The University of Toledo Medical Center will mark completed kidney transplants by playing a short snippet of “What a Wonderful World” throughout the hospital beginning Friday, Sept. 1.
“Kidney transplants are something that set our hospital apart in the region,” said Jennifer Holloway, transplant administrator at UTMC. “This is a way to highlight our program and to celebrate when one of our patients gets a new chance at life.”
UTMC operates the only transplant program in northwest Ohio and is one of six adult kidney transplant centers in the state.
“What a Wonderful World,” made famous by trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong, was chosen by a vote of members of the UTMC transplant team.
The 24-second, music-only piano track was recorded by The University of Toledo Music Department earlier this summer.
“I think it was great for us to be able to collaborate across campuses on this project,” said Dr. Jason Stumbo, chair of the Department of Music. “We sometimes help with musical accompaniment for campus events, but this has a much deeper meaning and connection to it than just providing background sound at a reception. We were honored to help with this initiative.”
In 2023, UTMC surgeons have performed 140 kidney transplants through Aug. 30, putting the hospital within reach of a sixth straight year of program growth and a new record for procedures in one calendar year.
UTMC earlier this year celebrated the 3,000th transplant in program history. The hospital completed its first kidney transplant in 1972. The transplant team is hosting a small, private celebration of that milestone event today, Aug. 31.
