Elliott is also the result. He underwent a kidney transplant in August 1999. Debilitated by gomerulosclerosis, the same kidney disease Miami center Alonzo Mourning has, Elliott received a kidney from his older brother, Noel. He returned to the court late last season and has played this entire season, amazing his teammates and doctors. Elliott is the only active professional athlete to have undergone an organ transplant.
Tonight is one more effort to put a human face on the issue.
Nationally, there are 75,000 people waiting for life-saving organs. Fifteen years ago, Vanessa Hughes didn't consider it. She didn't have a card filled out. But she does now. Justin is a freshman in high school.