Website
RHTH Blog
eNewsletters
Board Letters
Video
Bielema PSA
Brockington PSA
Upcoming Events
Brochure
Friends of RHTH
Board of Directors

During a typical day at the hospital, I care for dozens of people who either await transplantation or who have already received their gift of life. Between my time in the transplant clinic and operating room, I’m often struck by how dedicated these people are in their efforts to live normal, healthy, productive lives. Most of them have been sick for a very long time; some have had their lives turned upside down by a sudden, devastating diagnosis. All of them wait for their new organ, and for a transplant that will mean more time with family and friends. These people come from far and wide, driving hundreds of miles, some even flying in from other parts of the country.

But for transplant patients, the reality of their health status combined with the travel to receive care here in Madison can add up to a very difficult situation. Multiple trips to Madison mean repeated travel expenses, including the cost of frequent and long-term hotel stays. For these people, the Restoring Hope Transplant House does just what its name implies: restores hope.

Once opened, the House will provide an affordable, comfortable and safe environment for transplant patients. Add-in the benefits of a family-like environment with kitchen and laundry facilities and easy access to their care providers and you’ve got not only a house, but a home. To people who are far from their own homes without the support of their own extended family, friends and communities, the House fills a large void, one that we should all elevate ourselves to see through to completion.

The UW Health Transplant Program has a national reputation for excellence, and I’m proud that Madison is home to a program that delivers such outstanding care. Last year we completed more than 600 transplants and were the number one kidney and kidney/pancreas transplant program in the nation. However, for every patient we transplant, there are hundreds more who are waiting. We can be generous in our death by taking action now to share our intent to be an organ donor. We can be generous right now by supporting transplant patients via the Friends of The Restoring Hope Transplant House.