Tony Pecora

Tony received two islet cell transplants in January and May, and on July 8, 2002, he became insulin-free after living with diabetes for 28 years.

As a husband and father of two energetic boys, Tony is now thoroughly enjoying his life and is free from constantly monitoring his blood sugar. Tony recalls, “The disease completely dominated me before. The big thing for me is that I can spend time with my children and not worry about a problem occurring. I actually have control over my body and I’m happy to substitute anti-rejection medication for insulin injections.”

Prior to his transplant, Tony worried about his sons’ safety and had to forego time alone with them because he was afraid of becoming unconscious from hypoglycemic unawareness. His athletic activities, such as running, biking and coaching youth football, were often interrupted. Tony says, “I would try to keep my blood sugar really high just to sustain my activities.”

In late July 2004, when Tony was recovering from knee and hand surgery, he competed in three running events and table tennis competition at the U.S. Transplant Games. Tony won a silver medal in the 800 meter run and a bronze medal in the 5k run.  The photo above was taken just after he won the silver medal.  Tony is pictured with his wife, Monique, and their sons, Christopher (left) and William (right).  The U.S. Transplant Games provide people who have had life-saving organ transplants with the opportunity to compete in Olympic–style sporting events. It is the largest event of this type in the world. The 2004 Games were held at the University of Minnesota.

Tony is a big proponent of islet cell transplantation and operates a website for islet transplant awareness (www.isletsupporter.com). His goals are to provide hope to insulin-dependent diabetics about new treatments, to educate potential patients about the transplant process, and to raise money for islet transplant research at the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation (DIIT) by selling t-shirts on his web site.

As he reflects on the many positive changes in his life after transplantation, Tony expresses gratitude to his employer for providing a supportive work environment. In addition to acknowledging the incredible support of his wife, family, and friends, Tony appreciates the work and expertise of his physician group in Richmond, Virginia, and the DIIT staff at the University of Minnesota. Tony explains, “Dr. Hering, Director of Islet Transplantation for the DIIT is as selfless and dedicated a physician as I have ever encountered and it was an honor to work with him. The Institute is a wonderful advocate and is helpful to patients in every way.”

Finally, Tony is grateful to the organ donors. He says, “None of this would have been possible if not for the organ donors. Though I do not know the donors, I would like to thank them and their family for having the courage and foresight to donate their organs. I encourage everyone to donate their organs – it may save a life.”