In 2002, Jerry L. Sexton underwent a routine surgery that revealed his liver had become cirrhotic. After waiting four years on the transplant list, Jerry found his right kidney was failing as well, and soon thereafter had a successful double transplant. Rosie, Jerry's wife of 56 years, is herself a transplant recipient, with donated corneas in both eyes. To educate others about the need for donation, the Sextons became volunteers at the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. Now 77, Jerry keeps busy volunteering and working part-time at Staples. "You don't want to stop and sit down, because then you realize you're old," he said.

Jerry's Story

Jerry L. Sexton, Sr. has led a full life with his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Rosie, their four grown children, eight grandchildren, and the 86 children they have fostered over 14 years.

In 2002, Jerry underwent a routine surgery that proved to be life-changing. Jerry's doctor found something unusual with his liver, which turned out to be cirrhosis, a life-threatening condition. As his condition deteriorated, he was placed on the transplant waiting list. For the next four years, Jerry was treated at both his transplant center in Indianapolis and at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was forced to stop working, and his right kidney failed as well, resulting in his placement on the kidney transplant list as well.

On June 15, 2006, Jerry received the call that a liver and kidney were available, and he was transplanted successfully the next day. Seven years later, Jerry said, "I am doing fine. The doctors in Kokomo were great, and what can I say about the transplant team at IU Heath University Hospital, except they are the greatest in the world! And of course, I thank my donor for making it possible for me to return to health.

Jerry's wife, Rosie, had also been dealing with a problem of her own. With her eyesight failing, a cornea transplant was needed to prevent blindness. Prior to Jerry's diagnosis, she received a right cornea transplant in Oct. 2000, and a donated cornea was transplanted to her left eye in May 2005.

The Sextons decided to do something to give back, so they became volunteers at the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization (IOPO) to educate others about the need for donation.

At age 77, Jerry keeps busy volunteering at IOPO and working part-time at Staples. "You don't want to stop and sit down, because then you realize you're old," he said.