DALLAS, TX – One year to-the-day of her uterus transplant, Maddie Gibbs gave birth to her "miracle baby" James Lincoln Gibbs. Born in October last year, Lincoln is the 5th baby born as part of the landmark uterus transplant clinical trial at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.
Viewers across the nation met Lincoln and his parents, Mitchell and Maddie when they shared the story of their journey to parenthood exclusively with ABC News' "Good Morning America" on February 28, 2020.
WATCH: Woman is one of 25 in the world to welcome baby after successful uterus transplant
The newparents, Maddie and Mitchell Gibbs, grew up in the suburbs of Dallas. The high school sweethearts were dating when Maddie received news that broke her heart: she was diagnosed with MRKH and told that she would never be able to carry her own child.
Maddie had read about a possible breakthrough, a research study taking place in Sweden, but never imagined it might be a possibility for her. The pair went on to get married and planned to start a family another way.
Little did they know that just a few years later, they would be chosen to participate in a groundbreaking clinical trial taking place right in their own "backyard." Or that one of the Swedish doctors leading that initial clinical trial would move here, to Dallas, to be part of the research team. OR that their participation in the trial would allow Maddie to carry and give birth to their beautiful "miracle" baby. But don't call it coincidence. Both Maddie and Mitchell believe that everything that happened in their journey was by design. It was all part of God's plan from the beginning.
A message from the couple: "We are so grateful for the team of doctors and beyond thankful for the opportunity to be part of this amazing study. We hope that by participating, it will one day lead to the possibility for other couples struggling with infertility to be able to experience the immense joy of becoming parents."
Dr. Liza Johannesson also appeared in the story to represent the uterus transplant team, led by Giuliano Testa, MD, principal investigator of the uterus transplant clinical trial. Dr. Johannesson spoke about the incredible success of the research trial and the goal of offering new hope for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. The procedure has been called the "last hurdle of infertility" because it was the only course that they've been unable to treat.
Philanthropic support for this innovative clinical trial was provided by Baylor Scott & White Foundation – Dallas. The Foundation is seeking additional funds to continue this work, which could potentially benefit other women with absolute uterine infertility via this pioneering procedure.
To learn more about this study, including eligibility requirements, call 1.844.BSW.DOCS (1.844.279.3627) or visit: BSWHealth.com/UterusTransplant
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer McDowell
Jennifer.McDowell1@BSWHealth.org
(214) 924-6615
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 53 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
