Weill Cornell Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Program

04/02/2026

Donate Life Month Patient Spotlight: Joia Ponticello!
Yesterday, Joia joined leadership from Donate Life New York State for a press conference in support of legislation to increase organ and tissue donor registration and expand access to life-saving transplants for New Yorkers in need. The event also served as the kickoff for Donate Life America National Donate Life Month, held every April across the U.S.
Last month, our nurse educator, Eliza Bensley, joined Joia at Dutchess Community College Living Donor Learning Symposium and Education fair, an event dedicated to raising awareness of the gift of living organ donation.
We couldn't be prouder to call Joia our patient!
Learn more here: www.sunydutchess.edu/about/facts/news/articles/press-conference-national-donate-life-month.html and www.sunydutchess.edu/about/facts/news/articles/living-donor-learning-symposium.html

Become a living kidney donor at https://cornell.donorscreen.org/register/now
Weill Cornell Medicine Surgery Weill Cornell Medicine NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

04/01/2026

Today! The first session of our FREE Living Kidney Donation Explained: A Conversation Series. Join the call to hear real stories about living kidney donation and get your questions answered by people who have experienced the process firsthand. Learn what it takes to donate, what recovery looks like, and how living donation can change lives. Register for a session or the full series here: https://bit.ly/4bDK1S0

03/25/2026

Living Kidney donor, Joe Buser reflects on his recent experience at our program: "NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell Medical Center Kidney Transplant was the best place to have this life-changing procedure. I felt special, welcomed, and appreciated from the first meeting and test. The entire living donor team, from Chanel to my care nurses to Dr. Del Pizzo's surgical team, was amazing, and they made me confident that my recipient (a dear friend of 40+ years) and I were in the best hands possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Pictured (in one of the best T-shirts we have seen all year) are Joe and his 14 S Nurses, James Earl Zabala, RN BSN, and Caroline Ugbogbo, MSN, ANP-C

03/12/2026

Join us in celebrating World Kidney Day 2026 and promoting kidney health! 🌍💚 Extreme heat, unsafe water, and poor air quality threaten kidney health worldwide. This , we call on communities, governments, and health systems to join forces, because protecting kidney health means protecting the planet too.

03/11/2026

Everyone needs support during their Transplant journey! Please reach out if you would like to be paired with a mentor or if you have any interest in becoming a mentor yourself.

03/09/2026

Calling all kidney transplant patients and caregivers to join us and share experiences, ask questions, and help shape how we deliver transplant care. Transplant is a journey — and every journey is unique. This webinar provides a safe and supportive space to connect directly with our team. Because great outcomes begin with listening.👂

This session will include:
    •    Program updates and education
    •    Addressing common barriers to transplantation
    •    Identifying opportunities to improve access and communication
    •    Feedback about your experience at our program
    •    Open to patients in all phases of their transplant journey
    ◦    In evaluation, on the waitlist, or already transplanted

Visit ow.ly/fquF50YpENM orscan the QR code to secure your spot!!

03/02/2026

NKF PEERS is a program where kidney patients, living donors, and care partners can connect over the phone with a trained mentor. Mentors are people who have been there themselves and can help others by sharing their experiences. Get connected at kidney.org/peers today.

02/26/2026

In this episode of 'Voices in Transplantation at Weill Cornell Medicine,' Annie discusses why she became a living kidney donor and why she decided to donate her kidney to a stranger!!!!
Weill Cornell Medicine Weill Cornell Medicine Surgery National Kidney Foundation - Greater New York Transplant Life Foundation​
https://youtu.be/GqwXbXP0wf4?si=mf-iXq9Bx7QtPIDq
Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel! or leave us a comment below :)

In this episode of 'Voices in Transplantation at Weill Cornell Medicine,' Annie discusses why she became a living kidney donor and why she decided to donate ...

02/14/2026

Happy National Donor Day!! Happy Love Day ❤️🩷 !!! Wishing all our living donors a very special MONTH. Your selflessness and heroism should be honored each day! Swipe to read a very sweet message a sister has for her generous brother.
Give love, Give life... learn more by visiting our Living Donor Kidney Center at weillcornelltransplant.org

02/12/2026

Reflecting on 2025, we are proud to share that we are the largest adult living donor kidney transplant program in the New York Tri-State area. For more than 20 years, we have remained a national leader in living donor kidney transplantation—advancing access, expanding opportunities, and delivering exceptional, patient-centered care.
⭐️ Thank you to the patients who place their trust in us during life-changing moments. And to our extraordinary team — , , , and more— your expertise, compassion, and dedication to our mission make this achievement possible. Here’s to continued innovation, collaboration, and impact in the year ahead. ⭐️

Learn more about our Transplant Program here: weillcornelltransplant.org

11/09/2025