IU Health to 'live tweet' Indiana's first kidney transplant on Twitter
INDIANAPOLIS --- For the first time in Indiana, people will have a front row seat to a live kidney transplant operation via twitter!
Wednesday morning, Indiana University Health, in Indianapolis, will hold its first ever 'Twittercast' of the surgery as it happens.
IU Health hopes to encourage organ donation by allowing twitter followers to see real time updates and even graphic photos from inside the operating room.
Caleb Johnson, 31, is not only receiving a lifesaving kidney from his good friend, he is making history in the process.
The Merom, Ind., native developed kidney failure from a fast-acting form of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is a rare kidney disease that attacks the organ, damaging and scarring it so badly until it can no longer filter blood properly.
After losing his job and over a year of kidney dialysis, Johnson is finally getting a second chance at life thanks to his good friend Colin Newton, 33.
The two have been friends for four years now and are looking forward to enjoying the outdoors together once again.
ABC 57 caught up with Johnson via Facetime as he gets ready for the big surgery.
Johnson says its a selfless gift he appreciates so much that it's hard to put into words. Johns says he hopes by sharing his journey to recovery with the rest of the world it will encourage others to give the gift of life.
"I think that Twitter is a good avenue, actually social media of any kind is the way to get the word out," said Johnson.
IU Health is home to one of the largest transplant centers in the nation and of the 500 transplants they perform each year, more than half are kidney transplants.
Those at IU Health say twitter is a great tool they can us to educate people about organ donation and the transplant process.
If you want to follow the revolutionary 'social surgery', it starts in the morning 9 a.m. Wednesday June 13th. Just log on to Twitter and use the hashtag #calebskidney or follow @IU_Health.