Long Island, NY - Snowstorm Liver Transplant a Miracle for a Jewish Woman |
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Liver transplant patient Maryann Steinbock sits alongside members of the NYPD and Nassau County police force and her medical team from Montefiore Medical Center.Long Island, NY - Four police departments, two helicopters, one plane and dozens of plows teamed up to get a Long Island woman to her liver transplant surgery - just in the nick of time.
Cancer patient Maryann (Mack) Steinbock’s doctor called late Thursday night to tell his patient her year of waiting was over. A liver was finally available - but there were daunting logistical problems before the operation could occur.
The liver was in Buffalo, the patient was in Nassau County, the doctors were in the Bronx, and more than 20 inches of snow were piling up outside.
“We were very concerned,” said Dr. Milan Kinkhabwala, head of the liver transplant program at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. “We only had a 12-hour window to operate and it was going to be very close.”
The organ was harvested at 4 a.m. Friday, meaning doctors had just under seven hours to get everything ready and still have enough time to complete the five-hour surgery.
“When I got the call, I couldn’t believe it,” said Steinbock, 59. “I live all the way out in Atlantic Beach, and I had to get to the hospital, and there was all this snow.”
Hospital officials in the Bronx got on the phone with the NYPD, who coordinated with Nassau cops and the highway patrol to give Steinbock and her husband a seamless trip across three counties to Montefiore.
“It was like being in a movie,” Steinbock said. “All of a sudden, the police come, and there were these cute motorcycle guys. Everybody stopped traffic and there was even a helicopter.”
“The drive normally takes an hour,” said her husband, Corey Steinbock, 67. “This time it took 35 minutes. I clocked it.”
Nassau cop Rob Prince was tasked with driving the police SUV with Steinbock inside.
“She was very calm,” Prince said. “We were a little nervous trying to get there, so she started talking about the Mets to calm us down.”
The liver was flown in by plane and helicopter, after getting an escort from state troopers, and arrived at the hospital just before Steinbock did. With time winding down, doctors went to work.
“Once we had everything in place the surgery went very well,” Kinkhabwala said. “She’s doing very well and should be going home later this week.”
Corey Steinbock said the quick improvement in his wife’s health is remarkable.
“Last week she was pale and all shriveled up. She looked like a ghost,” he said. “Now she’s like a blossoming flower.”
Maryann Steinbock plans to buy tickets for all of her rescuers to accompany her to the Mets’ Opening Day at Citi Field. After that, she’ll start planning a larger than usual Passover dinner.
“You’re all coming for Pesach,” she said to the officers at Montefiore yesterday.
“And this summer I want to ride the cute officer’s motorcycle.”
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Read Comments (13) — Post Yours »
1
Mar 02, 2010 at 06:27 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
When Hashem wants it CAN and WILL happen!
WOW what a story!
Somebody out there was davening really well.
2
Mar 02, 2010 at 06:29 PM In awe Says:Report as Inappropriate
Cool!!!!! wow.. just take a look how precious is the life of a person, and so much went into preserving it!!
3
Mar 02, 2010 at 07:30 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Malka Chana bas taiba basya lerefuah sheleimah!
4
Mar 02, 2010 at 07:50 PM Dr. Z Says:Report as Inappropriate
If anyone has any doubt whatsoever that, as Rav Moshe ztl claimed, we are living in a medina of chesed, this story should dispell that notion.
What will we as a community do to honor these officers?
5
Mar 02, 2010 at 07:56 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
The Steinbocks ALWAYS do chesed for others. Now Hashem made sure chesed was done for them. Refuah shelaima to MAK.
6
Mar 02, 2010 at 08:30 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The Steinbocks ALWAYS do chesed for others. Now Hashem made sure chesed was done for them. Refuah shelaima to MAK. ”
True that!!!
Corey is an awesome bal chesed and his love for learning about torah and mitzvos is admirable.
7
Mar 02, 2010 at 08:32 PM The Fingers of G-D Says:Report as Inappropriate
All the individuals involve, every single one of them, chose to contribue to this magnificant "MIRACLE". Remember you only receive when you give G-D BLESS AMERICA
8
Mar 02, 2010 at 10:01 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Refuah shelima to Mak.the Steinbocks are very kind ppl and desreve the best for the best . Cory is a true baal chessed
9
Mar 03, 2010 at 01:44 AM Chaya Lipschutz, Kidney Donor/Kidney Matchmaker from Boro Park Says:Report as Inappropriate
Wow - G-d bless all those involved who got this woman in time to Montefiore for her liver transplant!
I had donated a kidney at this hospital, as well as some others I know in the frum community who also donated a kidney at this hospital.
Dr. Stuart Greenstein, is a wonderful kidney transplant surgeon at this hospital. A tzaddik. Others feel the same way about him.
Anyhow, Maryann, wishing you a Refuah Shelaimah!
10
Mar 03, 2010 at 05:18 AM Ariel Says:Report as Inappropriate
Wow! Malka, you are incredible. You see that your prayers and positive attitude made all the difference. May Hashem continue to bless you and Corey with much health and vigor to continue all the amazing things you do. Enjoy that Mets game and we'll be with you there in spirit.
11
Mar 03, 2010 at 07:58 AM MIKESDINETTE Says:Report as Inappropriate
Beautiful story; Refuah Shleima!
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Mar 03, 2010 at 11:25 AM Crown Hieghts Says:Report as Inappropriate
Hey Corey and Mak, We are so happy for you, finally! You are awesome people and do so much good for the entire community. You will always only know of good tidings.
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Mar 03, 2010 at 01:00 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Gevaldig story. The Police did a great job in dangerous weather and should be given awards for going above and beyond the call of duty for their excellent work. They protected and served the community with this great deed. A true mitzvah. May HKBH bless them and their families. May KHBH grant all cholim a rafuah shleima.
Please Daven for my Sister in Law Devorah bas Asnat, end stage cancer.