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Undergoing a transplant is a life-changing event. It represents hope, new beginnings, and the opportunity to reclaim your health. But while the surgery itself may be behind you, the healing journey continues long afterward. For many transplant recipients and their families, recovery brings unexpected challenges—one of the most common being scar tissue. Living with a large surgical scar can be difficult on its own. When pain, tightness, or internal discomfort are added to the

Navigating the organ transplant journey can feel overwhelming. I know, because I've been there. The moment you receive that new organ, your life changes in ways you never imagined. It’s a mix of relief, gratitude, and uncertainty.

Let's have a little money moment. Having a chronic or terminal illness is not cheap, and if you are not vigilant, the math stops mathing and your finances start crashing. A serious illness doesn’t just attack your body — it can quietly dismantle your finances.

Facing your own mortality is not something that anyone is ever really prepared for; however, it is a significant factor for anyone on a solid organ transplant list.

Time is of the essence

Tom Dessent (1960-2019) The thing about being on the transplant waiting list is that to qualify, a patient has to be sick enough that a transplant is urgently needed, but still healthy enough to survive the surgery and recover afterward. I was on and off the list multiple times for that very reason. It became very evident that my days were numbered unless I managed to stay at the top of the list and win the organ lottery. As I became increasingly ill, my family came to the

One of the most important decisions a person can make when an organ transplant is inevitable is which Transplant Center(s) to register with. Your doctor may recommend one in particular based on their own opinions or experiences; however, and I cannot say this enough, you are your own best advocate. They may, or may not, tell you that you can register at more than one Transplant Center. When I was originally advised that I needed a transplant, I was sent to KU Medical Center

This blog is dedicated to the memory of Josie Handley Barnes