First published 2024-10-14 19:17:07
In the scenic town of Roanoke, Virginia, the pressing challenge of accessing timely kidney transplant services is being addressed as local advocates push for change. Currently, over 2,300 individuals in Virginia await kidney transplants, but the nearest center capable of performing such procedures is a daunting two-hour drive away. Among those impacted is Joey, a 28-year-old who was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage five renal failure two years ago. Faced with the demanding routine of at-home dialysis and lengthy trips to the University of Virginia medical center, Joey’s story underscores the critical need for local transplantation services. With hopes pinned on the establishment of a new center at the Carilion Clinic’s Roanoke Memorial Hospital, the community is rallying for a certificate of public need to be approved, which would significantly alleviate the burdens faced by patients requiring life-changing operations.
Miraculously, Joey found a living donor, and during the interview, he was just days away from receiving his transplant. This life-changing moment would allow him to transition from living at a reduced capacity of 20% to potentially reclaiming up to 90% of his lifestyle. Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and Joey is now on the road to recovery, though the lengthy journeys to UVA for follow-ups and potential future procedures remain a part of his reality. Given his youth, Joey acknowledges he might need multiple transplants throughout his life, rendering his current situation a temporary relief rather than a permanent solution.
Despite receiving excellent care at UVA, the lengthy and tiring trips have become a significant burden. Joey and his new wife are eager to focus on building their lives together without the constant drain of extensive travel. They yearn for a facility closer to home that can provide the essential medical care he requires. The establishment of a new transplant center in Roanoke could alleviate not only the stress and exhaustion of travel but also the financial burden of hotel stays during extended visits for treatment. Carilion Clinic’s proactive steps to establish these services locally could significantly impact many lives, offering thousands in the area a chance at better health management and peace of mind.
