing similar health issues.
Here is a list of five high-profile transplant stories from the last two decades:
#1. Natalie Cole
Natalie Cole, daughter of Nat King Cole, received a kidney transplant in 2009. The donor’s family wanted to make a direct donation to Cole after hearing a news report about her need for a kidney. Cole lived for an additional six years following her transplant surgery. Learn more here.
#2. George Lopez
George Lopez, comedian and actor, received a kidney in 2005 from his former wife. Doctors told Lopez in early 2004 that he would need a kidney transplant to fix a genetic condition causing deterioration to his kidneys. Learn more here.
#3. Tracy Morgan
Tracy Morgan, actor and comedian, received a kidney from a living donor 2010. In the early 1990’s he was diagnosed with diabetes, eventually leading to his need for a transplant. Learn more here.
#4. Dick Cheney
Dick Cheney, former vice president to George W. Bush, received a heart transplant in 2012 following a long history of heart disease. His first heart attack was at age 37 (1978) when he was campaigning for congress. Learn more here.
#5. Selena Gomez
Most recently, Selena Gomez, actress and singer, received a kidney transplant from her best friend and fellow actress, Francia Raisa. She received the kidney because of her continued fight with lupus. Learn more here.
Now We Join in Celebration
As we celebrate 50 years of providing excellence in transplantation, breakthrough treatments and compassionate coordination of care to the region, we invite you to join us in a 50-day countdown to the anniversary of the first surgery that launched Cincinnati’s most comprehensive transplant program.
Celebrate with us by sharing our stories of transplantation with your social media network using #UCHealthTransplant via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
For more information about UC Health transplant services, please visit uchealth.com/transplant.
