One-in-Seven Class Spotlight: A Powerful Conversation on Kidney Transplantation

On February 26, our One-in-Seven Kidney Awareness and Fundraising class had the privilege of hosting two truly inspiring guests: Laura Perin Gallandt, PhD, and her husband Steve Gallandt. Dr. Perin Gallandt is not only a principal investigator at the USC Kidney Research Center, but also a living kidney donor. Steve Gallandt lives with Polycystic Kidney Disease and received a life-saving kidney transplant from his wife, Laura. Together, they shared their story about the human side of kidney disease.

We heard firsthand about the benefits and challenges of kidney transplantation. Steve spoke openly about life before transplant—uncertainty and the daily realities of living with kidney disease. He also described the incredible transformation that transplantation can bring: renewed energy, freedom, and the chance to return to a full life. At the same time, transplantation is not a perfect cure. Transplant recipients must take countless medications for life and continue to face health challenges. He also shared that daily challenges come in different flavors, ranging from carefully planning travel to ensure they remain close to medical care to making unexpected lifestyle changes, such as avoiding favorite foods like grapefruit, which can interfere with the medications that protect the new organ from immune rejection.

Dr. Perin Gallandt shared the donor perspective—what motivated her to donate, how the process works, the emotional toll, and the importance of a support system for living donors on their journey.

But perhaps the most important message of the day was about the importance of scientific and medical research. Both speakers emphasized that research is the reason transplantation works as well as it does today—and the reason future patients may have even better treatments or, one day, a cure.

One in seven people worldwide is affected by kidney disease, and currently, there is no cure. Events like this remind us why raising awareness and supporting research are so important.

Our students are now taking that inspiration into the community—sharing what they learned, spreading awareness, and raising funds to support kidney research.

Because the future of kidney health starts with awareness, compassion, and a little bit of courage—just like the kind shown by Steve and Laura. 💚