Hello, my name is Barbara and I am currently a patient of the University Hospital of Brooklyn Transplant Service. I've been affiliated with University Hospital since 1981 when I was first diagnosed with renal failure. At that time I began hemodialysis and continued that regimen for four years. In 1984, I had my first renal transplant here at Downstate. Unfortunately, that transplant was unsucessful and I suffered an acute rejection. I went back to hemodialysis and continued this way for the next fourteen years. It wasn't until 1998 that I was blessed with a second chance at a new life. I received another transplant in July of year and my life has changed ever since. With this new transplant I've found a freedom I'd forgotten existed. I am now able to travel and enjoy quality time with my family. I've been acquainted with the doctors and support staff here at University Hospital for almost two decades now, and they've become like a second family to me. Whether on the hospital ward or in the transplant clinic, I find myself interacting with caring and knowledgeable personnel. Each person on the transplant service, from the most skilled surgeon to the highly efficient clinic staff, shows a personal and genuine interest in the patients. University Hospital of Brooklyn's Transplant service demonstrates the kind of compassion seen in smaller community hospitals, while maintaining its scientific forerunner position in the field of nephrology and transplantation. I consider myself privileged to be under its care.