In the News: Rutherfords receive and give gift of life through unique organ donation

By Tracy Briggs, The Forum

 

When Eliana Rutherford ’22 wasn’t a match to donate a kidney to her mother, Dr. Julie Rutherford, associate professor of biology and director of the pre-health professions program at Concordia College, the pair discovered they could participate in a paired donation that would still provide Julie with the kidney she needed.

 

Their paired exchange eventually involved eight people and resulted in four kidney transplants. The surgeries took place May 13, 2025, at the University of Minnesota.

 

Now, the Rutherfords hope to help others understand paired kidney donation by sharing their story with community groups and anyone willing to listen.

 

“I teach pre-meds and know a lot about the health care system, but I didn’t understand paired donation,” Julie said. “So now, on the other side of it, I realize how fail-safe it is, and how many people could be getting kidneys if they knew and understood it. We need to get the word out.”

 

If you’re interested in having the Rutherfords speak to your group, reach out to Julie at jrutherf@cord.edu.