Long-Awaited Transplant Restores Quality of Life

Barry and Beth Weiss are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year, and they credit the organ transplantation staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for making it possible.

Ten years ago, a routine annual physical revealed that Barry’s liver was enlarged. As is common with many liver disorders, Barry showed no recognizable symptoms and did not feel ill. Test results, however, confirmed that Barry had a nonalcoholic form of hepatitis.

Barry and Beth were referred to Northwestern Memorial’s Kovler Organ Transplantation Center , and Barry’s name was immediately placed on the liver transplant list. Although shaken by Barry’s diagnosis, the Weisses were comforted by the excellent care they had received at Northwestern Memorial in the past.

“We would not consider going anywhere but Northwestern Memorial,” say the Weisses.

For the next several years, physicians kept a close watch on Barry, monitoring his blood for increased liver enzymes. As Barry awaited a liver transplant, he pressed on in spite of his mounting symptoms, determined to maintain as normal a life as possible for himself and Beth. Barry fought on, exercised regularly and continued to run his real estate company.

Finally, on July 18, 2008, Barry received his new liver. Within 48 hours, with his favorite caregiver, Beth, at his side, he was at home and on his way to a new life full of possibility. Today, Barry urges others to never give up hope and to stay positive and involved—especially through the dark times.

Gifts to Northwestern Memorial help patients gain access to groundbreaking clinical trials, compassionate patient care and the latest technology. Together, we can assure that more patients greet many tomorrows filled with opportunity and good health.

Contact

For more information or to make a gift to our transplant program, please call Ann Murray at 312-926-7073.