AEGiS-BAR: AIDS activists thank Migden for transplant funds

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

AIDS activists thank Migden for transplant funds

The Bay Area Reporter - July 30, 1999
Cynthia Laird

AIDS activists from ACT UP/Golden Gate, Project Inform, and other groups presented Assemblywoman Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) with a beautiful bouquet of flowers last Wednesday, July 21 at a reception to thank her for securing $1 million in state funds to pay for organ transplants for people with HIV disease.

"We thank Carole. This will save people's lives," AIDS activist Jeff Getty told the crowd gathered in the back garden area of Images -- A Gallery on Hayes Street.

Though it is not generally understood by the public, people with HIV are not allowed to have transplants in the U.S. Now that many HIV patients are living longer and healthier lives, organ transplant research must move ahead to find out if it is safe and effective to give HIV patients new organs. Migden's $1 million allocation, which was part of the state budget signed by Governor Gray Davis last month, will pay for carefully studied research in liver and kidney transplantation. The money has been ear-marked to go to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) campus.

Getty said it is hoped the money will cover the costs of several transplants. He said kidney transplants generally cost about $25,000 to $30,000 each, while liver transplants can range anywhere from $200,000 to $220,000 each. "We hope patients' medical insurance will pick up some [of the cost]," Getty said.

Marshall Aronowitz, who lives in the North Bay, is one of those who desperately needs a liver transplant. He was at the reception. "Without the new money, I wouldn't be able to get a transplant," Aronowitz told the Bay Area Reporter. "This is my only option, my only hope for life."

Doctors from UCSF were also on hand and explained they've developed a protocol and can hopefully start working with a group of patients in September. "I've talked to doctors at UCSF and they're ready to go," Migden said.

She told attendees that getting the money is just part of her job. "It's just my pleasure and honor and I really mean that," Migden said. "Thank you for thanking me. I'm just doing my job. This is the first million. I've spoken with doctors and we're pressing forward. We had a little victory and we did get it from this governor."
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