Good morning:
Hope this finds everyone doing well. Things are busy here in DC. We’re ramping up for our annual LFA advocacy days on Capitol Hill. This event takes place in less than 3 weeks – March 10-11, 2008. If you’re interested in joining us, there is space still available. You can learn more here.
Less than 2 weeks old, the recently launched message boards are doing well so far. As of this morning, we have more than 250 registered users for them. If you’re interested in joining the boards, visit here.
And finally, I’d like to do another lupus blog spotlight. This one is called Cameron’s Blog. Cameron Bonner is located in California. And his older brother Austin has done a pretty amazing thing; he donated a kidney to Cameron.
Cameron was diagnosed with an acute type of lupus about 13 years ago. His first kidney transplant occurred in July 2000. Prior to that transplant, three Bonner siblings -- there are 15 Bonner children in total -- were tested to see if any of them matched as a possible kidney donor for Cameron. Only Austin Bonner and another older brother, Marty, tested as 100 percent matches.
At the time, Austin was stationed in Hawaii. Marty, who lived in Washington, was closer so the decision was made that he would donate his kidney. Unfortunately, lupus flare-ups in 2005 attacked Cameron’s donated kidney and he experienced a second kidney failure.
Austin knew he was going to be the donor this time. The surgeries were set for October 2006, but the month before, Cameron developed a bacterial infection that caused a stroke. Doctors put the operations on hold until Cameron received a clean bill of health.
They got the "green light" late in 2007, and on January 15, 2008, Austin and Cameron Bonner had the kidney transplant surgery.
You can read about their amazing journey on Cameron’s Blog.
Until next time, Wick
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5 comments:
Thank you so much for this site. I've been diagnosed with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, so I've been doing a lot of research on both lupus and RA (which are the two most likely candidates if my UCTD develops into a particular CTD). I really appreciate the collection of blogs and the great info posted here. I'm starting my own blog, which is focused on food, but also on my experiences as someone dealing with an autoimmune disease. If you think it's appropriate, I'd love to be on your blog list. Otherwise, thanks for the work you're doing! http://raveningreader.wordpress.com/
Thanks for doing the blog spotlights. I am always on the lookout for blogs on lupus and autoimmunity. Reading about other people's journeys through this awful disease is painful but therapeutic, and gives people the chance to reach out and let them know that they are not alone.
Keep up the good work!
Hello, My name is Amy Bonner wife of Austin Bonner who donated to Cameron. Austin is a U.S. Marine and has had several interviews with different newspapers, as well as a local Idaho news station where we all grew up. I just wanted to let everyone know that there are a few mistakes that have been published over and over in their story.
Cameron had his first Transplant done in July 2000 in Spokane Washington. Cameron is one of 15 children. His older brother Marty and younger brother Austin and younger brother Guy tested the first time. Austin and I were stationed in Hawaii, Marty and Austin were both 100% matches. Marty was the one who gave the first kidney. Austin gave Cameron his kidney on January 15, 2008. Thank you all for your prayers and support! Be Blessed! Amy
Amy ... thanks for the clarification. Your edits have been made.
On behalf of the LFA, our best to your family.
Wick
Thanks for sharing that wick. Thanks for sharing everrything. Its a easy way to get the latest updates. Thanks so much.
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