Weill Cornell Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Program

06/17/2026

Before they changed lives, they were stealing hearts. 🍼✨ Meet our transplant team as babies! 🍼➡️🩺 Can you spot our Registered Dietitian, Mike; our Transplant Educator, Eliza; our Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Craig-Schapiro; our Operations Manager, Allison; our Transplant coordinator, Tyler, and our baby photo content organizer/incredible Associate Transplant Coordinator, Brandon? We can't handle the cuteness!

06/08/2026

🏆 A Historic Milestone in Transplantation 🏆

We are thrilled to celebrate our patient, Kenneth Ramsey, who has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest kidney transplant recipient, receiving his transplant at 88 years and 230 days old in New York City on June 20, 2024.

Kenneth's journey is a powerful reminder that age alone does not define what is possible.

"My kidney transplant was a huge success," Kenneth shared. "The surgery was done at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center by Dr. Sandip Kapur. My generous donor gave me a five-star kidney that increased my kidney function from 8% to 85%. I'm doing exceptionally well."

Kenneth expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his donor and his family, as well as the countless individuals who supported him throughout his transplant journey.

"I feel blessed and very lucky. My eternal thanks and gratitude to everyone who helped make this possible."

Congratulations, Kenneth, on this remarkable achievement and inspiring story of hope, generosity, and the life-changing power of transplantation. 💚

05/27/2026

Join us tomorrow at 11 AM for a virtual webinar: Navigating the Transplant Evaluation Process 🩺💙 Visit ow.ly/bYn450YpF3T or scan the QR code to secure your spot.

Gain valuable insights into the kidney transplant journey, what to expect during evaluation, and how to prepare for the next steps. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or support person, this session is designed to help you feel informed and empowered.

05/01/2026

A kidney transplant evaluation can feel overwhelming — but understanding the process can make it a little less intimidating. 💙

In this quick 3-minute video, our team at the Weill Cornell Kidney Transplant Program walks through what patients can expect during the kidney transplant evaluation process, from medical testing to meeting the multidisciplinary care team.

Our goal is to help patients and families feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.

🎥 Watch now to learn more about beginning the journey toward kidney transplantation.

https://youtu.be/Ip-MLVPV4z8?si=RNqqnGyzzytu1V0a

The Kidney Transplant Evaluation at the NYP/Weill Cornell Medicine Kidney Transplant Program

04/27/2026

We are back with our 6-part webinar series that explores groundbreaking innovations, patient triumphs, and the collective effort to redefine what's possible in kidney and pancreas transplantation. We will discuss various topics and provide you with the tools to navigate the many aspects of kidney transplantation. Patients, family members, or healthcare professionals welcome! Visit ow.ly/bYn450YpF3T or scan the QR code to secure your spot.

04/20/2026

Calling all past and potential living kidney donors to join us this Thursday at 11 am. Come share experiences, ask questions, and help shape how we deliver donor care. Register here: ow.ly/8hBq50YpEZF

04/10/2026

Happy National Donate Life Blue & Green Day from the NYP/Weill Cornell Kidney Transplant Program! Observed on the second Friday of April each year, National Donate Life Blue & Green Day, the public is encouraged to wear blue and green and to engage in sharing the Donate Life message and promoting the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

04/02/2026

Donate Life Month Patient Spotlight: Joia Ponticello!
Yesterday, Joia joined leadership from Donate Life New York State for a press conference in support of legislation to increase organ and tissue donor registration and expand access to life-saving transplants for New Yorkers in need. The event also served as the kickoff for Donate Life America National Donate Life Month, held every April across the U.S.
Last month, our nurse educator, Eliza Bensley, joined Joia at Dutchess Community College Living Donor Learning Symposium and Education fair, an event dedicated to raising awareness of the gift of living organ donation.
We couldn't be prouder to call Joia our patient!
Learn more here: www.sunydutchess.edu/about/facts/news/articles/press-conference-national-donate-life-month.html and www.sunydutchess.edu/about/facts/news/articles/living-donor-learning-symposium.html

Become a living kidney donor at https://cornell.donorscreen.org/register/now
Weill Cornell Medicine Surgery Weill Cornell Medicine NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

04/01/2026

Today! The first session of our FREE Living Kidney Donation Explained: A Conversation Series. Join the call to hear real stories about living kidney donation and get your questions answered by people who have experienced the process firsthand. Learn what it takes to donate, what recovery looks like, and how living donation can change lives. Register for a session or the full series here: https://bit.ly/4bDK1S0

11/09/2025