Jasmine: one of the family

Jasmine Reed and transplant coordinator Cyd Major, R.N., B.S.N.

SPRING 2002 - When Jasmine Reed was 8 years old, her doctors said she needed a kidney transplant. Seeking a second opinion, her family met with doctors in Packard's Pediatric Kidney Transplant program. That appointment settled things for the Reeds.

"The team was like one big family," says Toni Reed, Jasmine's mother. "It was a feeling that came over us during the first meeting. We knew it was the place for us."

Toni compares Oscar Salvatierra to "your favorite grandpa." He had a gentle touch with Jasmine that made her comfortable immediately, Toni says. "He would look in her eyes to see how she was feeling. He treated her like she was part of his family."

The same was true of Minnie Sarwal and Steve Alexander. When Jasmine was hospitalized she would say, "Just hold my hand, Dr. Minnie," and Sarwal would do just that.

Jasmine had been born with an undersized bladder and kidney. Starting when she was 6 weeks old, she developed frequent fevers and urinary tract infections. The problem became even worse after a surgeon enlarged her bladder with intestinal tissue.

By the time she arrived at Packard, infections had ravaged Jasmine's urinary system. Dr. Salvatierra removed not only her kidneys, but also the entire bladder.

During the next five months, Jasmine built her strength while receiving dialysis four times a week. Meanwhile, Jasmine's cousin, Latausha, came forward as a likely kidney donor. In April 2000, Salvatierra transplanted a kidney from Latausha to Jasmine.

"It's been much easier on all of us since the transplant," says Toni. Now 10 years old, Jasmine is able to keep up with her schoolwork. And this summer, she expects to complete her first uninterrupted softball season.

Once every three months, Jasmine comes back to see her Packard family. It's a doctor visit she does not mind one bit.