Kansas City, KS- A powerful story of friendship, faith and a life-saving gift. Eight years ago, Barb was told she needed a kidney transplant. Now, after years of uncertainty, her best friend, a pastor, made the decision to donate her kidney. We’ll share their inspiring journey and talk with The University of Kansas Health System’s transplant team about how this can happen, what the donor and recipient process looks like, and why their story may encourage others to consider organ donation.
Additionally, we talked to a panel of doctors about a conference coming up about blood cancer treatments., specifically CAR T cell therapy.
Joseph McGuirk, DO, Director Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
Dr. McGuirk discusses the logistical and medical complexities of CAR T cell therapy, including toxicities and the need for specialized training.
He explains the revolutionary impact of CAR T cell therapy on blood cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Dr. Richard Maziarz, President American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Dr. Maziarz discusses the importance of educating referring physicians and setting up satellite clinics to improve access and reduce barriers.
He emphasizes the need to bring treatments to patients rather than requiring the need to patients to travel.
Dr. Miguel Angel Perales, Chief of the Adult Bone Marrow Transplantation Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Dr. Perales discusses the need to increase access to CAR T cell therapy, emphasizing the international effort to overcome barriers.
He discussed how many patients are not being referred or have chosen not to pursue treatment.
Dr. Sean Kumer, Chief Medical Officer, Kansas City Division, The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Kumer discusses the steps needed when you are planning to be a living donor.
He talks about the initial kidney function of the donor and what to expect.
Barb Muench, Kidney Recipient
- Barb says this has been an amazing experience, three weeks after her procedure, she is feeling emotionally fantastic.
She talks about the process to see if you have matched with someone.
Christine Potter, Kidney Donor
- Christine, a pastor, explains how her faith influenced her decision to donate her kidney to Barb, describing it as a natural extension of her faith and service.
She says it’s a special honor to be selected as a donor.
Samantha Brenner, RN, Transplant Nurse Coordinator, The University of Kansas Health System
- Samantha walks us through the process of how she works on connecting the dots between diagnosis and surgery.
- She shares why raising awareness about the need for kidney donors can be life-changing, and how opening up about that need may inspire others to consider donation.