October 29th, 2009 | 
Author: “I can’t bring about world peace, I can’t eliminate world hunger, but I can get one person off dialysis”, Dr. Susan Hou had said in 2004
I came across this article and it moved me so much I just had to share it.
What an amazing and wonderful person and her comments sum up totally the selfless person she is and her desire to help anyone she can.
Chicago based doctor Dr Susan Hou is in India on the occasion of World Kidney Day on March 11. If you are wondering what’s special about Dr Susan Hou, it is the fact she saved her patients life in a true sense by donating her Kidney seven and a half years back . Dr Susan Hou would be speaking on renal disorders in pregnant women at an event organized by Tanker Foundation on Monday.
We have all known of family members or friends donating kidneys to one another. But organ donations to unrelated patient was not really heard of.
Dr Susan Hou set up a noble example in this regard and proved that one need not be related to donate organs.
“If we believe in the brotherhood of men, then there should be no second thought in donating your kidneys to anybody as no donation is unrelated,” Dr Hou explained.
Dr Susan Hou, an expert on renal disorders in pregnancy describes her transplant experience as great. Her husband Mark Moli, who is an expert doctor himself, was apprehensive about her decision but was fine post surgery. In fact every nephrologist should donate his kidney for the cause of health care, Dr Susan Hou noted.
It is not all roses with Kidney transplants. The donor’s intent and health condition is of utmost importance. The donor must not be suffering from cancer or any other infection. The donor’s kidneys should be healthy. Not many people are convinced of organ donation. “If we have the feeling a donor doesn’t really want to donate, then we tell them they cannot do it.” Dr Susan Hou said.
On Monday Dr Susan Hou was honored by Georgi Abraham, founder-trustee of Tanker Foundation. But one would be surprised to know that seven and a half years back her decision faced strong criticism. In a male dominated society that India is, there was a fear that women would be forced to donate kidneys to their husbands.
“I can’t bring about world peace, I can’t eliminate world hunger, but I can get one person off dialysis” Dr Susan Hou 2004.
What a noble and inspiring thought indeed!
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2 Responses to “Dr Susan Hou – sums it up perfectly!”
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Dr. Hou is so right. There are so many big things in this world that we are helpless to fix, but being a living kidney donor does one very small, very powerful thing. It gets one person off dialysis. It eases the misery and lengthens the life of one person.
On June 25, it will be one year since I donated a kidney to a stranger. There was no pain, just a little stiffness, and I have a clean bill of health. I hope more people will consider living donation. If anyone is considering living donation and has questions, I’m happy to answer them. Thanks!
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for finding this blog and posting. So glad your donation went well and you have a clean bill of health. We have a forum for living donors here (link on main nav bar) where we offer support and advice and just generally know there will always be someone there with a positive attitude and able to offer help and support to other Living donors.
It makes a tremendous difference in someones life yet takes very little time or effort out of ours to do that. Along the way I have met so many wonderful people. The doctors, nurses, technicians – everyone who works at the hospital, all pull together as a team, it is so amazing. I have met people on dialysis and post transplant; people wanting to donate, are donating, have donated. To have been a small cog in such a huge wheel I feel so truly honoured that I was able to contribute. I wish I could do more.
Thanks
Di