How a Kidney Transplant Restored Life at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola

For Madonna, life used to revolve around dialysis appointments and exhaustion. Just making it through the day took everything she had. Simple joys, like spending time with her grandchildren or going for a walk, felt out of reach. She was living with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a hereditary kidney condition that causes scarring in the kidneys and, over time, leads to kidney failure. After more than three years on dialysis, Madonna remained hopeful — seeking answers and believing in the possibility of a life-changing kidney transplant.

Her journey with kidney disease started in her early 40s. Knowing both of her parents had faced similar struggles, she stayed proactive with her health, seeing a nephrologist regularly and following her treatment plan. But over time, her kidneys could no longer keep up, and dialysis became a regular part of her life. “It was exhausting,” she said. “After each session, I needed rest. It took a lot out of me.”

Still, Madonna remained faithful. She prayed often and leaned on her family and care team for support. Then, on a quiet Sunday afternoon, everything changed. Surrounded by her daughter and grandchildren, she got the call from the transplant office that a kidney was available, and she was a match.

The next day, Madonna received her new kidney. Dr. Douglas Keith, her nephrologist at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, played a vital role in her recovery. From hospital rounds to weekly follow-ups, his consistent, compassionate care made all the difference. “Dr. Keith is just wonderful,” she said. “He’s so knowledgeable, and his whole team — Elizabeth, Carla, and Deborah — made me feel completely supported.”

With Dr. Keith and his team by her side, Madonna continued to heal and grow stronger. Today, more than a year later, she’s walking regularly, spending time with her loved ones, and truly living again.

“I want to take good care of this kidney,” she shared. “It’s a blessing. I feel like myself again.”

To anyone still on the transplant journey, Madonna offers simple, heartfelt advice: trust your care team, follow the process, and never lose faith. “Miracles happen,” she said. “I’m living proof.”

When you choose Ascension Sacred Heart, you’ll receive compassionate, personalized care delivered by surgeons with expertise in kidney transplantation using living and deceased donor kidneys. Once your nephrologist or primary care doctor sends us a referral, we’ll reach out to you to get you started on your transplant journey. At your first appointment, we provide a thorough evaluation of your physical and emotional health. Working together, our kidney specialists review your tests and medical history to create a kidney transplant care plan that is right for you. If you need additional testing or specialists, your transplant coordinator is here to help get answers to your questions and connect you with care that supports your recovery after having a kidney transplant.

To schedule an appointment, call our kidney transplant coordinator, 850-416-1080.