Changing Directions: How new clinic helped kidney transplant patient

For nearly three decades, Bill Randall, 58, has lived with chronic kidney disease – never getting any better, but never getting bad enough to warrant much treatment beyond medications. Until this year. 

Diagnosis at a young age

Randall was like most 29-year-olds, feeling healthy and living his life. He had gotten married a few years earlier and was still at the beginning of what would be a lengthy teaching career. He got a new primary care provider, and during his first visit his doctor was concerned about his high blood pressure at such a young age. After a urine test and a visit to the nephrologist, it was discovered that he had reduced kidney function and was in the early stages of chronic kidney disease. The diagnosis came as a surprise. 

“I really didn’t know there was that much going on with me,” said Randall. “I was fairly young and in relatively good health.”

The good news was that Randall’s doctors were able to manage his condition with medication that kept his high blood pressure under control, slowing the rate of kidney decline. 

“Basically, it’s been all about maintaining my health, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, and managing this condition for the past 30 plus years,” said Randall.

Maintaining…until it’s not

Randall and his doctors have known that medication could only delay the inevitable. Unfortunately, that point came earlier this year when his kidney function declined to the point where his doctor decided it was time for a more aggressive approach. 

“My nephrologist decided rather than wait until I end up on dialysis, we should be proactive and get me on the transplant list through the National Kidney Registry,” said Randall. “I’m fairly stable where I’m at, but it’s a slow progression, and my function is low enough that I qualify.

Easing the burden

Randall’s nephrologist immediately referred him to the Kidney Transplant Center in Grand Rapids. Randall, who lives in Lake City, was given the option to do his initial consultation either at Grand Rapids or at the Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Clinic in Traverse City that opened in May 2025. 

“Traverse City was about 30 minutes closer so I decided to go there, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with that decision,” said Randall. “When my nephrologist told me he wanted to get more on the transplant list, I was taken aback. I had been hanging in there for more than 30 years, so the sudden change was kind of a shock. But the staff I met with – they were very friendly, outgoing, and such a calming influence.”

Randall says the transplant team did wonders not only to relax him, but to prepare him for the journey ahead.

“The information they provided was very clear. I went from being exceptionally nervous about the whole thing to being really comfortable with the staff. I am still nervous about the organ transplant, but I was very impressed with the information that I got, how clear it was, and how helpful everyone has been,” said Randall.

Meeting patients where they are 

Helping people like Randall was precisely the goal when Trinity Health opened the clinic in May. For many kidney patients, especially those in Northern Michigan, transportation can be a barrier to care. Some patients in the Upper Peninsula drive more than eight hours to their transplant-related appointments in Grand Rapids. 

“We know that traveling long distances for transplant care can be overwhelming for patients and their families,” said Jill Wagner, RN, CNML, PCCN, Transplant Services Liaison, Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “By bringing our services to Traverse City, we’re making it easier for patients to start their kidney transplant evaluation process without the added stress of coming to Grand Rapids. Our patients deserve access that feels close to home, personal, and supportive.”

Wagner says Randall did everything right when it came to completing the steps needed to get on the transplant list. It’s why he was approved for the transplant list in about four months, less than half the time it usually takes patient to get approved. 

“Time is critical in transplant care,” said Wagner. “By completing evaluation and testing promptly, patients give themselves the best chance to get on the waiting list and ultimately receive a kidney. Bill did exactly that and is now waiting for a deceased donor kidney transplant while also actively working to find a living kidney donor. Our team is committed to help patients stay on track so they can be transplanted as quickly as possible.”

Randall says much of that credit goes to Wagner and her team for being there with him every step of the way. 

“It’s nerve-wracking because this is such a big deal, but everybody on the staff was positive, friendly, and extremely helpful. It’s been really nice,” said Randall. 

Optimistic outlook

Randall still feels quite healthy most days, saying his condition doesn’t keep him from doing the things he loves: Spending time with his wife of 34 years, taking motorcycle rides, and discovering new restaurants to try. Some people close to him have already expressed interest in becoming a live donor and are now undergoing the proper testing to find out if they are a match. Randall says he has allowed himself to think about what life could be like if he gets a successful transplant. 

“I’m kind of excited to find out what it’s like on the other side. I think I’m fairly healthy. I think things are going well for me. But I might get on the other side and go ‘Wow! I never knew I could feel like this.’ So, I’m looking forward to there being a time when I feel even better than I do now.”

Patients interested in a referral to the Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Center can talk to their primary nephrologist or dialysis center. Upon scheduling, patients in northern Michigan will be offered the ability to be seen at the Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Clinic – Traverse City.