Bike crash lands Utah resident at IU Health for multi-organ transplant

Morten Pedersen says he got a second chance at life when he came to IU Health for a multivisceral transplant.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

As he was greeted by his transplant team, Morten Pedersen recalled a time four years ago to the day. He was admitted to IU Health to be listed for not one, but several organs.

A resident of Utah, Pedersen first stepped foot on the transplant floor of University Hospital just before Thanksgiving, 2020. A month earlier, he was on his bicycle descending part of the Alpine Loop in Cascade Springs, Utah when he unexpectedly hit gravel. It was a route he was well familiar with and a favorite ride. But on this 17th day of October, he collided with a large retaining boulder on the side of the road. His left kidney took the brunt of the impact. The force led to extensive internal bleeding.

Pedersen was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Provo, Utah. and was listed in critical condition, the result of internal blood loss. Blood transfusions followed and his blood pressure dropped dangerously low. Eventually, he was stabilized, but ongoing tests revealed he needed surgery to remove the damaged kidney and to relieve pressure that was slowing his ability to eat and drink.

Another surgery followed to restore blood flow to his intestine and liver. Complications resulted in additional surgeries and a return to the ICU. He remained on a ventilator to help his body recover but ultimately, his small intestine, gallbladder, and most of his large intestine needed to be removed.

Pedersen needed a multivisceral transplant. After researching transplant centers around the country, he was flown to Indianapolis where he was in the care of a team of specialists. On July 24, 2021, Pedersen received a new liver, pancreas, intestine and stomach. He was in the surgical are of Dr. Richard Mangus.

During a visit back to Indiana, Pedersen and his wife, Beth, met other members of their care team including - Dr. Mangus, nurse practitioners Lindy Meiser, and Smyrna Rivera, dietitian Tracy Burch, and numerous nurses. There were hugs, there were tears, and there were memories shared.

Originally from Denmark, Pedersen met his wife in Wisconsin.

“We were anxious about coming to a hospital we knew nothing about, but the staff made us feel excited instead of nervous,” said Pedersen. “The surgery went well, and I ended up staying in the hospital for four months and we stayed in Indianapolis for 18 months. That’s a long time and you get to know your care team on a deeper level,” said Pedersen.

Back in Utah, he has resumed most of his favorite activities. He works as an engineer for a Danish-based company that involves traveling to many countries around the world.

Pedersen is also back to biking.

“Cycling has been a very important recreational activity for me, both physically and mentally,” said Pedersen. “I have also found a great passion for downhill skiing. After my accident my physical activity is not what it was before but I’m still able to do the things, I enjoy most. I don’t know if I’ll live for one more year or 21 more years but I’ll never take a day for granted.”