Approximately 107,000 people in the U.S. are on the national transplant waiting list. This doesn’t include patients with kidney failure who have yet to, or are unable to, make that list. Every day 17 of those humans lose their lives waiting. Of all the organs needed, kidneys are in highest demand (87%). These patients wait an average of four long years on the list, facing the harsh reality that, without a donor kidney, they will not survive.
In support of research for the evolution of allogeneic transplants, the MDFF is collaborating with the brightest minds at the University of Maryland (UMD). UMD is exceptionally well-equipped to drive breakthroughs and lead the way forward to a future where no one waits for an organ.
At first, we thought the best way to ensure “no one waits for an organ” was to encourage more living donors. While living donor organs have higher success rates, over 95% of transplants in 2022 came from deceased donors. Additionally, significantly increasing living donations would mean shifting cultural norms and personal expectations—no small challenge.
In 2024, the Mickey Dale Family Foundation (MDFF) supported research by the UMD School of Public Health to gain a greater understanding of organ donation and transplantation across the globe.
We didn’t need to look far for direction. Researchers at the UMD School of Medicine and the UMD Fischell Department of Bioengineering had been working in the field for years, including advancements to:
- ~ Improve the viability of deceased donor organs
- ~ Improve organ transport
- ~ Advance xenotransplantation
- ~ Regenerate and grow organs (3D printing + stem cell therapies)
- ~ Advance immunosuppressive treatments
With the generous support of the Development Directors from the School of Public Health, the Fischell School of BioEngineering, and the School of Medicine, the Foundation had the opportunity to engage with leading experts in organ transplantation, including Dr. Fisher (BIOE), Dr. Griffith (UMSOM), Dr. Meier (UMSOM), and Dr. Niederhaus (UMSOM). Their experience and insights helped shape our vision and better inform our support.
Our mission to eliminate the organ waiting list fortuitously aligned with UMD’s 2025 groundbreaking initiative to bridge Bioengineering and Medicine. We look forward to further championing the UMD Fischell Department of Bioengineering while also broadening our support for the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), to achieve our shared goal.
Read more about what the MDFF is doing today in our Progress Notes.
