UAB Medicine News
Living Donor Navigator Program Testimonials
Participants share their experiences in the UAB Living Donor Navigator Program.
Alesia Leggett’s Story: Advocate/Donor

The Living Donor Navigator Program taught my husband the benefits of living donation. For years, I was willing to donate, and for years he told me no. The Living Donor Navigators relieved his fears and let him understand the process. I got tested., and we found out that I was a perfect match for my husband. Until this program, he was unwilling to even let me apply. This program helps people get to, and through, the living donation process. The navigators were with us through the entire transplant and beyond. My classmates and I became a family. We still encourage each other’s success and motivate each other to keep working.”
Alethea Liptrot’s Story: Advocate

As the outspoken sister, I never had a problem speaking my mind. I knew she was the shy one and that I would be her advocate. By the time I got through a couple of sessions, I had asked my sorority sisters, strangers, and the navigators themselves to give my sister a kidney! I was willing to donate myself but did not qualify. Once I learned in class how easy it was to donate, I convinced my brother to apply. He lived in the same house with my sister and was a perfect match! The transplant has been done, and both are doing well.
The Living Donor Navigator Program taught me to use my voice and speak out for my sister. I still volunteer with the program, speaking to others who are going through the same struggle. Although my sister received her blessing, I will continue to fight so that others can receive theirs. UAB took care of me and my family, and we are grateful to be part of this program.”
Nathaniel Wallace’s Story: Recipient
“My wife, Annette was my Living Donor Navigator. She always insisted that I ask my family members to donate to me, and I always pushed it aside. I was going to work on staying healthy and was willing to wait for a deceased kidney. Through the Living Donor Navigator Program, we created our own family. My wife and I offered to let my classmates stay at our home when they came to Birmingham for the class. When my classmates got transplanted, we made sure to congratulate them.
My son and daughter both were willing to donate, and when I asked, they signed up. My son was a match for me, but he had started a new job and lived out of town. Our Living Donor Navigators, Beverly Berry and Daagye Hendricks, worked with the entire staff to schedule a date that met our needs. We got the call, and I got my transplant. The same family made sure to call me with congratulations during that time. My son and I both are doing just fine, and I am grateful to the Living Donor Navigator Program for being there for my entire family.”
Jayme Locke, MD: Transplant Surgeon
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