ABSTRACT
The transplantation of organs from one human being to another suffering from end-stage organ disease indeed represents a gift of life. Since the first successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954, organ transplantation has emerged from a dream to become a well-established science. This was due in large part to a handful of brilliant medical scientists who failed to give up on the prospect that transplantation of organs could become a reality. In the five decades that have followed, many thousands of individuals have received a new opportunity for life, through the selfless act of organ donation and the tireless dedication of health care workers and other concerned individuals and organizations devoted to saving lives through transplantation.
