Just wanted to let all you brave people know that Nolan will be getting a kidney from his brother on 12/13/2011. Nolan was told about a year ago that his brother was not a match. Nolan had a antibody in his blood from one of his blood transfusions that was very hard to match. Last month they were retesting his brother to see if he could give to some one else to find an other match for Nolan and they found that the IVIG had gotten rid of the antibody and he was now a match! One more plus for IVIG. Nolan is getting his 28th dose of IVIG today and tomorrow before his surgery. We will let you know how things go. Wendy

I am SOOOOOOO happy for you guys, and am in awe of Nolan's brother -- what a generous soul!

I am soooo happy for you as well!!! I am finally getting to start my IVIG on Tuesday and Wednesday the 13th and 14th! Very excited to read all of the positive input:) I believe this treatment will also help keep the Multiple Myelnoma from progressing as well. I will stay posted. Thanks guys, you are all awesome!

This is awesome news! Wow - that's tomorrow! I will pray for you guys. So happens that I've been whining like an idiot all week about having a tooth pulled, well - surgically removed - long story, cancelling the appointment - calling the doctor -getting a shot of penicillin, a shot of steroids -blah, blah, blah. If Nolan can get his kidney removed - if his brother can have his removed - then I can get a weenie tooth pulled! This brings to mind a favorite short story by O'Henry, "The Last Leaf"... I will picture in my mind an ivy vine and think of Nolan and... I will face the dentist without fear! I really dislike sounding cheesy, however - thanks you guys, for sharing the stories of your lives with all of us. It has saved me from the therapists couch and that IS the truth. Please send updates when ever you may find the time. My thought are with you - Carole Thorn

My thoughts are with you too Wendy. I am saddened by the fact that Nolan is so sick but am so happy for you that your other son can and will be donating a kidney. Wonderful news:) Sarah

Good luck with the surgery for both of them! Our thoughts are with you all!

Wendy Nolan has had such a long hard road. I am so glad for you both and still remember all the life flights he took. Nolan deserves this as he has endured the most I believe. Tell him he is in our prayers. Give his brother *the* big hug for us. He has to be a special person. Walt

Just an upddate; Nolan's surgery has been postponed to January 3rd. Yesterday they were busy with emergency transplant surgery. Thanks for all your well wishes. We will let you know how things go in January. Wendy

Hope all goes well! Rita

Probably for the best - hospitals and holidays don't always mesh well. After the New Year, everybody will be focused and on their toes again. (except for maybe a few staff who are a little testy due to the inevitable dieting or stop smoking resolutions made for the new year.) I'll be watching for updates and praying. CTT

Nolan and his borther had surgery yesterday. Leon was in surgery for 6 hours and Nolan 7. Other than the expected pain they are both doing well. Leon was just here in Nolan's room on his walk. Nolan received an extra dose of IVIG the day before surgery just to make sure he did not have a leak during or after surgery. He spent the night in ICU but was moved to the surgery floor today. No signs of a leak. Thanks for all your well wishes. Wendy

That is SUCH great news Wendy! My thoughts are with you all Sarah

Congratulations and best wishes to the whole family!!!

What awesome boys you have !! Your family is in my prayers !

Wendy, how are your boys today? Am thinking about you and hoping that all is well Sarah

Happy to hear they are both doing well!!

Wendy, I was wondering how the guys are doing? Is Nolan feeling improved? Sarah

(Nolan is actually Wendy's husband, and his kidney donor is her brother-in-law.) (Incidentally, to my knowledge Nolan is the first SCLS patient in the United States to be put on an IVIG-based therapy, back in July 2009, 4 months before I got similarly lucky.)

You continue to be in our prayers. Nolan, you are one tuff person. God speed. Thanks to Leon for such a courageous gift. With all the downside occurances though the last few years, it is really heartwhelming to know that we all have a chance for a long future. It wasn't too long ago that I worried about being here to see my youngest graduate from highschool. Now I am sure I will see that this spring. Arturo, *I thank you* for all your hard work. Walt

Thank you for all your well wishes. Nolan and his brother are doing great. Nolan's new kidney is working as it should. It is a miracle. I agree with you Walt. There didn't seem to be much hope a few years ago before Nolan started IVIG. But now things are so much better. We will see our youngest graduate from High School this year also. Thanks again for all the well wishes and prayers. We are truly blessed.