Colorado's First-Ever Heart-Kidney Transplant Patient Lucky To Get Both Organs At Same Time
By Kathy Walsh
LITTLETON, Colo. (CBS4) - A father from Littleton has received the first heart-kidney transplant ever performed in Colorado.
The surgeries were done at the University of Colorado Hospital Transplant Center. And just 10 days after the transplants, Sam Johns is out of the hospital.
"I have all the stitches and the staples and it kind of hurts a little bit when you breathe," Johns told CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh.
But he wasn't complaining.
"I have a new respect for life," he said.
Ten months and 80 pounds ago, the elevator mechanic had a massive heart attack.
"It just all of a sudden hit me. I didn't have any signs really," said Johns.
He was put on life support. He survived, but got worse. He spent his 53rd birthday in the cardiac ICU. Months later, Johns learned his condition had deteriorated.
"When I got the heart damage, it damaged my kidneys," he said.
The husband and father of two would need both a new heart and a new kidney. On Nov. 7 Johns got the call. In a 6-hour surgery at the UCH, cardiac transplant surgeon Dr. Ashok Babu transplanted Johns' new heart. Six hours later, Dr. Peter Kennealey gave Johns his new kidney.
Kennealey is the Surgical Director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Programs at the UCH.
"This is the first time we've done a combined heart and kidney in Colorado," he said.
Babu added, "He (Johns) was lucky to get this heart, even luckier to get a good heart and a good kidney from the same donor."
Sarah Johns, his 20-year-old daughter, said, "It's amazing that he got both so soon."
His wife, Lori, added, "We were lucky all the way around."
The Johns are grateful to the donor, thankful for support, ready to make the most of Sam's second chance.
Additional Resources
The family has a GoFundMe account or checks can be sent to any 1stBank in Colorado made out to the "Johns Family Fund."
Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.