April 18, 2001
FOR MORE INFORMATION:	Linda McGinity Jackson, Jewish Hospital Barbara Mackovic, Kleinert, Kutz and Associates Hand Care Center, PLLC Rae Goldsmith, University of Louisville

LOUISVILLE, KY Ð In a long anticipated meeting at Jewish Hospital today, Matthew Scott and Jerry Fisher, the first and second individuals in the United States to receive a hand transplant, discussed a wide range of topics from immunosuppressive therapies to the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team to NASCAR racing. The two men clasped their new left hands together in a firm handshake within minutes upon meeting. Jerry said, "We have four people shaking hands together thanks to two wonderful donor families."

Both men expressed sincere appreciation to the other for the mutual support that they have offered each other since Jerry received his transplanted hand in February 2001. Matt became the first recipient in January 1999. "No one knows what I am feeling except Jerry," Matt said. "I now have someone else to talk to." In referring to Matt, Jerry said, "I'm at an advantage because he has been where I am. I use him as an inspiration."

Lead hand surgeon Warren Breidenbach, M.D., with Kleinert, Kutz and Associates Hand Care Center, said that both men are doing very well at this point. "Matt represents the world's longest surviving hand transplant and Jerry is also doing extremely well at this point. Matt is carrying the torch for this research project now." Dr. Breidenbach also said that Matt and Jerry have different points of strength in their transplanted hands. At two months post hand transplant, Jerry has extremely good pinch with his thumb, which allows for a lot of function in the hand. Matt had stronger fingers at the same two-month point in progress."

"One of the main differences in the two transplants is the type of immunosuppressive drugs that they are taking," said Darla Granger, M.D., lead transplant surgeon with the University of Louisville. "We have gradually reduced the amount of medication that Matt has been taking over the past two years. Jerry has been on a somewhat different regimen to prevent the last rejection episode. We will also be reducing the amount of medication for Jerry over time."

Both physicians where quick to remind us that Matt and Jerry are very unique individuals with different circumstances surrounding their hand transplants. They are, however, much alike in terms of their motivation and dedication in continuing the commitment to the success of their new transplanted hands.

Both Matt and Jerry will also serve as official "Thundernators" at the Kentucky Derby Festival "Thunder Over Louisville" event April 21, by pushing the yellow "fire" buttons that will trigger the detonation of the largest fireworks event in the U.S.. Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival president, presented both men with official "Thundernator" jackets and hats and expressed appreciation that they will serve in this role. "Both Matt and Jerry's injuries were caused by firework accidents. We thought it was fitting that these two men reinforce the message that fireworks should be left to the professionals."

The hand transplant program was developed by a partnership of physicians and researchers at Jewish Hospital, the University of Louisville, and Kleinert, Kutz and Associates Hand Care Center. Matt and Jerry's hand transplants are two of the ten hands transplanted around the world. The pioneering procedure is expected to greatly impact the future of transplantation and reconstructive surgery.

Information, photography and streaming video are also available on our web site at www.handtransplant.com or www.jewishhospital.org.