Upstate Transplant

04/24/2026

💙 Fourth Annual Living Donor Appreciation Luncheon 💙

On April 11th, we gathered to celebrate an incredible group of people—our living donors—whose selfless gifts forever changed lives.

One of the most meaningful moments of the luncheon was hearing directly from kidney transplant recipients. Their stories were powerful reminders that living donation is more than a medical procedure—it’s a second chance at life. From renewed energy and independence to the joy of everyday moments once taken for granted, their words brought the true impact of living donation to life.

We are deeply grateful to every living donor, recipient, family member, and community partner who joined us to share, listen, and honor the life‑changing connections made possible through living donation.

Together, these stories inspire hope, gratitude, and continued collaboration in support of living donation.

Thank you for making a difference.

04/24/2026

At Sunday’s University of Rochester Medical Center's River Run, a deeply meaningful moment highlighted what is possible when families, organ procurement organizations, and transplant centers work together with shared purpose.

Near the finish line, the family of Talon, a 16‑year‑old donor, met Kim Thompson, the woman whose life was saved by his kidney. Talon’s mother Crystal Carr, along with her family, was joined by Kim, who received her transplant at Upstate Transplant Center and traveled from Auburn to be there. Members of the Upstate transplant team attended as well, offering support and honoring the donor family alongside the recipient.

What unfolded was simple and profound — gratitude, remembrance, and connection. It also reflected the complex collaboration behind every transplant: donor families making courageous decisions, OPOs coordinating with care teams, and transplant centers delivering life‑saving care.

These partnerships turn generosity into hope — and loss into lasting impact. We are grateful to all who made this moment possible and to the families who continue to remind us why this work matters.

04/23/2026

Today we celebrate the administrative professionals who are essential to the work of the Upstate Transplant Center.

From quality professionals ensuring excellence and compliance, to referral specialists and scheduling staff who keep care moving seamlessly forward; from our welcoming front desk staff to our dedicated finance coordinators helping patients navigate complex systems—you are the backbone of our transplant community.

Your precision, compassion, and commitment make life‑saving care possible every day.

Thank you for all that you do. 💙

04/22/2026

🧪 Happy Medical Laboratory Professionals Week!

Today we proudly recognize our HLA Laboratory team, whose expertise behind the scenes makes life‑saving transplants possible every day. From HLA typing and antibody testing to crossmatching donors and recipients, their precision and dedication help ensure the safest and best possible match for our transplant patients.

Every result matters. Every detail counts. And every patient benefits from their commitment to excellence. Thank you for the vital role you play in transforming hope into healing.💙

04/21/2026

💙 Thank you to the Upstate Donor Council for partnering with the Upstate Transplant Center for Donate Life Night with the Syracuse Crunch! 🏒

We’re grateful for your continued commitment to raising awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation and celebrating the lifesaving impact of donation within our community. Together, we’re making a difference—on and off the ice. 💚

04/20/2026

💖 This National Pediatric Transplant Week, Upstate Transplant Center proudly honors the multidisciplinary teams who work behind the scenes and at the bedside to support pediatric transplant care with skill, collaboration, and commitment.

04/17/2026

💚 Kidney Transplantation at Upstate: Care That Puts People First 💚

What makes the Upstate Transplant Center special? It starts with our people. Our expert, compassionate team works together to support patients every step of the transplant journey—before, during, and long after surgery.

🩺 Comprehensive, Team‑Based Care
From skilled surgeons and nephrologists to nurses, social workers, dietitians, and coordinators, transplant care is truly a team effort. Every patient receives personalized care designed for the best possible outcome.

👵 Specialized Care for Older Adults
With over two‑thirds of our patients age 50+ (and more than 11% age 70 and older), we proudly offer a comprehensive pre‑transplant evaluation developed in collaboration with our Department of Geriatrics.

🧒 Pediatric Kidney Transplantation
We provide kidney transplantation for children with kidney failure, offering improved survival, healthier growth, better school performance, and greater participation in everyday activities compared to dialysis.

📍 Options That Expand Access
New York State allows eligible patients to be listed at more than one transplant center. Our team works closely with patients and referring providers to coordinate seamless care before and after transplant.

🌟 Patient‑Centered Excellence
Our consistently high Press Ganey patient experience scores reflect our commitment to clear communication, safety, teamwork, and compassionate care.

📞 Contact Us
Upstate Transplant Center
550 Harrison Street, Suite A
Syracuse, NY 13202
📱 (315) 464‑5413

Because at Upstate, transplantation is about more than surgery—it’s about helping patients live healthier, fuller lives. 💙

04/16/2026

🌿 Tranquil Thursday 🌿

“Peace does not mean being free of storms, but finding calm within them.”

Take a gentle pause today. Whether it’s a deep breath, a quiet moment, or a short walk, calm can support healing and well-being—especially during the transplant journey.

You’re not alone, and every small step toward peace matters.

💚 Wishing serenity and strength to our transplant patients and caregivers.

04/15/2026

💙 Happy Transplant Nurses Day! 💙

Today we proudly recognize the compassion, expertise, and dedication of our transplant nurses. You are the steady hands and caring hearts guiding patients and families through some of life’s most complex journeys. From evaluation to recovery and everything in between, your advocacy, skill, and empathy make a life‑changing difference every single day.

Thank you for being champions of hope, healing, and second chances. 💫

04/11/2026

Thank you, Alicyn, for partnering with the Upstate Transplant Center and sharing your inspiring story about living donation. 💚 Your journey highlights such an important way to give the gift of life, and we’re so grateful you were willing to share your experience with our community.

Alicyn Eggleston spoke at a Syracuse hospital about her experience as a living kidney donor, and how the surgery affects more people than just the donor and recipient. Read more at LocalSYR.com.

04/11/2026

💚 Honoring Generosity. Celebrating Impact. 💚

Today, the Upstate Transplant Center proudly hosted our Fourth Annual Living Donor Appreciation Luncheon, an inspiring afternoon dedicated to the remarkable individuals whose selfless generosity has saved and transformed lives over the past 20 years.

We were honored to celebrate more than 500 living kidney donations—each one representing hope, courage, and an extraordinary act of compassion.

Our living donors truly give life, and we are forever grateful.

This special event would not be possible without the exceptional Upstate Transplant Living Donor Luncheon Planning Committee—a group of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly every day to support donors, recipients, and families with expertise, empathy, and heart.

To our living donors: thank you for your courage.

To our transplant team: thank you for your passion and dedication.

Together, you change lives—today and always. 💚

04/10/2026

💙 Honoring the Mission of Donate Life 💚

We are grateful to the Upstate Donor Council and our Organ Procurement Organization partners, Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, for welcoming us to the Donate Life Celebration. Today, we honor the legacy of deceased donors and the families who chose generosity and compassion by saying “yes” to donation.

We also celebrate living donors whose selfless gifts give others a second chance at life. Together, we reaffirm the Donate Life mission—saving and healing lives through the power of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Because of donors, lives go on. 💙