Hoxworth’s new Wall of Life: celebrating lives saved

The Transplantation Immunology Department at Hoxworth plays an essential role in the field of transplantation, providing critical immunological support to both solid organ and bone marrow transplant programs throughout the region. The TID’s work includes the testing and analysis necessary to ensure the best possible match between donors and recipients, a key factor in the success of any transplant.

The department collaborates closely with local hospitals, transplant surgeons and medical teams to facilitate kidney, liver, heart and other solid organ transplants. Staff in the department are responsible for conducting complex compatibility testing, also known as histocompatibility and immunogenetic testing, which includes Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing, antibody screening and crossmatching. These tests determine the likelihood of transplant success and minimize the risk of rejection by ensuring that the donor organ is the best match for the recipient.

For bone marrow transplants, the TID’s role is equally crucial. The department works to match patients with suitable bone marrow donors by analyzing HLA markers — genetic markers that play a significant role in immune response. A precise match between HLA markers in the donor and recipient is critical to reduce complications and improve the success rates of bone marrow transplants.

The new “Wall of Life” in the TID is more than a visual addition to the workspace — it’s a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Hoxworth team. Every time a successful transplant is completed with the TID’s support, it’s noted on the “Wall of Life” scoreboard. This wall tracks the total number of successful kidney, heart and liver transplants facilitated by the department’s immunological work.

The wall serves as an ongoing record of the department’s achievements, making the clinical impact of its work tangible and immediate. The scoreboard is kept on a calendar-year basis, providing an annual opportunity to reflect on the number of lives positively affected. Each number added to the scoreboard represents a life saved or significantly improved, and a person who can look forward to a brighter future because of the dedication and precision of Hoxworth’s TID team.

The “Wall of Life” has become a source of motivation for the staff within Hoxworth’s TID, connecting their often behind-the-scenes work to the real-world impact on patients and families. The scoreboard reminds them daily of why their meticulous, highly complex lab work matters. Each successful transplant reflects countless hours of preparation, testing and collaboration between the TID team and health care professionals across the region.

Moreover, the wall allows the department to visually communicate their contribution to the broader Hoxworth mission: Saving Lives Close to Home. It’s a way to celebrate successes, recognize the dedication of the team and foster a sense of pride in the invaluable work they perform. At the start of each new year, when the calendar resets, the TID team has the opportunity to look back and appreciate the previous year’s accomplishments before starting anew with fresh goals and renewed commitment.

The “Wall of Life” is not just for staff — it also serves as an educational tool for visitors, new team members and the wider community. It helps communicate the importance of the Transplantation Immunology Department’s work in ensuring successful transplants and highlights the complex and scientific aspects behind what is often seen as a purely surgical procedure.

Visitors can quickly understand the scale of Hoxworth’s contribution to transplant success in the region, and the wall serves as a visual explanation of the department’s role in making organ and bone marrow transplants possible. It’s a way to bridge the gap between laboratory science and patient outcomes, emphasizing the human lives behind every statistic.

As the department continues to track successful transplants through the “Wall of Life,” the scoreboard will remain a living record of the life-changing impact workers have on the community. The department’s efforts are ongoing, and with every new tally added to the wall, the team is reminded of their crucial role in the transplant journey — from the laboratory bench to the bedside. This initiative also underscores Hoxworth’s broader mission to support the health and well-being of the region, one life-saving procedure at a time.

The “Wall of Life” stands as a powerful reminder that every effort counts, and every successful transplant is a testament to the expertise and commitment of the TID team. It’s a celebration of lives saved and a call to continue the life-saving work that Hoxworth’s TID has championed for years.