"They were really wonderful from start to finish, the doctors, the caregivers, even the pharmacy. I don’t have a single complaint. "
For Michael Lavigne, kidney disease was never sudden. It was something he learned about in his late 20s, discovered during routine bloodwork for an insurance physical. Further testing revealed reduced kidney function, about 50 percent at the time, despite him feeling otherwise healthy. His doctors explained it would slowly decline, and that one day, he would need to make a decision.
For years after, Michael’s kidney function was closely monitored. The progression was gradual, and surprisingly, even slower than expected. But eventually, his kidney function dropped below 10 percent, and the reality became clear, he would either need to begin dialysis or pursue a kidney transplant.
“Option one [dialysis] didn’t sound particularly appealing,” Michael said.
He moved forward with care at the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, guided by his nephrologist Robert D. Zenenberg, DO, and supported by the multidisciplinary transplant team.
“It doesn’t take long to see why Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is a leader in kidney transplantation, the experience shows,” Michael shared. “Everyone took the time to explain things clearly. They were patient, thorough, and never alarmist, but they also never underplayed anything.”
As Michael and his wife of 33 years, Elyse Lavigne, began learning more about transplant options, they discovered that receiving a kidney from a deceased donor could involve years on a waiting list. That led them to explore living-donor options. Michael initially spoke with his sister, but due to her own health concerns, donation was not an option. Elyse, however, was ready to step forward without hesitation.
“From the nurses to the transplant physicians, everyone was supportive and took the time to answer our questions,” shares Elyse. “We always felt informed and cared for throughout the entire process. The team made something overwhelming feel manageable.”
Although Elyse was not a direct match for her husband, the couple learned about kidney paired donation, an option that allows an incompatible donor-recipient pair to exchange kidneys with another pair so that both recipients receive compatible kidneys. Elyse’s donation would help another patient in need, while Michael would receive a kidney from a matching donor.
“The Living Donor Paired Exchange program expands opportunities for patients who may not have a compatible donor within their own family,” shares Praveen Kandula, MD, medical director of The Living Donor Institute at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. “It’s a powerful example of how collaboration and generosity can lead to successful outcomes for more than one patient at a time.”
“It’s a fabulous program we learned about,” shares Elyse. “It opens up a lot of doors.”
Michael began dialysis while waiting for the paired exchange process to be completed. Within less than a year, on February 19, 2020, Michael received his kidney transplant. After recovery and follow-up care, he returned to everyday life with only a few limitations beyond daily medications and routine checkups.
“They were really wonderful from start to finish, the doctors, the caregivers, even the pharmacy. I don’t have a single complaint. The care team was fantastic at every step,” shares Michael.
Today, Michael describes his life post kidney transplant as “the same if not better” and carries an immense amount of gratitude with him. For Elyse, recovery from donation was smooth, with no long-term restrictions.
In the years since kidney transplantation, the Lavigne couple has continued to live an active, healthy life. Their entire family went on a seven-hour hike with a 3,000-foot elevation change in the Tetons and this past fall, Elyse completed the Philadelphia Marathon, her first marathon, with her daughter.
“As seen with the Lavigne’s, living kidney donation does not have to limit an active lifestyle,” shares Dr. Kandula. “With appropriate evaluation, recovery, and follow-up care, many recipients and donors are able to return to the activities they enjoy.”
In addition, each year on February 19, in lieu of Valentine's Day, Michael and Elyse celebrate their “transplant-iversary,” a day that represents generosity, resilience, and a second chance at life.
About The Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
The Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division, located in Livingston, NJ, is one of the leading kidney transplant centers in the country. The Transplant Division at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers compassionate and comprehensive transplant care for adult and pediatric kidney patients.
The Living Donor Institute at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers an increasing number of innovative living donation techniques available at only a few of the world’s leading transplant centers.
With a patient-centered approach, we aim to provide a caring environment with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Our multidisciplinary transplant team guides patients through the process of deciding on kidney transplant as a treatment option, understanding transplantation, finding a donor, and maintaining a healthy organ after transplant.