Saving Lives, From Right Here in Hampton Roads

LifeNet Health brings healing to patients around the world through organ transplantation, biologic tissue grafts, and scientific discovery — all from right here in Hampton Roads. Our mission began four decades ago with the founding of a regional tissue bank in a small office in Virginia Beach. With a sustained focus on saving lives and restoring health, our vision for the future grew, and today we are a worldwide leader in regenerative medicine and life sciences. Our reach spans the globe, but we remain proud of our Hampton Roads heritage.

Although we have grown, one thing remains the same: Donors and donor families make our work possible, and we honor their legacy in all we do. We also strive to offer hope to donor families — as well as those awaiting life-saving transplants. Callie, Anderson, and Wallace are three examples of the transformative power of these gifts. As organ and tissue recipients, they all have a second chance at life thanks to the generosity of a donor.

Anderson

Anderson was diagnosed at birth with a rare combination of several heart defects. He had his first cardiac surgery at 4 months, but over time the repair stressed his valves, and he continued to struggle with a weak heart. Things changed at age 9, when Anderson received a transplanted heart valve from a donor. The procedure saved his life. It also gave Anderson the chance to do things like play hockey. In fact, he got to hand-pick his own team, dubbed the EKGs, to face off with the Dallas Stars, thanks to Make-A-Wish North Texas.

Today, at 13, Anderson is healthy and strong. “He doesn’t play hockey anymore, but he plays soccer for his school,” his mother, Kim Loan, said. “He’s very happy. Life is great. The valve we got from his donor family is going to last us for many years. Words will never explain how grateful we are.”

Callie

Callie was diagnosed in utero with a severe heart defect. Doctors gave her a 50-50 chance of survival at birth, but she battled through, defying the odds by breathing on her own. At eight days old, Callie had her first open-heart surgery, with two more following at ages 2 and 3. Along the way, she has received two life-saving pulmonary conduit transplants, thanks to the generosity of donor families. “We’ve been very lucky,” her mother, Jessica, said.

Today, Callie is an active kindergartener who loves dolls, Disney World, and her dog. Her family knows there are many more steps in her journey, but for now, they are focused on enjoying each moment. “If I had to pick one word that describes her the most, it would be ‘spunky,’” her mother, Jessica, said. “She’s happy and full of life. She’s the true definition of a warrior.”

Wallace

Wallace had no idea he had kidney disease — until after his kidneys failed. When he was unable to find a living donor, he went on dialysis, which limited his quality of life. Finally, after eight years on the transplant waiting list, Wallace received a kidney.

Two years later, a second transplant became necessary. Wallace was fortunate — another kidney became available, and before long, he was back to enjoying his full and active life. Today, he advocates for organ and tissue donation through volunteer work and speaking opportunities. “I can't think of a finer gift to anybody than to actually give an organ,” Wallace said.