Rare Triple Organ Transplant Saves Man

(AP)  A rare triple organ transplant has saved a Tampa man with diabetes and cancer.

Louie Olivarez was the first person to receive the pancreas-liver-kidney transplant recently at Tampa General Hospital. The 43-year-old said at a press conference Wednesday that he wasn't sure "how to respond to such a great gift."

The procedure was spread out over two days late last month. It involved a medical team of as many as 75 health care professionals.

Olivarez was on the transplant waiting list for only four days, and officials say it was extremely unusual to have all three organs available so quickly.

Tampa General officials said multiple transplants involving other organ combinations are more common.

[mysticlady9]

The pancreas-liver-kidney transplant would cure his diabetes as well as his cancer. How marvelous and what a wonderful new medical miracle! Congratulations to Louie Olivarez and his family for being back to life. God is telling him he has more to accomplish in this life. May he now live life to its fullest!

[barbara1968]

What a sad think to say Rayangela98. God gave us the talent and knowledge to perform these life saving surgeries. Your remarks are more than callous. They are ignorant. I personally know Louie Olivarez. He is a kind, loving and generous person. Your remarks are hurtful, mean and down right rude. May God have mercy on you. Imagine how he, or his family would feel reading such remarks. What if it were your family member?

I guess if we use your logic, you will never take asprin for a headache or ever go to the doctor again--perhaps God is telling you something!

[rayangela98]

This may sound callous but if I had diabetes and cancer, I would tell the doctors to save 3 other people who could use these organs. I believe if I have that much going against me then perhaps God is trying to tell me something. That's just my opinion...