UNCW Student Receives Kidney Transplant in Chapel Hill

Stephanie Ortiz, 26, learned on September 27 that a donor kidney was available after years of dialysis.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Scholarships

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a ceramic bowl with a green sprig and a rolled notebook on a sunlit wooden table, in warm ochre and sage tones. — A 26-year-old UNCW student received a kidney transplant in Chapel Hill after seven years on dialysis, learning on September 27 that an organ was available. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Stephanie Ortiz, a 26-year-old UNCW student, received a kidney transplant in Chapel Hill after learning on September 27 that an organ was available. Ortiz had spent seven years on dialysis following a diagnosis of lupus and stage 4 kidney failure.

Why it matters

Ortiz's case shows how long-term dialysis patients can wait years for a transplant while continuing their education. Her plan to study social work reflects a goal of advocating for other kidney disease patients.

Ortiz is 26 years old and spent seven years on dialysis before her transplant. She was diagnosed with lupus and stage 4 kidney failure and joined the transplant waitlist in 2026.

The players

Stephanie Ortiz

Stephanie Ortiz is a 26-year-old UNCW student who plans to earn a degree in social work.

Willie Stargell Foundation

The Willie Stargell Foundation is an organization that awards scholarship funds to students.

The details

Ortiz was awarded scholarship funds from the Willie Stargell Foundation in August. On September 27, she learned that a kidney had become available in Chapel Hill, and she received the transplant there.

2019 (approximate): Ortiz began dialysis treatment.
August 2026: Ortiz was awarded Willie Stargell Foundation scholarship funds.
September 27, 2026: Ortiz learned a kidney was available in Chapel Hill.

Season Trajectory

Ortiz's seven-year path on dialysis before a transplant reflects the extended waitlist durations that many kidney patients face. Her case places a personal timeline within the wider pattern of organ allocation delays.

Patients on the transplant waitlist may benefit from scholarship and support programs while awaiting an organ. Families can check whether educational funding is available during long dialysis periods.

The takeaway

Ortiz's story shows that continued education and long-term health planning can coexist during extended treatment. Students facing chronic illness may find that scholarship funding helps them stay on track toward their goals.