THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: Saturday, June 17, 1995 TAG: 9506160008 SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL TYPE: Letter LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
I fail to understand how anyone can justify the fact that Mickey Mantle received a liver transplant within a few days of his hospitalization. Is it possible that this is due to his celebrity status?
My stepfather died June 1 from liver failure. He had received word May 31 that he would be officially listed for a liver transplant the following day, the day he died. He had been diagnosed Dec. 5, 1994, with hemochromotosis (a genetic disorder) and chronic Hepatitis C (which he contracted in Vietnam, not through a sports-related injury). He was subsequently referred to Medical College of Virginia for a work-up for a liver transplant with the first available appointment being in March.
The work-up he underwent proved to be extensive and time-consuming, requiring two hospitalizations. His physical condition became progressively worse and we, the family, more impatient. We were continually assured by the medical staff at MCV that transplant work-ups ``take time'' and all this was standard procedure with everyone being evaluated for transplant.
I also understood that alcoholism was a definite contraindication for transplant and that cancer was something that would throw serious doubt on a candidate's eligibility. David Beale (my stepfather) died in a hepatic coma.
Is Mickey Mantel's life more valuable than David Beale's? Evidently organ-donor organizations and medical personnel treating Mr. Mantle believe so.
The United Network for Organ Sharing (the national listing organization for organ transplants) has lost quite a bit of credibility with the obviously preferential treatment given to celebrities. If it had hoped to draw national attention to the organ-donor program, it has attained its goal. But is this the kind of image it had hoped to project?
I intend to tell David Beale's story to everyone who will listen. It is my sincere hope that other families that are waiting for donated organs for their loved ones or who have lost family members during the wait will do the same thing.
CYNTHIA STEPHENSON
Norfolk, June 9, 1995 by CNB