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Long-Haul COVID-19 Survivors | KU Continues Transplants | 'The Jim Tyrer Story'

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For thousands of people, COVID-19 infection has turned into a chronic condition. The British Medical Journal estimates up to 10% of people who have tested positive for the virus could develop a prolonged illness.

Doctors still struggle to treat COVID-19 survivors experiencing symptoms months after infection, a local transplant center takes extra care with organ recipients, and the legacy of a Kansas City Chiefs stand-out is examined in a new film.

Segment 1, beginning at 3:58: Some people who have contracted COVID-19 face an unusually long battle recovering.

Some folks suffering from COVID-19 aren’t just laid up for a few days. The disease can leave some bed- and couch-bound for months, and medical professionals worry it could have knock-on effects in other organ systems.

Segment 2, beginning at 31:03: How KU Medical Center managed to continue performing transplants during a national crisis.

Transplants were put on hold at many hospitals because of the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, but the University of Kansas Medical Center continued its program. The immune system of transplant patients needs suppressing, which makes a major operation and post-op care even more fraught.

Segment 3, beginning at 41:56: "The Jim Tyrer Story"

The NFL season is underway, and concerns over having fans in the stands are front and center. But another health threat remains for players — CTE, the brain condition associated with repeated blows to the head. A new documentary goes back in Chiefs history to one player, Jim Tyrer, and how the unknown damage done playing the game he loved may have contributed to his untimely death.

"A Good Man — The Jim Tyrer Story" can be seen at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Screenland Armour Theatre, 408 Armour Rd., Kansas City, Missouri 64116. For ticketing information, visit GoodManMovie.com.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.