Sen. Sharon Runner Released Early from Hospital after Double Lung Transplant
By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 6th, 2012
Only 10 days after undergoing a successful double lung transplant, State Senator Sharon Runner (R-Antelope Valley) is being released today by her doctors at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. “The medical team led by Dr. Abbas Ardehali and Dr. David Ross at UCLA has been amazing,” said Runner. “There are not enough words to express my gratitude to this group of surgeons, doctors, nurses and health care professionals for their care and professionalism. These dedicated individuals give their patients the best medical care each and every day.” “As much as I am grateful for the care I’ve received, I am glad to be leaving,” Runner added. Dr. David Ross, Medical Director of the Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Program, praised Runners’ recovery. "We are thrilled with Sharon's rapid progress. Her new lungs will enable her to resume normal activities and responsibilities soon." A limited scleroderma patient, Runner caught several lung infections in December which led to her reenlistment on the organ transplant list. There are an estimated 300,000 people living with scleroderma; and nearly 80 percent are women. Placement on the transplant list is determined by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) organization’s national centralized computer. Over the next few weeks, Runner will be required to make daily visits to her doctors and therapists for pulmonary rehabilitation. Following a series of successful rehabilitation programs, Runner is expected to return to the Capitol by late spring. Runner expressed appreciation to the anonymous donor for their final act of humanity. “Without this person’s generosity, I would not be able to continue my community activism and public service. This person’s family and friends will always be in my prayers.” About Scleroderma About United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Each day, an average of 75 people receive organ transplants according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. DonateLifeCalifornia About the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center About Senator Sharon Runner |