Alaska News

Anchorage woman receives surprise gift from friend, a new kidney!

Terri Teas, An Anchorage woman in need of a kidney transplant, has received great news and some national attention after she learned that a longtime friend had secretly agreed to donate one of her own organs. She was scheduled for transplant surgery at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Wash., today, Oct. 8.

Over a year ago, Teas ran into her old friend Judie Wolfe during a visit to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. At the time, Teas, who is in her early 60s, was awaiting a possible match for a kidney transplant.

Teas's kidneys had been in downward decline since the early 2000's. She told ABC News that her "kidneys were malfunctioning." And, as she grew weaker and weaker over the years, she eventually had to retire from her job as a medical nurse prematurely. Teas's doctor told her that she would eventually need a new kidney due to damage caused by her congenital condition.

Over a year ago, Teas ran into her old friend Judie Wolfe during a visit to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. At the time, Teas, who is in her early 60s, was awaiting a possible match for a kidney transplant.

Teas and Wolfe had known each other for years, beginning when they both worked for Anchorage Doctor Louann Feldman's family medical practice. When Wolfe learned Teas was undergoing kidney-match screening, she felt she had to see if she'd be a candidate. And when she learned she was, Wolfe was a bit surprised, but knew that offering Teas one of her organs was the "right thing to do."

Teas said:

Read more at ABC News, here.

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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