March 27, 2023
Together at the Pediatric Nephrology Unit at Alberta Children’s Hospital are, from left: social worker Carolyn Maingot, nurse Lorraine Spencer, Dr. Lorraine Hamiwka, Ana Morales, her son and kidney recipient Joel Morales, nurse Carlie Barath, Dr. Silviu Grisaru, Dr. Julian Midgley, and pharmacist Trina Lycklama. Joel is the 100th child to receive a kidney through the ACH transplant program since it began in 1995. Photo by Melanie Veriotes.
Story & photo by Melanie Veriotes
CALGARY — Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) is celebrating a milestone with its 100th pediatric kidney transplant.
The journey began nearly 30 years ago when ACH completed its first kidney transplant surgery under a new program launched in 1995 by pediatric nephrologist Dr. Julian Midgley.
Looking back, Midgley remembers working with a “very brave family who had a child who needed a kidney transplant” when they gave their consent to proceed.
Earlier this year, eight-year-old Joel Garcia Morales became the 100th kidney transplant patient at ACH.
Dr. Silviu Grisaru, Joel’s primary pediatric nephrologist, says that his kidney function was declining. “We were about to start dialysis when an anonymous donor came forward — and the kidney was appropriate for Joel — and he was able to get the transplant.”
Although Joel’s father had offered to donate a kidney for his son, he was not a suitable match. “But Joel’s Dad was able to donate his kidney to someone else who was waiting on the list,” adds Dr. Grisaru.
Today, still under the care of the Pediatric Nephrology Unit team, Joel is a vibrant boy who says he’s sleeping better at night with his new kidney. He’s also excited to get back to spending time with his friends and playing soccer.
“He has more energy than ever before,” says his mother Ana, in voicing her gratitude for Joel’s care team.
It’s this kind of teamwork and the generosity of kidney donors and families that makes for successful transplants, says Dr. Lorraine Hamiwka, director, who’s led the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program since 2001.
The ACH Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program currently performs five to seven pediatric kidney transplants a year. Its team also provides care for children on the waiting list with assessment, with management at the time of transplant surgery and with follow-up after the procedure.
Dr. Hamiwka adds: “Our culture has always been to work together at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in the spirit of collaboration with families so we can provide the best outcomes for our pediatric transplant patients.”
