Photo by TheDigitel Myrtle Beach

Update December 6, 2011: While we received unofficial word that everything went fine yesterday, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has just released the following statement.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber board of directors and staff are delighted to announce that president and CEO Brad Dean successfully underwent a voluntary organ donation procedure at Duke Medical Center on Dec. 5. While this morning’s procedure was performed later than what was initially scheduled, Dean is poised to make a full and healthy recovery.

We ask that the privacy and respect given to both him and his family prior to the medical procedure continue as he rests and recuperates during this highly personal time.

Both MBACC board members and staff continue to place their thoughts, prayers and full support with Dean and his family as he completes his recovery, and we are wholly excited to welcome him home and back to work at the chamber.

Update December 5, 2011: Over the weekend, The Sun News ran a wire story about the kidney donation fron Dean which is actually going to be a unique procedure.

According to Duke University Medical Center, this will be the first time they have performed a "kidney paired donation". More details on the donation and surgery are on the Raleigh News & Observer site. 

The kidney donation from Dean was announced just last week after a heated exchange with The Sun News over their reporting of Chamber dealings. Read more here.

First Report: Brad Dean, CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, is doing a living donation of a kidney to former Navy nurse, Sue Gommer.

Not much else to add to the great write up by Charles D. Perry of the Horry County Business Journal. Check it out.