For more than 20 years, Denise Williams lived with kidney disease. As her condition worsened, she began peritoneal dialysis — spending nine hours each night connected to a machine while continuing to work and manage daily life.
“God brought me this far,” she says. “I just wanted the chance to keep living my life.”
Her experience reflects what many patients face before a kidney transplant: a long, challenging journey filled with uncertainty and hope.
The Moment That Changed Everything
On February 9, 2024, Denise received a call from University Health — a donor kidney was available.
“I didn’t know what to think. Everything happened so quickly,” she recalls.
Within hours, she was preparing for surgery.
Advanced Post-Transplant Care
After her transplant, Denise experienced complications with an anti-rejection medication. Instead of requiring hospitalization, her care team transitioned her to monthly infusion therapy at the University Health Transplant Institute.
Our onsite infusion suite allows transplant patients like Denise to receive critical treatments, such as biologics and immunosuppressive therapies, without visiting the emergency room.
Benefits of Onsite Infusion Care
In 2025, the clinic provided 1,481 infusions, helping patients stay healthy and avoid complications.
Benefits of onsite infusion care include:
- Faster access to treatment
- Fewer hospital visits
- Personalized care from experienced transplant nurses
- Greater comfort and continuity
Compassionate Care That Makes a Difference
“The care I received was amazing. I felt loved and cared for the entire time,” Denise says.
At the Transplant Institute, patients benefit from a team that combines advanced medical expertise with compassionate, personalized care — helping improve outcomes and quality of life.
Patients receive continuous, specialized support throughout their entire journey, including:
- Transplant evaluation and education
- Pre-transplant preparation
- Coordination with surgical teams
- Post-transplant monitoring and lab work
- Medication management
- Long-term follow-up care
This coordinated approach ensures patients are supported before, during and after transplant.
Life After Kidney Transplant
Today, Denise is living free from dialysis, with renewed energy and gratitude.
“It’s been really nice to live life off dialysis… I’m just so grateful.”
Her story highlights the life-changing impact of kidney transplant care and the importance of ongoing support after surgery.
Transplant Care at University Health
Our transplant expertise goes beyond surgery at the University Health Transplant Institute.
With more than 18,000 patient visits each year, the Transplant Institute provides expert, lifelong care for transplant patients in our community.
From evaluation to long-term follow-up, our team is committed to helping every patient achieve the best possible outcome.
Become a Living Organ Donor
Living organ donation can offer patients like Denise a second chance at life — often with shorter wait times and excellent outcomes. By becoming a living donor, you can make a life-changing difference for someone in need.
Learn more about living donation or take the first step by filling out our questionnaire to see if you’re a viable candidate.
