Megan and Michael Brooks
Wife Donates Kidney to Husband on Wedding Anniversary at Methodist Dallas Medical Center
04/28/2011
DALLAS – Four years ago when Megan Brooks promised "to have
and to hold" Michael Brooks as her husband, she didn't know their
journey together would also include donating a kidney. Michael had been
plagued with health problems for a number of years, and two years ago
the couple learned that Michael's kidneys were failing and he had to go
on dialysis. His family decided to be tested to be donors. "His father,
brother, and I prepared to be tested," says Megan. "But when
I was a match, there was no need to go further. I was going to be the
donor." Ironically, the transplant at Methodist Dallas Medical Center
was originally scheduled to be in March, but was rescheduled. "The
new date was April 21 – the date of our wedding anniversary,"
says Megan. Although no big anniversary celebration is planned this year
as the couple concentrates on Michael's health, the couple plans to have
a celebration next year. "We're planning a big trip with family and
friends," says Megan. She adds that people should not be afraid to
donate organs and give someone else a better quality of life. "More
people should reach out and give back." Megan says there are many
reasons she decided to donate a kidney to her husband. "He's a wonderful
husband and father. He's my soul mate," she says. Michael says when
Megan walks in, "she lights up the room. She's the love of my life."
Approximately 30 percent of kidney donations are the result of one spouse
donating to the other.
Michael's surgeon, Dr. Richard Dickerman, says, "Megan is not only changing Michael's lifestyle. She is changing his life." Megan's surgeon, Dr. Alejandro Mejia, says, "It is a wonderful thing for Megan to do." Dr. Mejia adds that there is less risk now for donors because the kidney is removed with laparoscopic surgery through a small incision. Both surgeons are independently practicing physicians on the medical staff at Methodist Health System.
To register to become an organ donor and find out more about transplant services at Methodist Dallas, visit, www.methodisthealthsystem.org/transplant.
Note to editor: Photo available at www.methodisthealthsystem.org/transplantcouple
About Methodist Health System
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated care to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Methodist Midlothian Health Center, and Methodist Family Health Centers are part of the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at www.methodisthealthsystem.org. Connect with us through Facebook, YouTube and Twitter at www.methodisthealthsystem.org/socialmedia.
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Contact:
Lynette Wilkinson
214-947-7460
lynettewilkinson@mhd.com