Dennis Fearn | A Family Affair
Dennis' Story
Dennis Fearn's sister, Susan Brown, could no longer stand by and watch. Her brother had chills and fever so severe that his whole body shook uncontrollably. Dennis was growing weaker every day and rapidly losing weight. The reason for Dennis' decline—primary sclerosing cholangitis—is a chronic disease that prevented his liver from draining properly. Dennis needed a liver transplant.
Knowing it could be years before he received a new liver, if Dennis went on the organ transplant list, Dr. Paul Gaglio from the Montefiore Einstein Center for Transplantation explained that there might be another option.
The alternative, called live donor transplantation, required a biologically compatible match and someone willing to donate a portion of their liver. Rigorous testing showed that Susan was a perfect match.
At the Montefiore Einstein Center for Transplantation, Dr. Gaglio's team included Drs. Sarah Bellemare and Milan Kinkhabwala. They removed Dennis's diseased liver and replaced it with 60% of his sister's healthy one, which in time regenerated and healed.
Today, Dennis and Susan are fully recovered—and back to living the lives they love.
The Montefiore Einstein Center for Transplantation survival rates are among the highest in the region. Led by world-class specialists, the Montefiore Einstein Center for Transplantation, includes renowned programs in kidney, liver, heart and abdominal transplant with patient outcomes among the best in the country. The Center is committed to advancing the field of transplantation through research and education, and has elevated the model of multidisciplinary, patient-centered care.
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Learn more about Dr. Paul Gaglio |
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Learn more about Dr. Milan Kinkhabwala |
