"Fortunately, the progress in the field of transplantation has been astounding."
Fletcher Blevins, seated, is joined by, from left, Luis Arroyo, M.D., Patricia Skerko, L.C.S.W., Carmen Flores, R.N.C., and Sandi Bausback-Aballo, R.N., C.C.T.C.
For 62-year-old Fletcher Blevins of Newark, a simultaneous heart and kidney transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center was the best birthday present he could have received. On July 6, 1999, Mr. Blevins was the second patient to undergo a simultaneous heart and kidney transplant at the Medical Center. “Mr. Blevins has been a true inspiration to all of us here at Newark Beth Israel,” says Carmen Flores, R.N., Transplant Coordinator. “Little more than 10 years ago, most people with end stage renal disease received hemodialysis with no knowledge about any other treatment option. Transplantation was rarely discussed because the criteria for being listed as a transplant candidate were stringent. And a simultaneous transplantation procedure would have been out of the question,” she emphasizes. “Fortunately, the progress in the field of transplantation has been astounding. Mr. Blevins is greatly admired by our staff because of his sense of humor, friendliness and willingness to do what it takes to renew his health. I’m delighted that we were able to provide Mr. Blevins with the greatest advances in transplantation technology.”