Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program Reaches Record High With Nine Transplants

Achieves 100 percent One-Year Graft Survival Rate for Both Living and Deceased Donor Transplants, Exceeding National Averages

The Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, part of the Memorial Transplant Institute, has marked an exceptional year in 2024, performing a record number of life-changing kidney transplants for children and young adults. With nine transplants completed this year, this is the first time in the program’s history that it has reached these numbers. This milestone represents a threefold increase from 2023.

As the only provider in Broward County for both pediatric and adult heart and kidney transplants, the Memorial Transplant Institute is redefining pediatric transplant care—bringing renewed hope to families across the region. Among those whose lives have been transformed is 12-year-old Hiba, who faced a challenging battle with a genetic condition that left her reliant on dialysis for nearly a year. When her parents were found incompatible as donors, her family’s hopes rested on a miracle. That miracle came when her sister was tested and discovered to be a perfect 100 percent match—an exceedingly rare occurrence. The life-changing surgery took place in September, and today, both sisters are thriving.

Exceptional Outcomes and National Leadership

Since its inception in July 2018, the program has provided transformative care for a total of 28 children, offering both living and deceased donor transplants that give young patients the opportunity to live fuller, healthier lives. To date, 14 transplants have involved living donors.

This year, approximately 50 percent of transplants came from living donors, a significant achievement that demonstrates the importance of living donor transplants for better outcomes, including improved longevity and minimal wait times.

According to the most recent 2024 Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (SRTR), the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital proudly reports a 100 percent one-year graft survival rate for both living and deceased donor transplants, an achievement that exceeds national averages and underscores the quality of care provided.

“We are committed to offering children the chance to live healthier, unrestricted lives following a kidney transplant,” said Linda Chen, MD, surgical director of Living Donor and Pediatric Abdominal Transplant at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “This year’s record achievements are a testament to the dedication of our transplant team and the positive impact this program has on families.”

A Multidisciplinary, Family-Centered Approach to Transplant Care

The Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program takes a team approach to care, involving a diverse group of 14 specialists, including transplant nephrologists, transplant surgeons, advanced practice provider (APP), transplant coordinator, social worker, dietitian, pharmacist, psychologist and administrative support. This multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive, patient-centered care tailored to the unique needs of each child and their family.

“Our team is passionate about providing compassionate, holistic care to every child we serve,” said Reem Raafat, MD, medical director of Pediatric Kidney Transplantation at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “We work together to support our patients’ physical, emotional and social drivers of health. It’s an honor to help these resilient children overcome health challenges and transition to healthier futures.”

A Commitment to Innovation and Accessibility

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is also part of the National Kidney Registry, enabling patients with incompatible living donors to participate in a paired kidney exchange for a better match. This innovation broadens access to living donor kidneys and improves outcomes.

For children with kidney failure, a kidney transplant offers freedom from dialysis and the chance to engage more fully in life. The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program provides comprehensive, family-centered support for each young patient, from pre-transplant care to lifelong follow-up. The program’s skilled team of pediatric specialists not only delivers top-tier medical expertise but also ensures families have the resources needed to navigate the transplant journey and beyond.