When Veronica Llamas-Barajas received a heart transplant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in April, it was the culmination of a seven-year journey.

“Last Chance Transplant,” the docuseries filmed at Vanderbilt in conjunction with 44 Blue Productions and Rock’n Robins Productions, received the 2022 Inspire Award on Thursday, Aug. 25, from Donate Life Hollywood.

The extended family has grown closer as a result of Capri's generosity. She says her faith led her to the decision.

Women who need a liver transplant are more likely to spend more time on a waiting list, become too sick for transplant or die compared to men. To improve equity, a recently published Vanderbilt-led study suggests a sex adjustment to criteria for MELD (model for end-stage liver disease), which determines allocation of transplanted livers.

Genotyping multiple enzymes that metabolize the immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus — common used for lung transplant recipients — is important for correct dosing of the drug, Vanderbilt researchers found.

Without the lung transplant, the cancer may never have been detected.

This May, the Vanderbilt Transplant Center is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its first liver transplant.