Two first-in-Alabama transplants performed by UAB Medicine

UAB Medicine is celebrating two significant medical breakthroughs, marking the first time these procedures have ever been performed in Alabama. These milestones represent new hope for patients who previously had to travel out of state or face long, uncertain wait times.

Here is what you need to know about these historic medical advancements.

Alabama’s first deceased-donor bone marrow transplant

Finding a match is often the biggest hurdle for blood cancer patients. UAB’s O’Neal Cancer Center has changed the game for Alabama patients by successfully performing the state’s first deceased-donor bone marrow transplant.

“This advancement reflects our commitment to ensuring more patients have access to curative therapies when they need them most.

“Expanding the donor pool helps us reach patients who may not otherwise have a viable donor option.”

Omer Jamy, MBBS, associate professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology + Clinical Trials office medical director at the UAB O’Neal Cancer Center

Traditional bone marrow transplants generally rely on living donors, but by using stem cells from deceased donors, the medical team can secure a transplant when living-donor options are unavailable, saving critical time for patients with aggressive blood cancers.

This effectively expands the donor pool, meaning every patient in need at UAB now has a better chance of receiving a life-saving transplant.

Alabama’s first living-donor liver transplant

In March 2026, a multidisciplinary team at UAB made history with the state’s first living-donor liver transplant.

Until now, patients seeking this specific type of care often had to travel outside of Alabama. Now, they can receive this advanced treatment right here in Birmingham.

The procedure takes a portion of a healthy donor’s liver is transplanted into a recipient. Because the liver can regenerate, both the donor and recipient’s livers grow back to full size.

“Living donation can shorten or eliminate wait time, reduce waitlist mortality, and allow transplantation at an earlier, more controlled time — often when the recipient is in better medical condition.

“This can translate to better outcomes, shorter post-transplant recovery and less time living with the uncertainty of waiting for a deceased donor.”

Jacqueline Garonzik Wang, M.D., Ph.D., division director of Transplantation and co-director of the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute

How you can help

While these medical advancements offer incredible new pathways for treatment, the need for donors remains high. If you have the desire and means to become a donor, here’s what you should know:

• Join the registry: You can join the National Marrow Donor Program to help improve match rates. It is a straightforward, outpatient process similar to donating blood.
• Learn more: If you or a loved one are facing a blood cancer diagnosis or liver disease, UAB’s O’Neal Cancer Center and the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute are the go-to resources for expert evaluations.

Want to learn more about becoming a donor? Tap here to get started with the National Marrow Donor Program.

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