Madison Reporter

The UW Health Transplant Center recently marked an important milestone as it completed its 1,000th heart transplant. This landmark event coincides with Donate Life Month, a period dedicated to raising awareness about organ donation.

Kortney Zblewski, a 30-year-old from Wisconsin, received a new heart and lungs earlier this year and became the 1,000th heart transplant recipient at the center. Zblewski, who was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart's ability to pump blood, had experienced a significant decline in her health since June 2023.

Despite previous treatments, Dr. David Murray, a cardiologist with UW Health, identified that a heart and lung transplant was Zblewski's best option for improved quality of life. "Although Kortney was young and active, she had reached the stage where we were unable to manage her conditions with other treatments," he said. "Her best chance at a longer, better-quality life was a heart and lung transplant from a single donor.”

This complex procedure was led by Dr. Yu Xia, a transplant surgeon at UW Health. The successful surgery adds to the Transplant Center's history of advancements dating back over 50 years.

Dr. Dixon Kaufman, the medical director at UW Health Transplant Center, highlighted the importance of organ donation, “Kortney’s story illustrates the life-saving gift of organ donation and the patient-centered care our transplant programs have been recognized for.” Meanwhile, Dr. Veli Topkara emphasized the commitment to high standards, “These results reflect our team’s commitment to excellence.”

Michael Anderson, the executive director of UW Organ and Tissue Donation, stressed the impact of organ donation, "We have the honor to witness the life-changing impact an organ transplant can have on a patient and their family."

Organ donation remains crucial, with more than 100,000 individuals currently waiting for transplants in the United States. Anderson encourages everyone to consider registering as donors.

Zblewski is recuperating and advocates for organ donation. She expressed her appreciation, noting, “My donor not only gave me a second chance at life, but they also gave my son a second chance to play and enjoy life with his mom.” She recently sent a letter to her donor’s family, sharing her gratitude and plans for future adventures with her family.

The UW Health Transplant Center continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovative treatments and its mission to offer hope to patients awaiting transplants.