University Health Transplant Institute

10/31/2025

"Just being alive is a gift!" ✨

We are celebrating an incredible milestone with 14-year-old Miguel. Having received the life-saving gift of a kidney at the University Health Transplant Institute 12 years ago, Miguel is now dedicated to giving back.

Last year, he collected toys for the pediatric patients of the kidney and dialysis clinic, sharing: "I know what it’s like to go through medical challenges and seeing their smiles reminds me why this is so important." ❤️

Miguel's resilience, his commitment to school and community service shines brightly. Join us in celebrating Miguel and the amazing care transplant team who made this second chance possible!

Learn more about how you can save a life by becoming an organ donor: https://ow.ly/e20350XhGSY.

10/29/2025

Feeling nostalgic hearing this song? 🎶 Let this be your reminder to prioritize your health. Did you know women 55 and older face a higher risk of breast cancer? Getting regular mammograms beginning at age 40 can help you protect your health.

💗 Take action to reduce the risks:
• Keep your weight at a normal, healthy level
• Exercise regularly (3-5x a week)
• Reduce your alcohol consumption, none would be even better
• Pay attention to your body

Stay proactive about your health, early detection saves lives. Visit the University Health Breast Center for the highest level of care in South Texas. Click here to schedule your screening today: https://ow.ly/bNKt50Xk0zO.

10/29/2025

November is National Caregiver Awareness Month! Caregivers are the unsung heroes of the transplant journey—offering strength, support, and compassion every step of the way.

We invite all Transplant Caregivers to a special Support Group dedicated to showing gratitude and recognition:

📅 Thursday, November 6, 2025
📍 University Health Main Garden
🕞 3:00 – 4:30 PM

This interactive gathering is our way of saying thank you for the incredible care you provide.

Please RSVP to join us and allow us to celebrate you!

10/28/2025

What an inspiring day! San Antonio stepped up to host the biggest Congenital Heart Walk in the country, with a turnout that truly moved us.

Watching more than 1,100 walkers—from dedicated medical teams to families proudly led by “heart warriors” like Little George Ramirez, Jr.—push strollers and carry banners was a powerful reminder of the resilience in our community. Every step raised awareness for the medical advancements that allow children like George, Jr. to thrive.

University Health is honored to sponsor this vital event. Together, we raised over $80,000! This funding will continue to support the research that is helping these children grow strong.

10/28/2025

Our team recently took part in the 11th Annual Transplant Quality Institute (TQI) Conference, held October 22–24. This year’s event brought together transplant professionals from across the country to share insights, exchange ideas, and inspire new ways to improve care and outcomes.

We were thrilled to see several of our own leaders on the program—Jennifer Milton, Chief Administrative Officer and one of TQI’s founding members; Rebecca Weisberg, Director of Transplant Quality & Compliance; Dr. Elizabeth Thomas, Surgical Director of Adult Kidney and Living Donor Programs; and Patricia Jones, DNP, RN, Vice President of Transplant & Donation Services. Each contributed their expertise and passion to important conversations shaping the future of transplant care.

It was an energizing few days of learning, collaboration, and connection—all centered on advancing excellence, innovation, and access for the patients and families we serve.

10/27/2025

The community showed up! Thanks to all of you, more than 2,300 San Antonians were safely vaccinated against the flu during our recent drive-thru events! 🎉 🎉 🎉

In partnership with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and commissioners, we loved offering this fast, easy way for you to protect yourselves and your families. Your commitment to health makes our community stronger - all without leaving the comfort of your vehicles.

If you missed our drive-thru events, please make plans to get your flu shot soon! Learn more about all the ways our pharmacy services support your well-being: https://ow.ly/9mgj50XiIFW.

10/27/2025

What an amazing time we had at Transplants for Children's 5th Annual Trunk or Treat this past weekend! 🎃👻

A huge thank you to our partners and to every family and friend who joined us in celebrating and supporting our incredible pediatric transplant patients. It was an afternoon filled with tricks, treats, laughter, and community spirit—bringing families together to encourage and uplift children who are awaiting or have received a transplant.

We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this event special and impactful for these brave kids and their families!

10/24/2025

October is Liver Awareness Month — and today, we’re celebrating a powerful story of hope and healing!

After receiving the call on October 15 for a lifesaving liver transplant, Stephanie is finally heading home — stronger, smiling, and ready for her beautiful new chapter. She’s also one of 150 adult patients who have received a liver transplant this year at University Health — each story a testament to the incredible gift of organ donation.

In her own words, “Today means a new beginning to live my life to the fullest, to not take a moment for granted with my boys, family, and friends. To cherish life and this beautiful gift God — and my greatest hero I never knew — gave to me. It’s my second chance.”

We couldn’t be happier for you, Stephanie! Your courage, faith, and strength inspire us all. Here’s to healing, laughter, and living life to the fullest.

10/24/2025

This year Transplant Institute is proud to join others across the country in walking for the fight against kidney disease. On Sunday, October 26, 2025, University Health will participate in the National Kidney Foundation Walk, and we invite you to walk alongside us in this meaningful event.

This walk honors those currently coping with kidney disease and remembers those whose lives were cut short too soon.

Together, we can make a difference by supporting the National Kidney Foundation’s lifechanging initiatives:
• Equipping patients and families with knowledge, resources, and access to high-quality care
• Advocating for policies that reduce disparities and promote health equity
• Funding research and technology that drive early detection, improve treatment, and expand access to transplant

We hope you’ll join us to show our support and help transform kidney health!

10/24/2025

Every year, we pause to celebrate truly inspiring journeys at our Fall Fest. The event is all about cheering on the graduates of our Comprehensive Care Clinic, NICU and PREMIEre Graduate programs. They are proof of incredible strength, resilience and dedicated care!

A huge thanks to our University Health Foundation, Child Life and all the amazing teams that came together to organize this celebration; you turn compassion into tradition. Here's to building brighter futures, together! 💙🙌

10/24/2025

University Health Foundation, in collaboration with the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, proudly kicked off this year’s Live Better employee giving campaign!

The initiative celebrated our shared commitment to fostering a culture of generosity and community support across University Health. Through Live Better, employees came together to make a tangible difference—supporting causes close to their hearts through donations, volunteer efforts, and acts of kindness.

Shaundey Falcon reflected on the power of unity and purpose during this year’s campaign, “It’s incredibly rewarding to give back to those who need it most—whether through time, financial support, or creativity. The real gift is the feeling you get from making a difference.”

By partnering with United Way, we amplified our impact and ensured that every contribution supported programs improving lives both within our hospitals and throughout South Texas. Together, we’re creating a healthier, more connected community.

Patricia Jones, Vice President of Organ Transplant and Donation Services, shared, “Every donation, no matter the size, plays a vital role in helping us build a healthier, stronger community for all. Thanks to you, we’re one step closer to making lasting change through the power of philanthropy.”

Live Better Ambassadors: Ebonique Rhodes, Juan Mendoza, Shaundey Falcon, Luz Llanes, Maribel Salgado, Diana Vargas, Jennelle Gomez and Brenda Flores.

10/23/2025

You'd never know by looking at him, but 7-week-old Charlie Wilkerson came into this world with a life-threatening heart defect. His two main arteries were in the wrong positions, requiring immediate surgery.

Thanks to incredible research and a talented pediatric heart surgeon at University Health, Charlie's heart is repaired! ❤️

Charlie's parents are now paying it forward! 🙏They're walking this Sunday at the San Antonio Congenital Heart Walk (sponsored by University Health) to help fund new treatments.🚶‍♀️Keep an eye out for Charlie—the happy baby with the "beauty mark" from his surgery and a huge smile!💙

10/23/2025

Violet Olvera is fighting for her life—and needs our help.

Born prematurely and diagnosed with a rare liver disease, Violet has spent much of her young life in and out of the hospital. She’s undergone multiple surgeries and shown incredible strength, but her liver is failing once again. Now officially listed for transplant, Violet’s only hope is finding a living liver donor who can give her the chance to grow up.

You can be part of her story by helping spread the word. Every share could connect Violet to the hero she’s waiting for—a donor who can save her life.

💚 Learn more about living liver donation at UniversityHealth.com/LivingLiverDonation
💜 Follow and share her journey: Facebook.com/Liver4Violet

10/23/2025

We invite you and your family to join us for the annual Transplants for Children Trunk or Treat happening this Saturday, October 25, from 12–2 p.m. at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church (5247 Vance Jackson Rd., San Antonio, TX 78230).

This family-friendly event will feature costume and trunk competitions, free food, music and plenty of fun! Bring your creativity, family, and friends to celebrate the season with us and make this year’s event one to remember. 🎃🎃🎃

10/22/2025

It was fantastic seeing so many of you prioritizing your well-being and connecting face-to-face with our team at today’s community health fair! 🙌

Bringing free, essential services - like glucose screenings and personalized pharmacist consultations - directly to you is why we do what we do. Every conversation, every screening, is a meaningful investment in our community’s health. 💖

Thank you for showing up and making your health a priority! We’re already looking forward to the next one. 💪😊

Don’t forget that our pharmacy team is always here to support your health journey, 7 days a week – and if you live on the East Side, take advantage of our Wheatley pharmacy. See all the services we offer here: https://ow.ly/WgQq50XgARM.

10/22/2025

Today, we proudly celebrate seven of our outstanding team members—Mariana Alonzo, Irma Ayrosa-Guardiola, Melissa Baker, LaTosha Kelley, Alina Kesl, Iliana McGurn and Shanna Puente—who completed a 9 month leadership development program.

At University Health Transplant Institute, we believe that being a strong leader isn’t just about managing—it’s about mentoring, inspiring, and developing others to carry our mission forward.

This graduation reflects our ongoing commitment to building a culture of excellence and innovation in transplant care. Behind every successful transplant is a team of professionals who lead with purpose—and we are grateful for the dedication of our leaders who invest in growth, not just for themselves, but for the future of our patients and program.

Please join us in congratulating our newest leadership graduates!

10/22/2025

Attention, Transplant Patients! Our dedicated Financial Counselors are here to support you—whether it's understanding your insurance, assisting with pre-authorizations, or making sure you have the guidance you need on your transplant journey.

Before switching insurance plans, be sure to consult our transplant financial team. It's important to keep us informed about any changes to your insurance or if you're considering a new plan, to help prevent any disruptions in your pre-transplant care.

Key Enrollment Dates:
• Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 - November 7 (Changes take effect January 2026). Visit www.medicare.gov for more details.
• Marketplace ACA Open Enrollment: November 1 - January 15. Visit www.healthcare.gov for more information.

Did you know you may also be eligible to enroll outside of these general open enrollment periods? Contact our Transplant Financial Counselors at 210-567-5777 for assistance. Your health is our top priority!

10/21/2025

When Charlie Treviño, who has diabetes, walked into our new Limb Salvage Clinic with a serious foot ulcer, he was terrified of amputation. He became our first patient at the Texas Diabetes Institute, looking for hope.

He received advanced wound care and a complete cardiology evaluation, because diabetes often leads to heart disease. The checkup led to Charlie’s life-saving heart bypass surgery. That’s also improving the blood flow in his leg which is helping to heal his foot. 💖

What Charlie got was a miracle—because our teams don't just treat symptoms; they treat the whole person: https://ow.ly/94XB50XfRpL.

10/21/2025

We’re proud to celebrate being named a San Antonio Top Workplace by the San Antonio Express-News!

At University Health Transplant Institute, we see this recognition come to life every day — through the compassion, teamwork, and purpose that drive our mission to save lives.

Thank you to every team member who makes University Health a place where people love what they do and the difference they make.

Join our team named a Top Workplace three years running: https://ow.ly/QLxk50XaLa0

Unstoppable! For the third consecutive year, University Health has been named a San Antonio Top Workplace by the San Antonio Express-News. 🏆

This is an award that belongs entirely to the people working here. Chosen solely by employee feedback, this recognition confirms our commitment to building a workplace where our team members feel supported and proud to deliver the highest level of care. In fact, employee satisfaction is one of the indicators of quality patient care.

A thank you to our entire team for making University Health one of the best places to work in South Texas! "Our employees are truly the heart of University Health—dedicated, compassionate and mission-driven,” added Ed Banos, president and CEO.

Love your job, love your mission. Join a team that employees named a Top Workplace 3 years running! Apply today: https://ow.ly/QLxk50XaLa0.

10/20/2025

Great news for the East Side! University Health Wheatley is now OPEN! 🎉🎉🎉

The East Side community turned out in force to ‘say hello’ to the new University Health Wheatley at a ribbon-cutting and open house. It was a day to celebrate not just a building, but a new commitment to local patient care for those who live and work nearby.

As President and CEO Ed Banos noted, "Our mission meets people where they are." This new center makes that vision a reality. It conveniently connects residents to all the care and resources they need—from primary and urgent care to a full-service pharmacy and specialists—all integrated within the University Health system.

Guests enjoyed tours of the state-of-the-art facility, free flu shots and creating art with our incredible SaludArte: Art of Healing program, which features stunning work from local artists Reginald Adams, Sabra Booth, Kaldric Dow, Barbara Felix, Deborah Harris and Rhonda Radford. The 18th-century-inspired quill pen and paper quilting activities were a fun nod to the center's namesake, Phillis Wheatley, the first African American to publish a book of poetry.

Located at 3860 IH-10 East, Wheatley is a major milestone in our system-wide expansion. Share this post to help us spread the word about this high-quality medical care now available right here on the East Side! Services, including urgent care, pharmacy and primary care are open starting today. Learn more: https://ow.ly/zQ6K50Xf4AY.

10/20/2025

Spot us at the airport! Our new digital advertisement at the San Antonio Airport proudly shares why University Health Transplant Institute is leading the way in transplant care for South Texas.

Discover more at UniversityTransplant.com

10/17/2025

Early detection can make all the difference! If it's been a while, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to schedule your mammogram. 🗓️

When caught early in localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. That's why screening is so powerful! 💪💖

Let's take care of ourselves. Tap the link to book your appointment at the University Health Breast Center https://ow.ly/7RyF50XcNwp.

10/15/2025

Three flu drives down, only one to go! Thanks to the efforts of our amazing team, this weekend we vaccinated more than 670 people and helped our community stay healthy this season. 💪

A special thank you to Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai for joining us and supporting this important event. Together, we’re keeping San Antonio safe this flu season.

Don’t miss your last chance to get a free flu shot:

Saturday, Oct. 25
8 a.m. - Noon
Gustafson Stadium
7001 Culebra Rd. San Antonio, TX 78238

Open to everyone in our community, but pre-registration is required: https://ow.ly/NJWt50Xbf1S.

10/14/2025

Three kids just got their ‘fresh start!’ 🥹 This past weekend, three incredible children received the gift of a lifetime, and the smiles on their faces are absolutely priceless. ❤️

University Health partnered with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts to provide three kids with completely free, life-changing surgery and related medical care!

👶 Mia, 9 months old, traveled from Mexico, had surgery for craniosynostosis, a serious condition affecting skull and brain growth.
👦 Gabriel, 9, traveled from Fort Worth to have a growth removed from above his eye.
👦 Caleb, 10, from San Antonio, received ear reshaping surgery (otoplasty) to improve his comfort and confidence.

We are so honored to be part of an effort that helps children with physical deformities live full, happy and confident lives. It's more than just surgery—it's a new beginning. Want to help transform a child's life?

➡️Learn more about the amazing work Fresh Start does at https://www.freshstart.org/about-us/apply-for-help/, and share this post to spread the word about this incredible mission!