50 years later, Oklahoma siblings celebrate lifesaving kidney transplant
OKLAHOMA CITY —
Two Oklahoma siblings have surpassed doctors’ expectations and are now celebrating a huge milestone together.
Larry Rogers is celebrating 50 years with the kidney his sister donated. Rogers was only 10 years old when he received the transplant.
“It actually all started out with the, the doctors finding out that my kidney, at the age of 10, was not working like it should,” Rogers said.
After being placed on dialysis, doctors told his family he needed a transplant.
Both his father and his 12-year-old sister, Loretta Mayberry, were matches. Despite her young age, Mayberry did not hesitate to help her brother.
“When it got to that point, I mean, I knew he was sick, so there was no thinking about it,” Mayberry said.
The transplant took place in September 1976 at Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Doctors warned the family that the kidney would likely only last a few years.
“They called the family in several times saying they need to come in and say their goodbyes,” Mayberry said.
But Rogers defied expectations, reaching milestone after milestone — getting his driver’s license, marrying his high school sweetheart, and watching his children and grandchildren grow up.
“I just didn’t let the kidney transplant try to set me back any at all,” Rogers said.
Now, 50 years later, Mayberry’s kidney is still working.
“I’m just excited that he’s here. Excited that I could be a part of that. Excited that it was me. You know, I’m, I’m so grateful that it was me,” Mayberry said.
The family is marking the occasion with a party and possibly more celebrations in the future.
“We talked about maybe a cruise in the near future to celebrate this milestone,” Mayberry said.
“I’m ready now,” Rogers added.
For Rogers, his journey is a testament to resilience, and he hopes his story inspires others facing challenges.
“Don’t give up,” Rogers said.
