Local Kidney Recipient Celebrates 50 Years with His Life-Saving Transplants

Two transplanted kidneys and 50 years later, Havertown, PA resident, Stephen Henderson, is still going strong at 74 years old.  On Saturday, May 14, approximately 40 of Stephen’s family and friends – some traveling from as far away as Oregon – will celebrate Stephen’s life and 50^th “kidney-versary.”

Stephen had an active and healthy childhood, and only began to notice symptoms from his failing kidneys once he was in college.  He pushed on and went to graduate school, but quickly realized that him symptoms were too painful to bear.  After several years of severe cramping, nausea, exhaustion and numbness in his hands and feet – doctors told him that he would need a kidney transplant.

His parents did research and discovered that living donation may be an option.  His father committed to being Stephen’s life-saving kidney donor, and they moved forward with the process.  Stephen was unable to tolerate dialysis and doctors had to perform the transplant sooner than they had previously planned due to his quickly deteriorating health.

“It was the 1960s, and transplantation was considered experimental at that time.  It was a lot different than it is now.” Stephen said.  “Both of my original kidneys had to be removed, but I immediately started feeling better once my new kidney began to work.  My father didn’t have any issues after the transplant, and lived a healthy, long life – well into his 80s.”

“He’s lived a long time on two borrowed kidneys.  He’s lived long enough to reach a point where he can now worry about the issues that come with old age.  We didn’t know if that would ever happen.” — Bill Henderson

After his first transplant, Stephen was able to do many things that he previously was unable to.  He had his transplant in May and by September he was energetic and back to teaching – a profession that he loved.  His wife, who is now deceased, worked with him for many years.  They both had a background in counseling and enjoyed traveling and hosting workshops on death and dying.  Stephen was also a therapist for high school age children, and worked as a counselor for patients in hospice care.

He had 21 years with his father’s kidney until his symptoms returned.  His blood pressure skyrocketed and he had to go on dialysis.  He was never added to the organ transplant waitlist because his brother, Bill Henderson (of Media, PA), was a perfect match to become a living donor for him.  In 1987, Stephen received the gift of life for a second time from his brother Bill.

Bill said, “It’s wonderful to be able to do something like that.  It’s pretty significant that it has been 50 years since he received his first transplant, and that he will turn 75 soon.  He’s lived a long time on two borrowed kidneys.  He’s lived long enough to reach a point where he can now worry about the issues that come with old age.  We didn’t know if that would ever happen.” he said.

“My two kidney transplants have allowed me to live a full life.” said Stephen.