A Cause Close to Home: Supporting the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute Honoring the Fiser family for their ongoing support of transplant research and patient assistance By Olivia Watson | Photo: Courtesy Mary Fiser
A native New Orleanian with a background in education and a former business owner, Mary Giafagleone Fiser jokes that “Ochsner” could have been one of her first words. “My parents were both loyal patients, and I was their primary caregiver for the last last four years of their long lives,” she explained. “Generations of my family received care at Ochsner.” Mary came to know Ochsner Health’s compassionate community even more closely when her family faced simultaneous health crises: while her parents declined, her husband Jerry was diagnosed with kidney failure. Jerry needed a kidney transplant—and there was no question that they would seek support from the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute. Mary and Jerry sent several educational emails to family, friends and acquaintances about Jerry’s situation in hopes of finding a living donor. After countless medical tests, doctor’s appointments, and eight long months of outreach, the Fisers found hope: a living donor angel. Thanks to Ochsner’s Kidney Transplant team, Jerry received a new kidney in 2011.
Meeting the needs of transplant patients in the Gulf South Since its inception in 1984, Ochsner’s Multi-Organ Transplant Institute— made up of renowned physicians, surgeons, transplant nurses and support specialists—has successfully performed more than 8,000 life-saving kidney, liver, pancreas, lung and heart transplants. They are able to deliver life-saving care thanks to innovations in
technology, breakthroughs in research and the ongoing support of Ochsner’s donor community. Jerry’s story is all too common. He was one of many Americans in dire need of a transplant after kidney failure. Every 10 minutes, another name is added to the national transplant waiting list. In Louisiana alone, over 2,000 people are waiting for lifesaving transplants. “There’s a huge need in our community Mrs. Mary Fiser to help people wherever they are in their transplant journey,” explained Lauren Phipps, Director of team, led by Jorge Garces, MD and closely Development for the Multi-Organ managed by his case manager, Jeanne Transplant Institute at Ochsner. Bouvette, RN, only grew and intensified,” This journey includes rides to and from Mary shared. doctor’s appointments, help finding donor The feeling was mutual. “At Ochsner,
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We realized we could
give back to Ochsner, the organization that had touched our lives so graciously and professionally.
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— Mary Fiser
matches, financial support for lodging or food and postoperative monitoring to ensure a smooth recovery. The relationship with the post-op team was particularly important for Jerry, as he encountered multiple hurdles. “Our gratitude and respect for the transplant
we have access to the latest research and clinical trials, which helps us improve health outcomes before and after surgery,” Dr. Garces explained. “Our job is to not only provide the highest level of care, but also to give patients and their families a comprehensive education about what they can expect at every step of the procedure— perhaps most importantly in recovery. ” Patient compliance is a critical part of this process. “Jerry was a lovely patient and person, always willing to cooperate and follow instructions,” Dr. Garces shared. “He worked hard to improve his quality of life by following our recommendations, adhering to dietary restrictions and staying motivated.” (continued on page 8)
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