OPTN/UNOS' Statement on Shari's Successful Liver Transplant

Statement of OPTN/UNOS Executive Director Walter Graham Regarding Liver Transplant for Shari Kurzrok

In recent days, considerable media attention has been focused on Ms. Shari Kurzrok and her urgent need for a liver transplant.  Her experience has also brought attention to the desperate need for organ donation shared by 89,000 patients now awaiting transplantation across the country. We are pleased to have been informed that Ms. Kurzrok has received a transplant through the standard operation of the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) matching system, which is operated by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) under federal contract.

It is important to emphasize that an established system is in place to help all transplant candidates awaiting organs from deceased donors.  As required by federal law and regulation, this system is based upon established medical criteria and equity – ensuring that candidates receive priority based on their medical need and not on personal characteristics or social status.  This is fundamental to ensuring public trust in the transplant system.

In liver transplantation there are several key matching factors, including:

• The candidate’s level of medical urgency;
• The medical compatibility between donor and candidate; and
• The relative amount of time the organ must be preserved between recovery and transplantation.

The OPTN uses a highly sophisticated, computerized system to assess medical factors among donors and candidates and prioritize potential recipients.  The OPTN provides donor information to the transplant physician, who then decides whether a specific organ offer is acceptable.

The OPTN’s organ allocation system is designed to provide every possible opportunity to patients awaiting life-saving transplantation.  Ultimately, however, all transplant candidates rely on the selfless act of organ donation.  One organ and tissue donor can save and enhance the lives of 50 people.  We encourage everyone to help patients in need by making and sharing a commitment to Donate Life.

For more information about organ donation and transplantation, visit the following web sites:
www.optn.org
www.unos.org
www.donatelife.net
www.organdonor.gov
www.donatelifeny.org

Comments

[susan waleski]

I have been checking the site every day. I was so glad to see that Shari received her liver transplant that she needed. May god watch her to recovery and may god watch her walk down the Aisle. (Classmate of Great Neck North High, Class of 1992).

[Annelise]

After checking back to this blog on a regular basis, I was thrilled to see that Shari is doing so well! I worked with her a few years ago and can attest to her strong will and amazing drive in life. Shari, may you have a strong and quick recovery!

I had a lifelong friend who also needed a liver transplant and did not find a match in time. Please let Shari's successful surgery and my dear friend Joanie's loss of life both be illustrators that organ donation is critical. The word needs to be spread even further to encourage everyone to make that decision to save a life.

[kathi shackles]

I check this site everyday and posted fliers here in my hometown of Sullivan, Illinois....I am soo happy to hear that Shari received the liver she needed. The Lord surely has BIG plans for her !! Although I didnt know her personally I am around the same age and it kind of hit home....anyway I prayed for her all the time and I am very happy to know she is doing well........ALL THE BEST TO YOU SHARI AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR WEDDING !! =)

[Hope Shasha]

Dear Shari & family-
I am sooo happy for all of you and want to wish you a quick and easy recovery.
Your site was sent to me through a friend and having just gone through something similar with my son, I can imagine how you must feel.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hope-Boca Raton, FL

[Esther]

Amazing and wonderful. Refuah shlemah: wishing Shari a quick and complete recovery.

[Brant Shapiro]

Have not seen Shari in over 30yrs since Mort, Gloria, Steve & Barb used to bring us kids to Hamptons.

So happy you are going to be okay!

Best to everyone--

Brant

[THE RAYMONDS OF HILLSDALE NJ]

WE ALL WISH SHARI WELL AND A WONDERFUL RECOVERY. ALSO SHARI AND ROBBIE A LONG AND WONDERFUL LIFE TOGETHER. BEST WISHES ON YOUR WEDDING. ALL THE RAYMONDS OF HILLSDALE