St. Joseph's Affiliation
When Laura had her transplant in 2003, there was no lung transplant program in the Phoenix area. She had to travel to Stanford for evaluation and surgery, stay there for a minimum of three months, and then return on a regular basis for tests and check-ups. In addition to those visits to the transplant center, patients must receive continuous medical support through doctors and hospitals near their home. Post-transplant care is highly specialized and extremely time-sensitive. The only frustration Laura ever expressed during her years of illness resulted from the challenge of trying to obtain the timely local support she needed. One can only imagine how much easier her journey might have been had there been a lung transplant center in Phoenix to provide the necessary level of care.
In 2007, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix announced that it would meet this need with a new facility for the treatment of heart and lung transplant patients. The St. Joseph’s Heart and Lung Institute performed its first surgery in 2008 and now has done dozens of successful transplants. The Institute also follows scores of patients, whose surgeries were performed elsewhere, providing the essential post-operative care that literally keeps these patients alive. Introduction of this new transplant program in Phoenix has enabled Laura’s Foundation to channel its support to transplant patients living in the Valley, near Laura’s home. Lung Transplant Program - Learn More Gift Creates Ambassador Program - Learn More
Foundation Presenting Check to St. Joseph's Hospital |
