Garn in Hospital to Donate Kidney to Ailing Daughter

SALT LAKE CITY —  Sen. Jake Garn entered a hospital today for surgery on Wednesday in which doctors will transplant one of his kidneys to his ailing daughter.

Garn, 53, will donate a kidney to Susan Rhae Garn Horne, 27, who suffers from progressive kidney failure due to a diabetic condition.

“I am very happy and proud to be the donor,” Garn (R-Utah) said before checking into Georgetown University Hospital in Washington. “Her mother carried her for nine months, and I am honored to give her part of me.”

Garn underwent tests in Salt Lake City and Washington last month to determine his suitability as a donor. Two of Garn’s sons also were tested and found to be suitable, and Garn said that if his daughter rejects his kidney, the brothers could be donors.