The McCombs Foundation has made a generous $1 million donation to the pediatric transplant program at the University Health Transplant Institute in San Antonio. This contribution will support the growth of the children’s transplant program and the appointment of Dr. Danielle M. Fritze as the McCombs Surgical Director of Pediatric Transplantation, the first endowed position at University Health. Dr. Fritze has already made significant contributions to the transplant program, particularly in the area of pediatric liver transplant. Under her leadership, the program has been recognized as the best liver transplant program in the country. With the McCombs Foundation’s support, the pediatric transplant program will be able to continue saving the lives of children in need of life-saving organ transplants.
The McCombs Foundation’s donation is a testament to the late Red McCombs’ commitment to the community of San Antonio. Marsha Shields, McCombs’ daughter and president of the foundation, expressed her excitement about the impact that Dr. Fritze will have on the lives of children and families. She praised Dr. Fritze’s drive for excellence and innovation, attributes that McCombs supported in both his business and philanthropic endeavors. Dr. Fritze, who has been with the Transplant Institute since 2016, plans to use the gift from the McCombs Foundation to enhance medical training, expand outreach for organ donation, and build a program that supports young transplant recipients as they transition into adulthood. The endowment will ensure the sustainability and leadership of the pediatric transplant program, solidifying its position as a leader in pediatric transplantation in San Antonio and the region.
