Dear Family and Friends,

Last Tuesday I took my husband Jimmy to Jackson Memorial Hospital for phase I of his kidney transplant - removal of his kidneys. Phase II will come when a kidney donor is available. The surgery Wednesday went very well according to the surgeons, the kidneys were about 30 pounds. Jim was in an enormous amount of pain but feeling so much better today. He called me to come pick him up from the hospital but when I got there one of the doctors was still concerned about one of his test showing he had an iron deficiency and didn't want to take the chance of releasing him too soon. They will do more blood work tomorrow and decide if he can possibly come home, he sure is ready. Fortunately the races were on so I'm sure he is spending his evening watching television ~ I had to leave a sad face behind!

Keep him in your prayers that all will continue to go well and that he can come home very soon and thank you for all your love and prayers during this journey..........

Much love to all of you ~ Donella Gallo "Empress" of Hurricanes!