Transplant Patient With Down Syndrome Dies

A woman with Down syndrome who battled for the right to have a heart and lung transplant has died, hospital officials said Saturday. She was 36.

Sandra Jensen was admitted to Sutter General Hospital on May 4 and died Friday night surrounded by family, a hospital spokeswoman said. She would not disclose the cause of death but said an autopsy is planned this week.

Jensen is thought to be the first person with Down syndrome to be given a heart and lung transplant. She had the operation in January 1996 after her battle for the operation stirred national attention and prompted a California law confirming disabled people’s right to transplants. Two hospitals initially rejected her because she had Down syndrome, which usually causes mental retardation.