The Doctors: Larry and Jimmie Sue Kidney Transplant
Jimmie Sue, who is in need of a kidney transplant, and her husband, Larry, shared their story on The Doctors.
The Doctors shared the story of Larry and Jimmie Sue, a loving couple who have been married for 57 years. They have three kids, eight grandkids and five great-grandchildren. After a devastating diagnosis left Jimmie Sue in need of a kidney transplant, Larry didn’t take the news sitting down – literally!
Jimmie Sue was born with one small kidney, but this didn’t affect her life until about five years ago. After suffering flu-like symptoms, tests showed that her good kidney was only working at 75% of its capacity, and the other kidney wasn’t working at all.
Jimmie Sue was in need of a kidney transplant, and in the meantime, had to undergo dialysis treatments. Larry wanted to donate a kidney to save his wife’s life, but unfortunately, he wasn’t a match for her O positive blood type. Neither were any of their children. Larry became very emotional while discussing his wife. “I just can’t bear to be without her,” he said.
In order to get Jimmie Sue off dialysis, Larry formulated a brilliant plan. Every single day, he walks around with a sign that reads “Need Kidney 4 Wife.” He’s walked miles and miles through intense heat, but he’s prepared to walk until his wife receives a match. They’ve received hundreds of calls, but unfortunately no one yet has proven to be a positive match.
The Drs: Kidney & Organ Donation
Because of Jimmie Sue’s dialysis, she isn’t able to travel, so The Doctors spoke with the couple via Polycom. Jimmie Sue shared her initial reaction to her husband’s efforts. “It didn’t surprise me, but I didn’t know about this,” she admitted. She probably would have tried to stop him if she did!
Jimmie Sue revealed that the worst part of dialysis is the intense pain. “I wish it was me rather than her,” Larry said.
Dr. Travis Stork said that Jimmie Sue and Larry’s touching story highlights the vast need for organ donation in America. It’s the kidneys’ job to filter waste from the blood, so they are essential organs in our bodies. If you believe that you could be a donor for Jimmie Sue or someone else, please call the donor hotline at 1-800-277-8687.
I am almost 80 years old. I am A pos so i am not a candidate but do have a heart and would like to know if they were successful getting a donor. HOW IS JIMMIE SUE TODAY?