This Day in History December 23, 1954

By Ruth on December 23, 2013 in history, science
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I  wasn’t aware of today’s feature.   On this date in 1954, the first successful kidney transplant occurred.  Richard Herrick had an incurable kidney disease, and his donor was his twin brother, Ronald Lee Herrick.  It was this fact (identical twin relationship) that ensured there would be no potential organ rejection.  Interestingly enough, Richard met his future wife, Clare, in the recovery room.  They married and had two children.  Richard lived for eight years after the surgery, and he only succumbed to kidney problems unrelated to the surgery.  The doctor who performed the surgery, Dr. Joseph Murray, later received a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in medical science.

For more information:

History of Transplants

http://famousdaily.com/history/first-human-kidney-transplant-performed.html

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=51386928

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RuthView all posts by Ruth
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.
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2 Comments

  1. Stephanie December 24, 2013 Reply

    Great story! I’m HUGE about organ donation and transplants as my best friend had a heart transplant at the age of 21 and lived 6 more years because of it. Cool to read a little history on the first successful kidney transplant.

  2. Pam Gurganus December 23, 2013 Reply

    This is a historical and beautiful read! Thank you so much for the information and for sharing!

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