Son Throws Heartwarming 100th Birthday Party for Mom’s Life-Giving Kidney

Quick Smiles:

• Raymond Vetuskey celebrates the 100th birthday of the kidney his mother lovingly donated to him in 1978.
• His mom Betty’s selfless gift continues to keep him healthy and thriving decades later.
• Raymond honors her memory by naming a star after her and throwing a joyful party for the century-old organ.

Raymond Vetuskey received a kidney transplant from his mother Betty when he was just 16 years old. The gift allowed him to grow into a healthy, happy man.

Today, at 65, Raymond is still going strong thanks to that same kidney, which recently celebrated its own 100th birthday. He decided to throw a party for the organ that has given him such a long and vibrant life.

“I’m a miracle, and I feel great every day,” Raymond told the hospital. “I know I’m lucky and I thank my mother.”

Betty’s donation made Raymond the longest-surviving kidney transplant recipient at the University of Rochester Medical Center. His story continues to inspire doctors and patients alike.

“His story is an inspiration for organ transplant recipients and anyone awaiting a new organ,” said Miklos Z. Molnar, MD, PhD, director of Transplant Medical Services. “It’s amazing to see him thriving with a kidney that is functioning so well after 100 years. It is a rare situation—definitely something we don’t see every day.”

Betty was 52 when she became a living donor, and Raymond says the decision was easy for her. “I don’t think she gave it two thoughts. Anything she could do to help her son, I think she would have done anything, which she did in my eyes,” he shared.

Betty passed away in 2008, but Raymond still feels her presence every single day. “Every day I think of her; doesn’t a day go by…She’s right by my side, all the time,” he said.

To honor his mother’s love, Raymond even had a star named after her. “I had a star named after her, so she’s in the national star registry for all of eternity; she’s in the heavens,” he said.

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