VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center

03/13/2026

Every day, lives are transformed through the selfless generosity of living kidney donors. With over 100,000 individuals on the national transplant waiting list, and almost 90% in need of a kidney, the demand for living donors has never been greater.

Curious about what makes a good living kidney donor? Learn more here: https://bit.ly/41ZDbma

03/12/2026

Two U.S. Marine Corps veterans reconnect years after their tour of duty when one needed a new kidney and another saw an opportunity to help his fellow brother in need.

03/11/2026

We're especially thankful for the team members supporting our Transplant community!❤️⬇️

03/09/2026

In this episode of "Healthy with VCU Health" hear from Dr. Dhiren Kumar, medical director of living kidney transplant, as he discusses kidney transplants and the benefits of receiving a kidney from a living donor: https://bit.ly/44e1c8T
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03/08/2026

On this International Women's Day, we celebrate the power of women supporting women—like Danny LaPointe, who selflessly donated her kidney to Lauretta Minor. Their story is one of courage, generosity, and an unbreakable bond formed through the gift of life.

Read how their journey proves that strength and kindness know no limits: https://bit.ly/47yVcsn ❤️

03/06/2026

Did you know there is national shortage of organs? This is what makes living donation so important. It truly is a heroic act that gives the greatest gift possible — the gift of life.

Looking for more information about this process? Check out our living donor program: https://bit.ly/3O2q23K
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03/04/2026

March is National Nutrition Month! This month we want you to some of our team members. First up is Benjamin Sizemore, RD, CNSC, Clinical Nutrition Supervisor, Transplant.

What makes you most proud to work for VCU Health? I am proud to work for the largest safety net hospital in the state. This allows us to provide high quality care for any patient, regardless of their ability to pay for treatment.

What makes Hume-Lee unique? Hume-Lee is one of the oldest transplant centers in the nation, but it does not let its age slow it down. We are constantly achieving innovation and advancement in transplant while maintaining positive patient outcomes.

What drew you to your role? I love being able to help people. Patients who need a transplant are the sickest of the sick and usually have no other treatment options available. Being able to help someone as they are given another chance at life is the ultimate act of service and drew me to this role.

What are you most passionate about? What's the biggest reward for you in this field? I am most passionate about enjoying the foods you eat. For many patients undergoing transplant, they must follow very restrictive diets to keep themselves as healthy as possible until their surgery. The biggest reward for me is helping patients find flexibility in their diets while maintaining their health so they can continue to enjoy the foods they eat.

What message or advice do you want to share with the community? Healthy eating does not have to be hard. Keep everything in moderation and enjoy the meals you eat.

Thank you to all our nutrition team members for your dedication, expertise and care! Stay tuned as we meet more of these team members this month. ❤️❤️

For more information about our programs, visit: vcuhealth.org/transplant

03/02/2026

March is National Kidney Month. 🧡 Almost 90,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant, accounting for 86% of patients on the national transplant waiting list. This National Kidney Month, you can help save lives by registering and sharing your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor and by learning more about living kidney donation: https://bit.ly/3CDJylC
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02/27/2026

As we near the end of February Heart Month, we remember Liz Moore, a patient with VCU Health since her youth. Liz was born with a congenital heart defect. Thanks to the strong collaboration between Hume-Lee and Pauley Heart Center, a rare dual transplant gave her newfound freedom to live her life to the fullest.
Read Liz's story: https://bit.ly/42JWzma ❤️❤️

By Michael Phillips and Sara McCloskey Liz Moore took a trip to Asheville at the end of 2023, enjoying a life of freedom once considered out of reach. Moore was born with a congenital heart defect, and while a surgery known as a Fontan provided her with a temporary reprieve, doctors at VCU Health's....

02/25/2026

Let’s Taylor Reed, RN, BSN, CCTC, Liver Transplant, HCC & TP-IAT Outreach Coordinator!

What makes you most proud to work for VCU Health? I’m proud to work at VCU Health because we don’t give up on people. We care for patients with complicated lives and serious illnesses with dignity, respect, and genuine belief in their worth. Being part of a team that is willing to support and advocate for our patients, while leading with heart, is something I’m grateful for every day.

What makes Hume-Lee unique? Hume-Lee is unique in our ongoing focus on people--first and foremost--paired with my team’s groundbreaking innovation in liver and pancreas care. Our teams fiercely advocate for patients, push boundaries when necessary to improve outcomes, and never lose sight of the human stories behind the medicine. We combine cutting-edge science with deeply personal care, ensuring every patient feels seen, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.

What drew you to your role? After spending five years working directly in transplant, I saw how powerful and life-changing this care can be. I was drawn to this role because it allows me to bring an exceptional program into the community and help patients find their way to high-quality, specialized care. Supporting access and equity in transplantation is something I’m deeply passionate about, too.

What are you most passionate about? I’m most passionate about bridging the gap between exceptional transplant care and the communities that need it. By working closely with referring providers, I help ensure patients are guided toward timely, specialized treatment and meaningful support.

What message or advice do you want to share with the community? I encourage people to learn more about organ donation, especially living donation, and to consider how they might be able to help someone in need. Many people don’t realize how safe and impactful living donation can be. One person’s decision to step forward can completely change a life and strengthen an entire family.

Thank you to all our Hume-Lee team members for your dedication, expertise and care! ♥️♥️♥️

For more information about our programs, visit: vcuhealth.org/transplant

02/23/2026

During , we want you to take charge of your heart health. From understanding what heart disease is to practical tips for prevention, Dr. Chery shares what you need to know to improve your heart health: https://bit.ly/41kp6OD ♥️♥️♥️

02/20/2026

February 20 is National Caregiver's Day! Caregivers are an extremely important part of the transplant journey. They are there for tasks big and small–listening, making food, driving to medical appointments–and championing and supporting you when you need it most. Thank you to all of the Caregivers! 💙💚