Ronald D. Thurman
NAME: Ronald D. Thurman
AGE AT TIME OF TRANSPLANTATION: 56
DATE OF TRANSPLANTATION: February 16, 2012
BIRTH DATE: July 10, 1955
RACE: Caucasian
OCCUPATION: self employed - farmer, grows corn, popcorn, soybeans
PLACE OF BIRTH: Marion, Indiana
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Marion, Indiana
DATE ENTERED ON ORGAN DONOR NETWORK: January 16, 2011
FAMILY: Wife, Cathy and son
MEDICAL HISTORY: Ronald Thurman, the eight hand transplant recipient for the Louisville Vascularized Composite Allograft Program team at Jewish Hospital, is currently 14 months post-surgery. He is doing very well and has not experienced any rejection episodes since June 2012. He can distinguish between hot and cold sensations, as well as pin points on each finger but can’t determine if it is one pin point or two. In addition, he is able to lift 15 pounds with his right hand and 25 pounds with both hands.
He is actively working on the farm preparing for planting season and driving farm equipment using the gear shift and buttons. He is practicing his golf swing and recently hit a ball approximately 150 yards. Mr. Thurman has regained his stamina and endurance and is back to walking two miles daily and carrying his normal load of duties as a farmer.
He continues to do home exercises to improve his strength, dexterity and function.
Mr. Thurman was injured in a farming accident in November 2003 when his dominant right hand was caught in a combine/auger. His right hand was amputated at the wrist, nine inches below the elbow. Mr. Thurman did not use a prosthesis.
News Releases / Announcements
Louisville Composite Allograft Program’s Eighth Hand Transplant Recipient Plans to Return Home
Louisville Composite Allograft Program’s Eighth Hand Transplant Recipient Prepares for Home
Indiana Man Recovering at Jewish Hospital Following Hand Transplant
Louisville Team Performs Hand Transplant on Their Eighth Patient
Images
Therapy May 9, 2012
Ronald Thurman begins therapy on his new hand
Surgery Images
Video
Video: Eighth Hand Transplant Recipient Plans to Return Home-Therapy Video
Video: Hand Transplant Recipients Matt Scott and Ronald Thurman Meet
Video: Matt Scott Returns for 13-year Checkup with Dr. Joseph Kutz
Video: 8th Hand Transplant Recipient Ronald Thurman Moves New Right Hand in Therapy
Video: Part One Hand Transplant Recipient Ronald Thurman Press Conference
Video: Part Two Hand Transplant Recipient Ronald Thurman Press Conference
Video: Hand Transplant Recipient Ronald Thurman Surgical B-Roll• Broadcast Quality (Right click/control click to download)