transplant

November 13, 2020

VUMC employee attends honor walk for her brother, becomes passionate organ donation advocate

Her brother Taylor’s death was heartbreaking, but Anna Lorenz is determined to inspire others with his example

By Matt Batcheldor
September 25, 2020

In memory of Kyle

Last year, an honor walk for paramedic Kyle Fisher went viral. Now, his mother, a nurse at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, is promoting organ donation in his memory.

By Matt Batcheldor
September 8, 2020

The police officer needed a kidney transplant. The donor turned out to be very familiar to him — he had arrested her numerous times.

He had been a cop for four decades. She had been featured on “Alabama’s Most Wanted.”

By Matt Batcheldor
August 26, 2020

Kidney transplant patient returns home to joyous reverse parade

Lee Foster’s friends and neighbors smiled, waved, honked and enjoyed cake pops

By Matt Batcheldor
May 11, 2020

Grateful kidney transplant patient donates masks to VUMC

“I was really excited to have the opportunity to do something for those who had done so much for me.”

By Jessica Pasley
April 29, 2020

Heart to heart

This teacher got a life-saving heart transplant. So did her student. What are the odds?

By Matt Batcheldor
February 27, 2020

Randy Hatch has dedicated his life to teaching and coaching at-risk young people. After his lifesaving liver transplant, they lined the halls to welcome him back.

His beloved Carroll Academy Jaguars and Lady Jaguars honor him with a message on their shirts: "Donate Life."
By Matt Batcheldor
February 24, 2020

Richard Hosner knew he needed a liver transplant. It turned out he needed a kidney, too. On one amazing day, he received both.

The pair of complex surgeries took 13 hours. When he woke up, he felt like a new person. Since 2011, there have been 38 liver-kidney transplants at VUMC, helping establish Vanderbilt as one of the leading sites in the country for multiple-organ transplants.
By Matt Batcheldor
November 18, 2019

Madalyn Durbin’s dad just had a double lung transplant; surely there was no way he could make it to her wedding.

Never underestimate a father’s determination to be there for his daughter. As Madalyn started down the aisle, Terry stepped out and took her hand.
By Matt Batcheldor
September 30, 2019

Her dad needed a kidney; hers didn’t match. But through paired donation, her dad got a kidney and so did another person in need.

Her blood type was B and his was A. So they went to Plan B.
By Matt Batcheldor
August 21, 2019

Stephanie Hays’ own body destroyed her kidneys. Luckily, her daughter had a spare.

The operation was a success; Roni’s kidney began functioning in her mom right away. “Now she’s stuck with me forever,” Roni joked.
By Matt Batcheldor
August 13, 2019

Tricia Burgess thought she had seasonal allergies. She actually needed a heart transplant.

“I didn’t even know I was sick. I’m thankful that Vanderbilt saved my life.”
By Matt Batcheldor
April 25, 2019

Kristie Kuzy decided to donate a kidney to a stranger. Her generosity initiated the first three-recipient kidney transplant chain in the history of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The amazing and improbable story of how it all fell into place
By Matt Batcheldor