Let’s explore transplant together

Welcome! Congratulations on deciding to learn more about kidney transplant and living donation. Whether you are a patient, family member, friend, potential donor, or healthcare provider, we are here to help.

Explore Transplant is a national consortium of leading experts in transplant, health literacy, and research. Our commitment is to provide you with the best education and decision-making tools available.

Latest news

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1 week ago

Could the new UNOS changes negatively affect living donors’ long-term kidney health and safety? Read Martha Gershun’s opinion, a living donor herself, and tell us what you think.

https://exploretransplant.org/will-unos-break-thei…
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Could the new UNOS changes negatively affect living donors’ long-term kidney health and safety? Read Martha Gershun’s opinion, a living donor herself, and tell us what you think.

https://exploretransplant.org/will-unos-break-their-promise/
1 month ago

The influence of our transplant field on music…I wanted to respond to the incredible outpouring of messages that have come in since my song, "Just Like That," won the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs award last Sunday night for Song of the Year.

I’ve been so deeply moved, often to tears, reading the personal stories of hundreds of you, some of whom have had no familiarity with me or my music before I won that GRAMMY, and were curious why this song had won. After listening, many of you wrote that you were moved to tears, even inspired to share your own heart-wrenching stories of either having your loved one’s life saved by an organ donation, or having decided at the height of the terrible shock and loss of losing a beloved, that you would donate their organs so that others could live.

These stories and your responses to my song have moved me as much as anything I can remember and I want to thank you so much for this gift. So many messages from nurses and doctors in the field involved with transplants as well as people who were tragically not able to get an organ in time to save their loved one’s life. There are messages from the family members of people who wanted their organs to be donated, but are now living with the guilt when that wish, for whatever reason, was not able to be fulfilled.. These stories run the gamut and I’m just blown open by the vulnerability and power of each of them.

I am so honored that my song and the original news story that inspired it, are eliciting such a deep emotional response for so many. The story behind the song is this: A few years ago I saw a segment on the evening TV news where they followed a woman who was meeting the man who had received her son’s heart for the first time. It was very emotional, but when he invited her to put her head on his chest and listen to her son’s heart, I just lost it. I knew after it stayed with me for weeks, that I wanted to write my own story, inspired so much by John Prine’s music and his beautiful "Angel From Montgomery," which I’ve sung every show since hearing it in the early 70’s. I wrote about a fictional woman, Olivia Zand, torn by grief and guilt at the loss of her young son, who finds redemption and grace through the loving act of another.

May the song bring about even more awareness and motivation for more of us to support organ donation registration and infrastructure — removing obstacles that have hindered helping thousands connecting to facilitate this miraculous gift of life and help bring comfort to those suffering such tragic loss. I’ve included a link here to organdonor.gov to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor in an effort to more directly connect to and support the 104,085 men, women, and children currently on the national transplant waiting list.

Thank you all so much again for your incredible responses and sharing your beautiful stories. More than any award, fame or commercial success, knowing what my song means to so many may be the greatest gift of all.

Blessings to you,
Bonnie

Photo by Ken Friedman

P.S. To read these many responses, please visit the "Just Like That" lyric video at the following link and read the comments below the video.
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The influence of our transplant field on music…

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Also the influence of Bonnie Raitt on our transplant field. This has a widespread reach bringing the issue up to so many people.

3 months ago

2022: A year of transition

The research team representing the Patient Engagement and Research Lab, now based in Houston, Texas, ends the year very grateful to be together.

Read our 2022 highlights here: https://exploretransplant.org/2022-a-year-of-trans…
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2022: A year of transition

The research team representing the Patient Engagement and Research Lab, now based in Houston, Texas, ends the year very grateful to be together.

Read our 2022 highlights here: https://exploretransplant.org/2022-a-year-of-transition
5 months ago

Caught in Action: Bethany Cruz from HMH Transplant Center’s Business Development and Outreach team shares about the impact of ”A Family Journey” class on supporting pursuit of preemptive living kidney transplantation. ... See MoreSee Less

Caught in Action: Bethany Cruz from HMH Transplant Center’s Business Development and Outreach team shares about the impact of ”A Family Journey” class on supporting pursuit of preemptive living kidney transplantation.Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
5 months ago

Dr. LaShara Davis is representing her Houston Methodist family at ASN’s Kidney Week in Orlando, FL. Here’s to a great conference! ... See MoreSee Less

Dr. LaShara Davis is representing her Houston Methodist family at ASN’s Kidney Week in Orlando, FL. Here’s to a great conference!
5 months ago

My diverse team is expanding! Happy Halloween from Houston Methodist Hospital's Patient Engagement and Research Lab! #houstonmethodisthospital #research #kidney #qualityoflife #happyhalloween #happyhalloween🎃 ... See MoreSee Less

My diverse team is expanding! Happy Halloween from Houston Methodist Hospitals Patient Engagement and Research Lab! #houstonmethodisthospital #research #kidney #qualityoflife #happyhalloween #happyhalloween🎃
5 months ago

“Meeting transplant patients and families for the first time was meaningful and fulfilling, adding depth to the work that we do.” This comes from our latest blog, "Our First Transplant Games: What We Learned from Attending the 2022 Transplant Games of America" written by Alexis Bobu, our Scientific Writer.

Fundamentally, we learned that it’s not just the life that you save but everyone else that you impact when you choose to donate, serve in the transplant community, provide education, awareness, and advocate for others.

To read the full blog, go to: https://exploretransplant.org/our-first-transplant…

#transplantgames #houstonmethodisthospital #teamwork #research #publichealth #education #awareness #advocacy #ckd #kidneyhealth #community #donorawareness #kidneydisease #organdonation #socialsupport #qualityoflifematters #qualityoflife #patientadvocacy #kidney #heartyourkidneys #livingdonation #livingdonorssavelives #CelebrationOfHope #celebrationoflife #transplantation #sandiegoconventioncenter #sandiego #storiesmatter #digitalstorytelling
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“Meeting transplant patients and families for the first time was meaningful and fulfilling, adding depth to the work that we do.” This comes from our latest blog, Our First Transplant Games: What We Learned from Attending the 2022 Transplant Games of America written by Alexis Bobu, our Scientific Writer.

Fundamentally, we learned that it’s not just the life that you save but everyone else that you impact when you choose to donate, serve in the transplant community, provide education, awareness, and advocate for others.

To read the full blog, go to: https://exploretransplant.org/our-first-transplant-games-what-we-learned-from-attending-the-2022-transplant-games-of-america/

#transplantgames #houstonmethodisthospital #teamwork #research #publichealth #education #awareness #advocacy #ckd #kidneyhealth #community #donorawareness #kidneydisease #organdonation #socialsupport #qualityoflifematters #qualityoflife #patientadvocacy #kidney #heartyourkidneys #livingdonation #livingdonorssavelives #CelebrationOfHope #celebrationoflife #transplantation #sandiegoconventioncenter #sandiego #storiesmatter #digitalstorytelling
5 months ago

Dr. Waterman was happy to give Grand Rounds and celebrate the accomplishments of UCI Transplant Center, led by her friend, Dr. Uttam Reddy, and his warm, patient-centered staff.

#patientcenteredcare #GrandRounds #education #talk #UCI #transplantcenter #ckd
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Dr. Waterman was happy to give Grand Rounds and celebrate the accomplishments of UCI Transplant Center, led by her friend, Dr. Uttam Reddy, and his warm, patient-centered staff.  

#patientcenteredcare #GrandRounds #education #talk #UCI #transplantcenter #ckdImage attachmentImage attachment
5 months ago

A team celebration for the Patient Engagement Research Lab to celebrate grants won and research in progress. It takes a village.

#research #teamdinner #patientengagement #teamwork #celebration #researchinprogress
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A team celebration for the Patient Engagement Research Lab to celebrate grants won and research in progress. It takes a village. 

#research #teamdinner #patientengagement #teamwork #celebration #researchinprogress
5 months ago

We are excited to announce that our Patient Engagement Research Lab in collaboration with the Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) health system has received funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to improve Chronic Kidney Disease care and transplant rates through the dissemination of innovative technology supported (mHealth) application to engage patients, family members, and potential living donors in pursuing transplant!

#CKD #kidneyrecipient #kidneydonor #mhealth #kaiserpermanente #patientengagement #research #transplantlife #transplant #healthcare #healthcareresearch #technology #AHRQ #grantannoucement #patientcare #patientvoicesmatter
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We are excited to announce that our Patient Engagement Research Lab in collaboration with the Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) health system has received funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)  to improve Chronic Kidney Disease care and transplant rates through the dissemination of innovative technology supported (mHealth) application to engage patients, family members, and potential living donors in pursuing transplant!  

 #CKD #kidneyrecipient #kidneydonor #mhealth #kaiserpermanente #patientengagement #research #transplantlife #transplant #healthcare #healthcareresearch #technology #AHRQ #grantannoucement #patientcare #patientvoicesmatter
5 months ago

Check out our latest blog on Does Age Matter, written by our guest blogger, Martha. Learn key insights from Martha on age-related considerations when it comes to living organ donation. If you are interested in being a living kidney donor, find out your specific risk factors – and then decide.

To read the blog go to:

#livingdonation #donate #donatelife #kidneytransplant #kidney #transplant #bethegift #explorelivingdonation #exploretransplant #heartyourkidneys #kidneyhealth #patientengagement #organdonation #kidneydisease #CKD #kidneydonor #blogpost #doesagematter #age #recipient #donor @marthagershun
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Check out our latest blog on Does Age Matter, written by our guest blogger, Martha. Learn key insights from Martha on age-related considerations when it comes to living organ donation. If you are interested in being a living kidney donor, find out your specific risk factors – and then decide. 

To read the blog go to: https://exploretransplant.org/news/

#livingdonation #donate #donatelife #kidneytransplant #kidney #transplant #bethegift #explorelivingdonation #exploretransplant #heartyourkidneys #kidneyhealth #patientengagement #organdonation #kidneydisease #CKD #kidneydonor #blogpost #doesagematter #age #recipient #donor @marthagershun
5 months ago

Earlier in September, LaShara Davis, PhD and Amy Waterman, PhD, participated in at The Future of Transplant Conference: Increasing Awareness in Diversity at Houston Methodist Hospital. The focus of this conference was to bring awareness to all and champion our Houston Methodist model by providing an unparalleled commitment to innovating diversity and inclusion initiatives encompassing equal access, service, education, and opportunities for all. Dr. Waterman Moderated the first session on Transplantation and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Davis introduced Ms. Ashlyn Holmes, a living donor kidney transplant recipient, and her family as part of the second plenary focused on Diversity in Transplantation Population, Health Care and Religion. At the conference, we were able to showcase the stories of Ms. Holmes, her mother, and her grandmother as they recalled her transplant journey. Ms. Holmes and her family shared their experiences as part of The Living Donation Storytelling Project, our growing digital library of stories about living donation. The inclusion of their stories marks the launch of the project here at Houston Methodist and the beginning of the transplant center’s DEI initiative to collect stories from the diverse Houston population.

You can view these stories and more by visiting:

#Diversity #equity #inclusion #houstonmethodist #patientengagement #tansplant #ckd #kidney #heartyourkidneys #stories #storiesmatter #houston #transplantcentersmakingadifference #livingdonation #kidneyrecipent
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Earlier in September, LaShara Davis, PhD and Amy Waterman, PhD, participated in at The Future of Transplant Conference: Increasing Awareness in Diversity at Houston Methodist Hospital. The focus of this conference was to bring awareness to all and champion our Houston Methodist model by providing an unparalleled commitment to innovating diversity and inclusion initiatives encompassing equal access, service, education, and opportunities for all. Dr. Waterman Moderated the first session on Transplantation and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Davis introduced Ms. Ashlyn Holmes, a living donor kidney transplant recipient, and her family as part of the second plenary focused on Diversity in Transplantation Population, Health Care and Religion. At the conference, we were able to showcase the stories of Ms. Holmes, her mother, and her grandmother as they recalled her transplant journey. Ms. Holmes and her family shared their experiences as part of The Living Donation Storytelling Project, our growing digital library of stories about living donation. The inclusion of their stories marks the launch of the project here at Houston Methodist and the beginning of the transplant center’s DEI initiative to collect stories from the diverse Houston population. 

You can view these stories and more by visiting: https://livingdonationstories.org/

#Diversity #equity #inclusion #houstonmethodist #patientengagement #tansplant #ckd #kidney #heartyourkidneys #stories #storiesmatter #houston #transplantcentersmakingadifference #livingdonation #kidneyrecipentImage attachmentImage attachment
6 months ago

Hello friends, we have some exciting news to share! We are looking for 5 kidney recipients to review educational material with us in a short interview process. If you are interested in participating, complete the following survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7024686/…

We look forward to hearing from you!

#ckd #kidneyrecipients #education #research #participation #transplantlife #interview #researchparticipants #kidneycare #transplant #patientengagement
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Hello friends, we have some exciting news to share! We are looking for 5 kidney recipients to review educational material with us in a short interview process. If you are interested in participating, complete the following survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7024686/e509a5e4d08e

We look forward to hearing from you! 

#ckd #kidneyrecipients #education #research #participation #transplantlife #interview #researchparticipants #kidneycare #transplant #patientengagement

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Thank you sharing this opportunity!

6 months ago

For those with chronic kidney disease, what is your take on protein intake? Due to impaired kidney function, those with chronic kidney disease are known to have induced sarcopenia or a loss of muscle tissue as a result of inflammation, decreased nutrients, and lowered physical activity. Those with kidney disease are also recommended to be on low protein diets. However, the latest research conducted at the Osaka Metropolitan University challenges that this may not always be the case. With limited studies looking into the relationship between skeletal muscle mass and protein intake for kidney transplant patients, researchers embarked on uncovering this science. These findings demonstrate that skeletal muscle changes are associated with consuming protein - a loss of muscle mass is a direct result of a lack of protein intake, and severe protein restrictions worsen sarcopenia.

To read more go to: https://dtnext.in/wellbeing/2022/…

Article:

#protein #CKD #chronickidneydisease #research #foodintake #diet #healthylifestyle #musclemass #nutrition #helath #patientengagement #kidneyfunction
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For those with chronic kidney disease, what is your take on protein intake? Due to impaired kidney function, those with chronic kidney disease are known to have induced sarcopenia or a loss of muscle tissue as a result of inflammation, decreased nutrients, and lowered physical activity. Those with kidney disease are also recommended to be on low protein diets. However, the latest research conducted at the Osaka Metropolitan University challenges that this may not always be the case. With limited studies looking into the relationship between skeletal muscle mass and protein intake for kidney transplant patients, researchers embarked on uncovering this science. These findings demonstrate that skeletal muscle changes are associated with consuming protein - a loss of muscle mass is a direct result of a lack of protein intake, and severe protein restrictions worsen sarcopenia.

To read more go to: https://www.dtnext.in/wellbeing/2022/09/16/is-limiting-protein-intake-healthy-for-kidney-transplant-patients

Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35944294/

#protein #CKD #chronickidneydisease #research #foodintake #diet #healthylifestyle #musclemass #nutrition #helath #patientengagement #kidneyfunction
6 months ago

To understand patients’ lived experiences during COVID-19, we conducted a mixed-methods study with qualitative interviews on emotional, health, and financial challenges and quantitative surveys assessing depression and anxiety levels and information-seeking behaviors. Commonly reported stressors included postponing/ delaying medical visits and difficulty receiving medications. Fifteen participants with moderate to severe anxiety and depression reported having more frequent and severe panic attacks. Participants reported needing more transplant-specific updates about COVID-19 and frequent communication from their kidney and transplant specialists. As the impact of COVID-19 continues, needs-based interventions tailored for the kidney and transplant community including access to mental health resources, education, and support for care transitions should continue.

Our study is published in Kidney Medicine: https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/…

#research #kidneymedicine #publication #covid_19 #hotline #patientengagment #CKD #kidney #heartyourkidney #patientcare #community #transplantation #organdonation #support #mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #publichealth #advocacy #anxiety #depression #kidneydisease #kidneysupport #patientvoicesmatter #patientvoice #patientadvocacy #patientcare #informationseeking #livedexperiencematters
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To understand patients’ lived experiences during COVID-19, we conducted a mixed-methods study with qualitative interviews on emotional, health, and financial challenges and quantitative surveys assessing depression and anxiety levels and information-seeking behaviors. Commonly reported stressors included postponing/ delaying medical visits and difficulty receiving medications. Fifteen participants with moderate to severe anxiety and depression reported having more frequent and severe panic attacks. Participants reported needing more transplant-specific updates about COVID-19 and frequent communication from their kidney and transplant specialists. As the impact of COVID-19 continues, needs-based interventions tailored for the kidney and transplant community including access to mental health resources, education, and support for care transitions should continue. 

Our study is published in Kidney Medicine: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590059522000930

#research #kidneymedicine #publication #covid_19 #hotline #patientengagment #CKD #kidney #heartyourkidney #patientcare #community #transplantation #organdonation #support #mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #publichealth #advocacy #anxiety #depression #kidneydisease #kidneysupport #patientvoicesmatter #patientvoice #patientadvocacy #patientcare #informationseeking #livedexperiencematters
Explore Transplant is at Houston Methodist Hospital.
Explore Transplant
6 months ago

Our team attended the Living Kidney Donor Retreat on Friday, September 9th held by The Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center to highlight the progress and achievements made by the Living Kidney Donation Program. The retreat emphasized the support the transplant center has provided to donors and recipients throughout the years the program has been active. It also stressed the importance of continuing to improve and provide more successful living kidney transplants in the coming years. The retreat concluded with deliberation over future directions of the program to create a streamlined process for donors and recipients. We are so proud to be a part of The Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center!

#houstonmethodist #leadingmedicine #LivingKidneyDonation #Donation #CKD #shareyourspare #kidney #OrganDonation #kidneydonors #kidneyrecipients #patientcare #patientengagement #advocacymatters #StreamlineProcess #transplantation #thefutureoftransplant
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Our team attended the Living Kidney Donor Retreat on Friday, September 9th held by The Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center to highlight the progress and achievements made by the Living Kidney Donation Program. The retreat emphasized the support the transplant center has provided to donors and recipients throughout the years the program has been active. It also stressed the importance of continuing to improve and provide more successful living kidney transplants in the coming years. The retreat concluded with deliberation over future directions of the program to create a streamlined process for donors and recipients. We are so proud to be a part of The Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center!  

#houstonmethodist #leadingmedicine  #LivingKidneyDonation #Donation #CKD #shareyourspare #kidney #OrganDonation #kidneydonors #kidneyrecipients #patientcare #patientengagement #advocacymatters  #StreamlineProcess #transplantation  #thefutureoftransplant
6 months ago

We stand for patient engagement and amplifying the patient's voice, and beam with pride when we see other researchers advocating in these areas. Researchers at Stanford University identified 5 patient engagement practices for physicians to utilize in developing more meaningful connections with their patients, which include: “(1) prepare with intention, (2) listen intently and completely, (3) agree on what matters most, (4) connect with the patient’s story, and (5) explore emotional cues.” The patient’s story is so valuable and unique! Stanford researchers also emphasized the need for system-level interventions to create a supportive environment for doctors and other clinicians to implement these recommendations.

To read more, go to:
https://fiercehealthcare.com/practices/…

To read the full journal article, visit: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/…



#hospital #organdonation #practices #patientengagement #JAMA #stanforduniversity #bestpractices
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We stand for patient engagement and amplifying the patients voice, and beam with pride when we see other researchers advocating in these areas. Researchers at Stanford University identified 5 patient engagement practices for physicians to utilize in developing more meaningful connections with their patients, which include: “(1) prepare with intention, (2) listen intently and completely, (3) agree on what matters most, (4) connect with the patient’s story, and (5) explore emotional cues.” The patient’s story is so valuable and unique! Stanford researchers also emphasized the need for system-level interventions to create a supportive environment for doctors and other clinicians to implement these recommendations.  

To read more, go to:  
https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/5-proven-practices-to-help-doctors-connect-patients 

To read the full journal article, visit: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2758456 

 

#hospital #organdonation #practices #patientengagement #JAMA #stanforduniversity #bestpractices
6 months ago

We are excited to announce our latest blog, Prioritizing Patient Priorities Nationally: Key Takeaways from the People Driven Transplant Metrics Consensus Conference!

In this photo, Ms. Lorrinda Gray-Davis and Dr. Amy Waterman (both in the first row), along with other Working Group members, proudly share important metrics prioritized at the People Driven Transplant Metrics Conference.

To read our blog, go to: https://exploretransplant.org/prioritizing-patient…

#blogging #patientengagement #metrics #srtrcc22 #SRTR #conference #scientificregistry #kidneypatients #transplantation #patientmeasures #evaluation #brainstorming #decisionmaking #honoringpatients #kidneyhealth #houstonmethodist
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We are excited to announce our latest blog, Prioritizing Patient Priorities Nationally: Key Takeaways from the People Driven Transplant Metrics Consensus Conference! 

In this photo, Ms. Lorrinda Gray-Davis and Dr. Amy Waterman (both in the first row), along with other Working Group members, proudly share important metrics prioritized at the People Driven Transplant Metrics Conference. 

To read our blog, go to: https://exploretransplant.org/prioritizing-patient-priorities-nationally-key-takeaways-from-the-people-driven-transplant-metrics-consensus-conference/

#blogging #patientengagement #metrics #srtrcc22 #SRTR #conference #scientificregistry #kidneypatients #transplantation #patientmeasures #evaluation #brainstorming #decisionmaking #honoringpatients #kidneyhealth #houstonmethodist

Transplant news

INSIGHTS FROM KIDNEY RECIPIENTS, LIVING DONORS AND TRANSPLANT PROFESSIONALS

  • Will UNOS break their promise?

    Will UNOS break their promise?

    Written by Martha Gershun, Guest Blogger The day before I was scheduled for surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to donate my left kidney to a woman I had learned about through the newspaper, I signed paperwork that would go to UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing, to ensure that I would receive priority if I ever …Read more
  • 27 years later: Sheila’s living donation story

    27 years later: Sheila’s living donation story

    It’s a golden anniversary for me! On December 27th, it will be 27 years since I donated a kidney to my husband. Yes, a living kidney donor for 27 years. in photo: (l to r) Sheila Adams-Leander (donor), Eric Leander (son), and Brian Leander (recipient). Eric was 11 years old at the time of our donation/transplant. When we came home …Read more
  • 2022: A year of transition

    2022: A year of transition

    The research team representing the Patient Engagement and Research Lab, now based in Houston, Texas, ends the year very grateful to be together. Thanks to the support and mentorship of Drs. Osama Gaber, Chief of Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital, and Mark Ghobrial, Medical Director of Transplant Center, Dr. Amy Waterman was recruited to Houston Methodist Hospital and J.C. Walter …Read more