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Massachusetts. – A 62-year-old man who underwent the world’s first pig-to-human kidney transplant died at the weekend.
According to the Massachusetts General Hospital, where Richard Slayman underwent the groundbreaking surgery, there was no indication that his death was caused by the procedure.
In a statement released following Slayman’s death, his family said they were saddened by his sudden passing.
“We take great comfort in knowing he inspired so many. Millions of people worldwide have come to know Rick’s story. We felt and still feel comforted by the optimism he provided patients desperately waiting for a transplant,” the Slayman family said.
“To us, Rick was a kind-hearted man with a quick-witted sense of humour who was fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers.
“We are extremely grateful to his care team across Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Brigham, especially Dr Williams, Dr Kawai, and Dr Riella, who truly did everything they could to help give Rick a second chance. Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts,” the family added.
Slayman suffered from end-stage kidney disease.
Speaking after his transplant, Slayman said one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive. – IOLNews
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter