[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BONNIE HUDGEONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Bonnie 
Hudgeons for setting an example and for providing hope to transplant 
patients.
  In 1986, Bonnie, a longtime Lake City, Colorado resident, was given 
blood that was infected with Hepatitis C during her heart bypass 
surgery. Not until 1991, when she had an angioplasty surgery, did her 
doctors realize that she had the infection. In 1997, she was first 
considered for a liver transplant, but because the demand for liver 
transplants outweighs the supply, Bonnie was turned down. ``They 
thought I was too far gone,'' she told Nicole Ashton of Silver World. 
She persisted by asking for a second opinion, and this time her name 
was added to the waiting list. Bonnie's health deteriorated from there. 
She fell into four of five comas, once for a period of five days and 
she was unable to care for herself even when she was conscious.
  In March of 2000, after 14 months on the waiting list, Bonnie got the 
okay for a transplant. The surgery lasted for seven hours, and she had 
several complications afterward, including temporary kidney failure and 
memory problems. In spite of the difficulties with the surgery, Bonnie 
said, ``I had faith, trusted in God, and made it through.''
  Bonnie emphasizes her gratitude for her donor. Through the hospital, 
she was able to get in touch with the donor's family, and they 
exchanged letters. Bonnie wrote, for instance, ``I will forever marvel 
at the miraculous gift of life an organ donor gives.'' Bonnie 
eventually also met her donor's parents and sister. ``We still email 
back and forth,'' she said. ``I carry a picture of Chad in my 
billfold.''
  Mr. Speaker, Bonnie Hudgeons, who is sometimes called ``the miracle 
girl,'' is a source of hope for anyone who faces difficult odds. I 
would like to pay tribute to her for sharing her story, and for being 
an inspiration both to those who need a transplant and for those who 
are contemplating becoming a donor.

                          ____________________