Michael Profeto’s more than decade-long battle with end-stage kidney failure reached a life-changing turning point this week. After years of dialysis, Profeto underwent a kidney transplant at Temple University Hospital, marking a major milestone for the medical center.
“It’s been a long road,” Profeto said, reflecting on his journey.
Temple performed its thousandth kidney transplant on Monday, with Profeto as the milestone patient.
“Wow! At first I thought they had done more. I thought it was the thousandth this month,” said Profeto.
In fact, the operation represents a major achievement in the hospital’s history, dating back to the first kidney transplant 35 years ago.
Dr. Kenneth Chavin, director of the Abdominal Organ Transplant Program at Temple said, “All who have come before us, with advances that allow us to do this routinely, have helped transform so many lives.”
Profeto had been on the waiting list for transplant donors for several years. When he learned that his surgery would take place during Thanksgiving week, he was filled with emotions.
“Unfortunately, someone arranged for me to receive this kidney,” Profeto said. “I wish I could tell them in person, ‘Thank you. I love you.'”
Although the moment carries a tinge of sadness, Profeto said his gratitude is overwhelming.
“Now I really have something to be thankful for,” he said.
Although he will spend Thanksgiving in the hospital recovering, Profeto is grateful that he will soon return home to his loving family.
“We’ll have some turkey this weekend,” he said, smiling.
Aziza Shuler
