Ochsner Transplant Institute performs Louisiana’s first international paired kidney donation

Ochsner Transplant Institute performs Louisiana’s first international paired kidney donation
Photo credit Getty Images

The Ochsner Transplant Institute successfully performed Louisiana’s first international Paired Kidney Donation. Loranger, Louisiana native Stephanie Morel was paired with Marianne Poulsen through the donor exchange program. The only catch, Stephanie’s new donor was an ocean away. Ochsner transplant surgeon Dr. Dennis Sonnier shares the story of this miraculous exchange.

“Marianne was a match for Stephanie, and so she was able to come to Louisiana from Denmark and donate her kidney.”

The procedure was part of a paired kidney donation program that began in 2000. When loved ones aren’t compatible with those in need, they can join the program where patients swap donors and receive a compatible kidney. Sometimes these donations can form chains of selfless donors, the longest ever consisting of 70 people. These programs have grown to extend nationally as was the case with Stephanie and the Poulsens. Dr. Sonnier shared how a couple from Odense Denmark ended up in south Louisiana.

“She wanted to donate her kidney to her husband and because they were not a match they entered an international transplant paired exchange system set up by the Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation.”

Stephanie, Marianne, and their families had their emotional first meeting in New Orleans in August. Stephanie said it was like they already knew each other and that she even received an invitation to Denmark. She recalled thinking how amazing it was that Marianne flew halfway around the world to give her her kidney. Dr. Sonnier witnessed the special moment.

“It’s always a really pleasant meeting any time a donor and recipient that didn’t know each other beforehand get to meet. It’s really an emotional moment.”

Stephanie’s health has dramatically improved since the surgery, and her sister has become the next in the chain of paired donors. Dr. Sonnier advocates that people consider organ donation and urges those who have thought about donating to contact the Ochsner Transplant Institute.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images