Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, underwent a successful kidney transplant Tuesday, according to a press release from his office.
Looney’s family thanked Superior Court Judge Brian Fischer, a longtime friend, who donated the kidney to Looney.
Looney’s search for a kidney donor began in August. About 30 people were tested to see if they would be a match. Looney was told finding a living donor was his best bet at avoiding daily dialysis. The search started with an announcement to St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in New Haven.
Looney has lived with Ankylosing Spondylitis since he was a teenager. It is a form of arthritis that affects the neck and spine. A long-term side effect of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories to treat this condition is kidney problems.
Looney is expected to remain in the hospital for the next few days, but has promised to be home by Christmas and at the state Capitol Jan. 4 for opening day of the 2017 legislative session.
