“The mortality from the failed early trials and that which occurred later did not mean that liver transplantation was causing deaths. These patients were under a death sentence already because of the diseases that had brought them to us. Even now, I continue to receive letters from parents or family members. These always start by saying that they know I won't remember Jimmie or whatever was the patient's name. Then they express thanks for the fact that we had made an effort instead of letting their children die, off in a back room without hope. Those opposed to trying always claimed that these little creatures had been denied the dignity of dying. Their parents believed that they had been given the glory of striving. They were wrong about one thing. That I would not remember.”

—Thomas Starzl