THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 22, 1995 TAG: 9506220028
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 30 lines
It saddens me greatly to read passionately written letters, such as the one you published under the title ``Celebrities favored for transplants,'' which out-of-hand debunk the system for sharing organs within the proven national system. While I can understand the grief and frustration that the writer - and perhaps many others - might suffer, such unfounded and unsubstantiated accusations impugn the ethics and integrity of a host of doctors, technicians and other professionals involved in this most grave decision-making process.
When I was placed on the heart-transplant list in March 1987, I went directly to No. 2 in the region served by my hospital in Fairfax - bypassing, I was told, dozens of others on the list. I was and am a ``noncelebrity,'' but the gravity of my condition dictated my placement.
Since my successful transplant in April of that year, I have kept informed of transplant programs and procedures and am completely satisfied with the character, honesty and ethical prudence of all involved.
JOHN JIANNAS
Virginia Beach, June 17, 1995 by CNB