This Valentine’s Day, the heartwarming story of Mechanicsburg residents, Monika and Milos Malina, serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of love and the incredible advancements in medical science. Monika donated her kidney to her husband, Milos. Her donation not only allowed Milos avoid the lengthy and frequent dialysis sessions but also gave him a better quality of life.
February 14 is also National Donor Day, which honors the families and individuals who donate organs to save or enhance lives.
When Milos was diagnosed with kidney failure, Monika saw a TikTok video of a young woman who had donated her kidney to her father. Organ transplants represent a monumental leap in medical science, offering patients with end-stage organ failure a second chance at life. After speaking with Danielle Ladie, M.D., UPMC transplant surgeon, Monika decided to get tested to see if she was a match for Milos. Like all potential donors, Monika’s donation process began with a detailed medical review, diagnostic exams, and psychosocial evaluation.
Amazingly, Monika was a match for Milo. She met with a living-donor advocate to understand the risks and benefits fully and after a final compatibility test, Monika was ready to present the love of her life with the gift of life.
“When we found out Milos needed a kidney transplant, I didn’t hesitate,” said Monika. “I wanted to do everything I could to help him. We were thrilled when we found out we were a match. It solidified our belief that we are meant for each other.”
The couple’s surgery took place at UPMC Harrisburg in April 2024, performed by Dr. Ladie and Manish Gupta, M.D. Monika’s surgery was performed using the multiport robotic surgery system, da Vinci Xi® by Intuitive. The UPMC Transplant program in Central Pa. is the first program in central Pennsylvania and across the UPMC system to use this robotic system.
Traditionally, living donor nephrectomies have been performed using either a laparoscopic technique or open surgery. The da Vinci Xi robotic system allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive living donor surgical procedures with increased precision, less tissue damage and better visualization, providing easier access to areas that are hard to reach.
“Donating an organ is a noble, life-changing decision, and every donor deserves to return to their normal routine as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Ladie.
Both Monika and Milos recovered well and just ten days after the surgery, Milo traveled to Philadelphia, Pa. to be conferred with his U.S. citizenship. Both originally from the Czech Republic, Monika moved to the U.S. in 1998 and met Milos in 2000. The couple married in 2012. Now, both fully recovered, Monika and Milo continue to enjoy their favorite activities, like traveling and skiing, and they serve as an inspiration to others.
“Monika’s decision to donate her kidney to me is the ultimate act of love,” said Milos. “I am so grateful to her and to the amazing doctors and staff at UPMC. Their care and dedication have given us a new lease on life.”
“The team at UPMC Harrisburg was incredible,” said Monika. “They made us feel comfortable and supported every step of the way.”
More than 90,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant. A living donor nephrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a healthy kidney from one person for transplant into someone else whose kidneys no longer function properly. Living donation can be considered for a family member, friend, co-worker or even a stranger. Organ donation is a personal decision and should be considered only after being fully informed of the process.
“Seeing the positive impact of our work on patients like Monika and Milos is why we do what we do,” said Dr. Gupta. “Their story highlights the importance of organ donation and the difference it can make in people’s lives.”
This Valentine’s Day and National Donor Day, let Monika and Milo’s story inspire you to cherish your loved ones and consider the life-saving impact of organ donation.
“Many people are waiting for a life-saving transplant. It was an honor to be part of Monika and Milos’s story. Their love and commitment to each other is truly inspiring,” added Dr. Ladie.
UPMC Transplant Services in Central Pa. is a specially trained multi-disciplinary team working together to provide transplant patients and living donors with the best possible care. The physicians, nurses and staff are experts in the latest transplantation techniques, anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) drugs, post-transplant care and the management of related health conditions of patients with kidney disease.
For more information on organ transplant services in central Pennsylvania, click here or call 1-877-778-6110 if you’re interested to learn more about organ donations.
