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A New Lease on Life: Grandfather Receives First-of-Its-Kind Triple Organ Transplant
In a truly remarkable medical achievement, 64-year-old grandfather Don Elliot has received a new lease on life after undergoing a groundbreaking triple-organ transplant at Cleveland Clinic.
Ryan Beck
June 08, 2025
Don with Dr. Sehgal at a follow-up appointment (Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic)
Don, who battled a rare genetic condition called Alpha-1, suffered from severe liver cirrhosis, emphysema, and ultimately kidney failure due to the disease's progression. In a first for Ohio and only the fourth case of its kind in the United States, Don received a liver, lungs, and kidney all from the same deceased donor. The complex and lengthy surgery spanned 24 hours, but the outcome has been nothing short of miraculous.
Just six months post-transplant, Don feels like a completely new person. He is now able to breathe independently and walk without supplemental oxygen – something he couldn't do before the life-saving procedure. This incredible recovery has allowed him to embrace life and cherish time with his grandchildren fully.Don Elliot's journey is a powerful testament to the advancements in transplant medicine and the dedication of medical teams, offering immense hope and a bright future for patients facing complex health challenges.
Don before (left) and after (right) his triple-organ transplant (Courtesy of Don Elliott)
(Source: Cleveland Clinic Patient Stories)