When faced with a life-threatening medical condition, the quality of care and expertise of health care professionals can make all the difference. For one patient, the CAMC Kidney Transplant Center became a beacon of hope in his lifelong battle with kidney disease.
Jon-Michael Hager was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in 1982 at just 5 weeks old. After exploring several hospitals, his family learned that CAMC was establishing a pediatric kidney transplant program and was looking for its first patient. At the age of 7, Hager received a kidney from his father and underwent his first kidney transplant. The transplant was a success, providing him with nearly two decades of improved health. By the age of 26, Hager’s transplanted kidney had begun to fail, requiring him to start dialysis. Though he knew another transplant was inevitable, as the average lifespan of a kidney from a living donor is 15-20 years, the fear of undergoing another major surgery kept him from pursuing it immediately. When the time came to seek a second transplant, he instinctively returned to CAMC. The hospital’s familiarity, proximity to home and the trust he had in the medical team made it a natural choice.
Within weeks, a perfect match was found from a 19-year-old donor. The transplant was a success, with the kidney beginning to function immediately upon transplantation.
Having twice received the gift of life, Hager is a passionate advocate for organ donation.
“When people check that little box at the DMV, they may not realize the impact of their choice,” Hager said. “But to someone like me, it’s everything. It’s a chance to live.”
Through both transplantations, CAMC proved to be more than just a hospital for Hager. It was a place of healing, hope and human connection. The expertise of the surgeons, the dedication of the nurses and compassion of the entire team played a pivotal role in his journey.
The CAMC Kidney Transplant Center has performed more than 1,400 kidney transplants in Charleston since its inception in 1987. Recognized as the first kidney transplant program in West Virginia, the Center offers expert, high-quality and personalized treatment for patients living with advanced kidney disease. To learn more about our program or how to become an organ donor, visit camc.org/Kidney.