Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Unique transplant operation restores teen’s life. Diagnosed at six months of age with
an immune deficiency disease, Laura Margaret Burbach of Georgia, USA is now 16, and two
recent transplant operations have given her new hope. A Duke University medical team transplanted
lungs and bone marrow from the same donor in a never-before performed procedure that
will eliminate Laura’s dependence on immunosuppressant drugs because her immune system was more than
98% replaced. Amazingly, although the chance of finding a suitable match was less than
1%, a donor was located after only six days allowing the doctors to move forward first
with the lung transplant and then the bone marrow. Dr. David Zaas who led the procedure
says it was the girl’s uplifting spirit that inspired the idea for the pioneering
procedure. Leaving the hospital under a shower of pink confetti, Laura Margaret exclaimed
her wonder at being freed from the lifelong disease, saying, “I can't believe it's really
happening!”
Our sincere thanks, Dr. Zaas and team at Duke University for your innovative procedure professional
skill. Wishing young Laura Margaret a continued swift and complete recovery as she continues
to share her love and enthusiasm with the world for many fulfilling years to come�