When John Capece was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, it caught him by surprise—he had always considered himself to be relatively healthy. He promptly started seeing a nephrologist regularly to monitor and help him manage his condition.
Unfortunately, John’s disease worsened in September of 2023, and his doctor advised him to start looking into kidney transplant programs. Dialysis was also on the table.
“When I learned that the earliest the first transplant center could see me for an initial evaluation was six months away, I was devastated. I felt very vulnerable and had a sense of despair,” he says. John soon reached out to MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. “When I contacted Georgetown and learned they could see me in about a month, I was elated to say the least.”
One of the highest volume organ transplant programs in the country, the Institute offers the expertise of some of the country’s foremost transplant specialists who have performed more than 8,500 liver, kidney, pancreas, small bowel, and multi-organ transplants.
“I had read that they were one of the best programs in the country so was pleasantly surprised to get an appointment for an initial evaluation that October,” he notes.
On Oct. 4, 2024, about a year after his evaluation, John was finishing lunch and getting ready for a haircut when his phone rang. “It was Georgetown asking if I could be there at 4 p.m. They said they had a kidney for me,” he explains. “At first, I thought it was a practical joke ... but it wasn’t. It was so unexpected … I was literally shaking.”
He called a neighbor to take him to the hospital and, during the drive, notified relatives and friends that he was going in for a transplant. “I asked them to keep me in their prayers,” he says. Early the next morning, he received his kidney.
“I had never been in a hospital before and had never had a major surgery. So, I didn’t really know what to expect. But the entire process was amazing. I spent five days in the hospital and was cared for by an incredible team. Then, I began the process of getting better,” John says.
“At 78 years old, I was not looking forward to the rest of my life on dialysis, but that’s what I thought was going to happen. This was so out of the blue. I was completely shocked. I had no idea I was so close to getting a kidney,” he continues. “I can’t say enough good things about my experience. It was lifesaving and I have committed to supporting the program so that more individuals can access the wonderful care that MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute provides. I am so grateful.”
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