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Transplant Surgery Goes Well for Caspari
CHICAGO, IL (September 23, 2005) - Liver transplant recipient Dave Caspari and
donor Donna Michael are expected to be released this weekend from
Northwestern Memorial Hospital after undergoing surgery Wednesday, says
Amy Caspari.
The Casparis and Michael all belong to DeerGrove Covenant Church in
Palatine, Illinois. Dave is a graduate of North Park University and
North Park Theological Seminary. He was diagnosed eleven years ago with
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), the same disease that killed famed
Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton.
Donna was tested as a potential donor in June and was approved in
August. The surgery involved transplanting half of Donna's liver. The
liver is the only organ in the body capable of self-regeneration.
The Casparis had been searching for a donor for two years, a process
that Amy likened to an emotional rollercoaster ride. Having had several
potential donors rejected, the Casparis were surprised when Donna called
them to say she had been approved.
Prior to the surgery, Donna said she believed it was part of her
Christian calling to be tested as a donor. She discussed it with her
husband, Lorin, and "He knew it was the right thing to do," Donna added.
Donna said she prayed about her decision, as well, and "God never told
me no."
Once Donna is released from the hospital, she will have to return for
follow up in a week at the transplant clinic, Amy says. Dave will have
to return daily at first, then every other day, and gradually less often
in the succeeding weeks.
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