Title: Breakthrough in Medicine Brings Hope to Patients with Kidney Issues
One Philadelphia woman’s journey with kidney failure began in 2019 when she found herself at the bottom of the transplant list. Jazmin Evans received news from her doctor about her low GFR, signaling the poor filtration rate of her kidneys. This led her to prepare for dialysis while awaiting evaluation for a potential kidney transplant.
Researching the process and seeking clarification from her doctors, Evans discovered the lengthy wait times for kidney transplants in Philadelphia, ranging from 6 to 8 years. Additionally, she learned about a flawed formula that factored in race to determine kidney function, leading to disparities in care for Black patients like herself.
Outraged by the implications of racial bias in healthcare, Evans grappled with the legacy of racism within the medical system. As a Black American facing kidney failure, she understood the disproportionate impact on her community, where individuals are over three times more likely than whites to experience this condition.
In June 2022, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network made a pivotal decision to remove race-based metrics in transplant evaluations, prompting hospitals to reassess waitlist placements for Black patients. Subsequently, over 14,300 Black kidney transplant candidates saw adjustments in their wait times, offering renewed hope for timely transplants.
In April 2023, Evans received the long-awaited call for her kidney transplant, culminating in a life-changing moment. Without a live donor, she underwent the transplant procedure, marking a significant milestone in her battle against kidney failure and the systemic challenges faced by Black patients in accessing equitable healthcare.
Evans received a kidney from a donor who had recently passed away. Despite its origin, the kidney has been functioning flawlessly. “My new little kidney and I are getting along just fine,” Evans shared. Black patients in need of kidney transplants have found renewed hope following changes in the rules for the transplant list. This uplifting development was featured on abcnews.go.com.
