Transplant Journey Brings Unexpected Turns
Healthy at age 62, Don Traviss was blind-sided when he developed a rare, yet deadly disease that destroyed his kidneys in less than 48 hours. He was left facing the reality of spending more than 15 hours a week on kidney dialysis.
His faith, along with a friend and neighbor, would ultimately restore his health and freedom.
Michael Cooper, a friend and neighbor, took Mr. Traviss to weekly prayer groups while he was encumbered with dialysis treatments. What began as a neighbor’s generosity grew into a real friendship when Mr. Cooper decided to donate his healthy kidney to Mr. Traviss. Surprised and overwhelmed by his generosity, Mr. Traviss accepted the offer after discussing it with his wife, Christine, and daughter, Alexandra.
They declared the kidney transplant their "Cleveland project" beginning in March 2006. To prepare themselves physically and spiritually for the surgery, they walked together for at least an hour each day and participated in a weekly bible study group. They say the time together was ideal to give each other medical updates, keep motivated and maintain proper exercise.
Unexpected discovery
Mr. Cooper underwent intense physical examinations to confirm his eligibility to donate. Both men were eager to hear the outcome, but neither expected the initial results.
Doctors found a mass on Mr. Cooper’s liver and immediately stopped clearance for the kidney procedure. A biopsy showed that the mass was benign and it was removed via laparoscopic surgery.
"At this point, I wasn’t worried about receiving his kidney. I was concerned Mike would have liver cancer. It wasn’t about me anymore, it was about Mike being OK," Mr. Traviss says.
With a cancer-free diagnosis, both men were cleared for surgery in September 2006. Uneasy about undergoing kidney surgery, Mr. Cooper recalls that his friend’s faith in Cleveland Clinic helped build his confidence in the staff, process and technology.
Mr. Traviss was surprised by his quick recovery.
"The day after the operation, I felt 100 percent better. I felt like a new person. I forgot what it felt like to feel good because I was used to feeling bad because of the kidney dialysis," Mr. Traviss say.
When questioned about why he donated his kidney, Mr. Cooper says, "God gives us an extra kidney and it is a simple act of faith to share whatever gifts we are freely given in this life. It is an act of faith almost everyone in good health is capable of doing."
Six months after surgery, Mr. Traviss is traveling more, eating normal foods and has a new outlook on life. He continues to exercise three times per week and values his health. Mr. Cooper is also in excellent health.
The two friends have a special, permanent bond.
A voice for transplant patients
Today Mr. Traviss and Mr. Cooper are advocates for live-donor transplants. Having successfully gone through the process themselves, both men want others to know its rewards and feasibility. They say that if a small number of people commit to giving aid, the problem would effectively solve itself.
A grateful donor recipient, Mr. Traviss encourages others to consider organ donation.
"Other than altruistic benefits, the donor goes through extensive medical exams. The medical community only wants to see the healthiest people donate. Going through the process is good for you and, as with Mike, could lead to other discoveries." Mr. Traviss says.
WEB EXTRA! Kidney Cancer – The American Cancer Society estimates kidney cancer will kill 13,000 people this year, but there may be hope for people with the disease. Cleveland Clinic researchers and researchers around the country are testing a new drug that may stop tumor growth and in some cases, shrink the tumor. View or download this video podcast at
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/healthedge999/media/news/KidneyCancer.mp4
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 6/1/2007
