South Carolina Transplant Foundation

09/05/2026

This is great news for South Carolina, and congratulations to the MUSC Health Lancaster team and Mid-Carolina’s Transplant program.

For Doug Elder, a retired Great Falls High School science teacher and military veteran, a kidney transplant meant more time with family, more opportunities to do what he loves and a chance to enjoy life in ways that weren't possible before. Prior to his transplant, Doug was spending three days a week on dialysis.

“Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Four to five hours a day sitting in that cold room for four hours,” he said.

Doug's story is one of more than 400 patients whose lives have been changed through the MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center Kidney Transplant Program.

As the program continues to grow, we're committed to helping more patients access transplant care close to home and supporting them every step of the way.

Learn more about Doug's journey and this milestone in the WBTV News story:
https://musc.co/4co3aIY

09/04/2026

We love seeing transplant patients advocate, especially for the PKD Foundation and Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day!

Today, on PKD Awareness Day, we honor the strength, resilience, and incredible journeys of everyone affected by Polycystic Kidney Disease.

We especially want to recognize Jeannie Baker Brown for using her success, voice, and journey to help bring greater awareness and understanding to PKD. Her story is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, a community, and a powerful story of perseverance.

Today, we celebrate the progress our PKD community has made, appreciate how far we’ve come, and continue to stand together for those still navigating this condition. Every conversation, every story shared, and every voice raised helps bring PKD out of the shadows.

Here’s to our PKD community—our journeys, our strength, and our hope for a future without PKD.
💚

08/07/2026

Inspiring story of transplant and advocacy.

Jeannie Baker Brown reflects on her journey with PKD and the impact it’s had on her family in this profile with the South Carolina Voyager: https://southcarolinavoyager.com/interview/meet-jeannie-baker-brown-of-south-carolina

As a member of the PKD Foundation Advocacy Champions Network, Jeannie has been a passionate voice for patients and families, helping raise awareness and advocate for policies that improve the lives of those affected by PKD.

We're incredibly grateful for everything Jeannie has done for the PKD community and celebrate this well-deserved recognition!

08/03/2026

Living with chronic kidney disease isn’t just about managing lab values—it’s about navigating the emotional journey that comes with a chronic illness.

I’m proud to share that our Director of Finance will present the National Kidney Foundation Serving the Carolinas “Coping with Chronic Kidney Disease” webinar on Monday, August 24, from 12:00–1:00 PM ET.

This free webinar will explore:
💚 The emotional impact of living with CKD
💚 Understanding the stages of grief
💚 Practical coping strategies and resilience
💚 When and how to seek additional support

If you or someone you know is living with CKD, I encourage you to attend this free educational event.

📅 Monday, August 24, 2026
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM ET
🔗 Register: Kidney.org/ckd-carolinas-aug-2026 (or use the QR code on the flyer)

Thank you to the National Kidney Foundation for continuing to provide valuable resources and support to the kidney community.

08/02/2026

Great day volunteering at Andy’s Race as part of the South Carolina Triathlon Series. Andy Van Evera was a well-known Greenville triathlete and rugby player who tragically passed away in 2016. His wife, Becky, still volunteers and raises funds for Clemson University Rugby Foundation through this race. Pictured here with our Executive Director, who raced triathlons and played rugby with Andy. Donations for Andy’s legacy can be made here: https://www.clemsonrugbyfoundation.org/php/donate.php

08/01/2026

One of our favorite transplant patients explains her history with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), leading to two transplants (Prisma Health and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)), as well as advocacy with the PKD Foundation and Transplant Warriors & Heroes of the Upstate support group.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannie Baker Brown. Hi Jeannie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.I once spoke to a man who told me that you learn new things every single day. He also told me that it may be something you want to know or not. Regardless, you learn. […]

07/17/2026

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Zachary Sutton!

Carolina Nephrology Named Zachary W. Sutton Director of Medical Operations on July 1, 2026

Carolina Nephrology is pleased to announce the promotion of Zachary W. Sutton, DHA, MS, MSPS, PA-C, to Director of Medical Operations, effective July 1, 2026. In his expanded leadership role, Sutton will continue serving as the practice's Transplant Program Coordinator, providing continuity in one of Carolina Nephrology's most impactful patient care programs while overseeing medical operations across the organization.

As Director of Medical Operations, Sutton will lead clinical operations, support quality improvement initiatives, optimize workflows, and work alongside providers and staff to ensure the highest standards of patient care throughout the organization.

Holding a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA), three master's degrees, and certification as a Physician Assistant (PA-C), Sutton brings a unique combination of advanced clinical knowledge and healthcare leadership experience. His continued oversight of the transplant program ensures patients will benefit from seamless coordination while the practice advances its mission of delivering innovative, compassionate kidney care.

Carolina Nephrology remains dedicated to providing comprehensive kidney care through innovation, collaboration, and a patient-first philosophy. Sutton's expanded leadership role reflects the practice's continued investment in clinical excellence and operational growth.

07/11/2026

Great morning volunteering, advocating for transplant, and racing the Hartness Realty Co. Triathlon with Set Up Events.

06/27/2026

We had an amazing night at Jasy’s Journey Volleyball Tournament at Clemson, SC. We had great representation from Transplant Warriors & Heroes of the Upstate, Donate Life South Carolina, Sharing Hope SC, Carolina Nephrology, PA Transplant, MUSC Health Transplant patients, and Prisma Health Transplant patients.