Tulane liver-transplant patient becomes gold-medal athlete

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September 26, 2007 09:25

MDT

Tulane

liver-transplant patient becomes gold-medal athlete

NEW ORLEANS - A

man who received a liver transplant at Tulane University Hospital & Clinic

has won five medals at the 2007 World Transplant Games in Bangkok,

Thailand, according to

Tulane University Magazine.

Bill West

received the transplant in May 2004. His surgeon,

Sandy Florman, watched West

compete at the 2007 games. West won

three gold medals, one silver and one bronze after competing in the 50-, 100-,

200- and 400-meter freestyle swim and freestyle relay events. In addition, West broke three World Transplant

Games records for his age group in the 50-, 100- and 200-meter freestyle

events.

West was

diagnosed in 1998 with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a disease that affects bile ducts inside and

outside the liver. By 2003, the disease progressed to the point where he needed

a liver transplant. Florman

and Slakey at the Tulane Abdominal Transplant

Institute performed the surgery.

With love, Barb in Texas - Together in the Fight, Whatever it Takes!

Son Ken (33) UC 91 - PSC 99 - Tx 6/21 & 6/30/07 @ Baylor in Dallas