A few months post our meeting during rounds at a dialysis facility, an elderly woman gripped my hand and softly inquired, “Do you believe I’ll make it in time?” Her voice quivered. She had been quiet for weeks, exhausted by dialysis and daunted by the lengthy transplant procedure. Her inquiry cut through the clinical routine. I met her gaze, gently squeezed her hand, and assured her, “We’ll navigate this journey together. You’re not on your own.” That instant embodied the emotional burden many patients bear and highlighted how transplant care transcends mere scheduling of referrals.

For individuals with end-stage kidney disease, waiting for a kidney transplant is not solely a physical endeavor, but also an emotional and logistical one. Behind each evaluation, lab test, and clinic appointment is a person maneuvering through a complex system, frequently without the necessary support or clarity. In these situations, health care providers need to deliver more than just information. They must offer presence.

The transplant journey is frequently viewed through the perspective of a dramatic, lifesaving surgery. Yet, prior to that moment lies months, or even years, filled with waiting, uncertainty, and hope. Patients are faced with the decision to persist, often lacking assurances that their dedication will be rewarded. This is where numerous liaisons, case managers, and coordinators perform their most vital work.

As a public health advocate for individuals experiencing kidney failure and seeking transplant and living donation, it becomes evident how crucial support is. Coordinating referrals, clarifying eligibility standards, connecting patients to social services, and ensuring no one is overlooked are all fundamental aspects of this role. Equally vital is offering emotional support during times of fear, frustration, and discouragement. The emotional strain can be considerable, especially when systemic obstacles hinder or disrupt care.

There was a young father who initially hesitated to disclose his diagnosis to his wife. He feared he would become a liability. Over time, she transformed into his strongest supporter and ultimately his living donor. Another patient missed several transplant evaluations due to a lack of transportation. With the assistance of a nonprofit organization, she eventually reached her appointment. Later, she remarked, “If it weren’t for you, I would have given up.” These narratives serve as reminders of how compassion and access can alter outcomes.

Not every patient gets listed. Some individuals become too unwell before qualifying. Others do not survive the waiting period. These are the most challenging moments, but they enhance empathy and reinforce the commitment to establishing a more equitable and responsive system.

Disparities in transplantation continue to pose a serious challenge. Patients from marginalized communities are evaluated more slowly, listed less frequently, and are at a higher risk of dying while waiting. These are not merely clinical shortcomings. They represent moral dilemmas. Equity must be prioritized at every phase of the transplant journey.

Transplant care requires health care professionals to take a step back, to look beyond lab results and paperwork, and to recognize each patient as an individual with a story, a fear, and a dream. The most significant progress begins not with surgery, but with dialogue. A moment of connection. A simple act of empathy.

For many patients, hope is not a luxury. It is integral to their treatment strategy. Genuine progress will only be achieved when every patient is acknowledged, listened to, and supported. Hope does not emerge by coincidence. It is cultivated through advocacy, access, and compassion. That is how lives are transformed. That is how lives are preserved.

*Judith Eguzoikpe is a medical doctor and public health advocate deeply committed to raising awareness about kidney disease, promoting transplant equity, and enhancing global health systems. She emphasizes patient-centered care, elevating the voices of underserved communities and tackling systemic barriers in organ transplantation. Her work encompasses education, health policy, and research on donor characteristics, organ usage, and equitable access to transplants. Dr. Eguzoikpe is connected with Grand Valley State University and actively involves the public through her platform, sharing insights on health equity and advocacy. Follow her on Instagram at [@_judyheart](https://www.instagram.com/_judyheart/) to learn more about her initiatives and outreach efforts.*