Profiles

Hello, my name is Heather James. I work at United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the mission-driven nonprofit that serves as the nation’s transplant system under contact with the federal government. I work specifically on the Patient Service team as the OPTN Patient Services Assistant. In my role, I provide general transplant process education, resources and data to transplant candidates, living donors, caregivers, healthcare professionals and the general public. I am very proud of the work I do at UNOS and am fortunate to work at an organization with such an important mission — to save lives. My journey to UNOS has been anything but typical, though. I am a three-time organ transplant recipient.

As a result of Cystic Fibrosis, I received a lifesaving double lung and liver transplant in November 2014. I was only 19 years old at the time with my whole life ahead of me. Although that transplant saved my life, my kidneys completely shut down as a result of the surgery. I had to undergo dialysis three times a week for three years until my mom was able to donate a kidney to me in December 2017.  

The time period that I was going through three major transplants and dialysis, were the hardest, yet most pivotal times in my life. Throughout it all though, I constantly sought out the silver lining. I discovered my passion. I made it my mission to use my experiences to amplify the voices of others going through their own unique transplant journey and spread the word about the importance of being an organ donor.

I knew that once I recovered from my transplants, I wanted to pursue an education in communications. During my time on dialysis, I attended John Tyler Community College online as a way to keep myself occupied during my treatments. I received my two-year degree in 2018 and transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2019. I finally graduated summa cum laude from VCU in December 2021 with a degree in public relations, after an arduous eight years since high school. 

In the years following my transplants, I also gained valuable experience through my advocacy work with UNOS and public speaking opportunities. I shared my story at schools, fundraisers, networking events, and to anyone willing to listen. I believe that openness and willingness to share our unique experiences is a powerful tool that should not go to waste. 

Each day, when I speak to patients, I remember what life was like pre-transplant. I’m able to leverage my experiences to provide empathy and grace that patients deserve. I’d like to believe that in some small way, I am helping patients get through what is quite possibly the most difficult time of their life.