[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 61 (Monday, April 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO PAUL SAUCEDO

 Mr. BRYAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize one of 
Nevada's outstanding citizens, who, through a courageous act has given 
another person a chance to live. It is my privilege today to honor a 
man from Carson City, Paul Saucedo.
  In 1989, Paul was diagnosed with Hepatitis C he believes was 
contracted from a blood transfusion. His condition began to deteriorate 
and soon, the disease had scarred his liver so badly he began to suffer 
from increased pain and mental confusion. In 1994, Paul was 
hospitalized a half-a-dozen times. Paul soon had to retire as an 
engineer at the Nevada Department of Transportation, because he was too 
tired during his illness to do much of anything. Last summer, he was 
given a 30 percent chance of survival. A liver transplant was needed to 
save Paul's life.
  In August of last year, California Pacific Medical Center in San 
Francisco contacted Paul and informed him a liver was available. When 
both Paul and his wife learned of a baby girl in the hospital that also 
needed a liver, Paul decided to give it to the little girl. Even though 
doctors gave him little chance of surviving another year, Paul never 
expressed regret about passing the first donated liver to the little 
girl.
  Another liver was finally available in early February and Paul 
underwent a successful 15 hour transplant surgery. Paul, is now at his 
home in Carson City doing well. Through his story, Paul has sparked 
interest in the donor program and blood drives in northern Nevada.
  Paul could have chosen to take the first donated liver to save his 
own life. Instead, he chose to put a little girl's life ahead of his 
own. Paul's altruism serves as an inspiration to all of us. I wish him 
will in the future and commend him for his heroic act.


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