Connect

This is the latest installment in our Connect article series “Hope at Work” — showcasing inspiring stories about how our team members contribute to UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: “One Future Together Health and Hope for All.”

Judy Casella was born at the original Culpeper Memorial Hospital in Virginia — now Culpeper Medical Center, part of UVA Health. So it was a full circle moment when in July 1997, she joined UVA Health. Now, Judy serves as Director, Delegated Credentialing and Enrollment, at UVA Health Managed Care in Charlottesville.

Nicole Vaughan was born in Charlottesville and raised in Fluvanna County. She joined UVA Health in October 1992. Initially, she worked as a temp, then in January 1993, went full time at University Medical Center. Now, she works a hybrid schedule — living in North Carolina and mostly working remotely from there, but traveling once a month back to Charlottesville to work on-site — as Faculty Affairs Coordinator, Radiology and Medical Imaging.

Building a Connection

Judy and Nicole met at work in 2005, when Judy served as Manager, Physician Employment and Delegated Credentialing — and Nicole was handling faculty hires for Radiology. 

“Nicole was always so kind, friendly, and compassionate every time I reached out,” remembers Judy.

“We started building a connection and I always admired Judy because she was so helpful, professional, and always had a glow about her,” echoes Nicole.

Judy considered Nicole a friend — even though the women had never had the opportunity to socialize outside of work.

Judy was in stage 3 kidney disease for many years — trying to manage her symptoms with exercise and diet, but had only shared with Nicole that Judy had an “illness.” 

In 2018, UVA Health nephrologist Mitchell Rosner, MD, indicated Judy’s glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which shows how well kidneys are filtering waste and extra water, had dropped to 20. As she’d begun working more with Nicole, the colleagues became closer, and Judy shared that her brother had been on dialysis and passed away from kidney disease, and that she had donated one of her own kidneys to her father, James “J.W.” Jenkins, in March 1995, after he’d been on dialysis for two years. The new kidney lasted for five years.

‘Chills and Warmth’

Judy then revealed her own kidney troubles to Nicole — and that she had an appointment coming up with Alden Doyle, MD, UVA Health Transplant Team, in summer 2019.

“I felt a wave of chills and warmth flow through me,” remembers Nicole. “I felt that was God telling me I had an opportunity not only to help Judy, but to grow stronger in my Christian faith.”

The women got off the phone and Nicole sat in her office for a few minutes, then went outside, and called Judy back. “I started crying and told her I wanted to be tested to give Judy a kidney. We both cried.”

From then on, Nicole adds, “Judy continually asked me if I was sure, and that I didn’t need to do it, etc. Since she didn’t need the kidney right away, I asked Judy to keep me in the loop. She started updating me on her appointments and her blood levels, etc.” 

Recalls Judy: “I will never forget Nicole’s caring response, ‘You did it for your dad — and I want to do it for you!’”

Perfect Match?

When Nicole started undergoing testing for donation, she would keep Judy apprised of tests, results, etc. Blood was drawn for their match test. It took fewer than two weeks to get an answer in fall 2019. “When I received the call from my transplant coordinator stating we were a perfect match, I called Judy right away!” exclaims Nicole. “I was very excited and we both cried again!”

But Judy says Dr. Rosner felt that since she was so healthy, she should first get as much use out of her remaining kidney as possible. Her numbers held steady. In fall 2020, Nicole was tested again, since it had been a year since initial testing, and approved again. In March 2021, Dr. Rosner indicated Judy’s GFR had dropped to a point that a date should be scheduled for a transplant. 

Traditionally, the summer months are busy ones at work for this dedicated pair, heavily involved in the process of physician onboarding and offboarding at UVA Health. So the spring date of April 8, 2021 — coincidentally, almost three years to the day since Nicole first offered to give Judy the lifesaving gift — was chosen for surgery.

To avoid any health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, Judy and Nicole didn’t see each other in person for some time after the transplant, but talked on the phone every day. When they reunited, it was for an apt cause — the UVA Health Transplant Center’s Donor Dash. Only two weeks after the transplant, they walked one mile together in the fundraiser! Then they also both returned to work — part time, remotely.

‘My Angel’

How are they now? “Great! I haven’t slowed down since donation surgery at all. I truly feel amazing!” reveals Nicole. “The UVA Health Transplant Team is phenomenal. Transplant Coordinator Anita Sites was always available for any questions, etc. She is a gem. I met with Dr. Kenneth Brayman before the transplant multiple times and Dr. Jose Oberholzer performed my surgery — they’re also phenomenal and checked in on me after surgery many times!”

Nicole met wth the transplant coordinator up to two years after the transplant and now follows up with her primary care provider to monitor blood levels, etc.

“Great, exercise is a large part of my life and I am back in the gym and weight training on a regular basis!” answers Judy. She continues to meet with Dr. Doyle and the transplant coordinator twice a year to monitor blood levels, etc.

She adds that the nurses after surgery also were extraordinary. “Clinic staff, assistants, and counselors also are all included in my praise!” Judy also hails Dr. Rosner, Dr. Doyle and his team — from the front desk to coordinators and nurses — are “truly amazing.” She continues to see Dr. Rosner, Dr. Doyle, and the transplant coordinator team every six months.

Inspiring Hope

“Helping people has always been a core value for me,” explains Nicole. “In my various positions within the health system and in my department, everything I’m involved with supports all areas of our mission, and upholding all our ASPIRE values and is key to progress in all aspects of my life, not just UVA Health. I was raised with these values instilled in my character and witnessed them firsthand from my parents — practicing what they preached.”

Touting the care provided at UVA Health as “top notch,” Judy adds that respect, kindness, and compassion toward others always have been core values for her. She explains that in her own current work role, she and her team ensure in a timely manner that all providers are loaded with government and managed care payors to allow for referrals, etc. to prevent any delay in the care of UVA Health patients. And having been “provided the best care possible” by UVA Health during her own time as a patient, she says she’s “truly honored” to be a part of this health system.

In what ways has their relationship changed since Nicole offered to donate a kidney to Judy? “We’ve grown closer,” says Nicole, embracing Judy as “my sister in Christ.”  She adds that she would do anything for Judy and her family if ever needed, and that Judy would reciprocate.

Greatest Gift

Are you considering becoming a donor? “Do it — don’t be scared!” encourages Nicole. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you could give to someone else, but also to yourself. Knowing you can help someone is a blessing. If I had 10 more kidneys, I would give 10 more!”

“If I’d known when I gave my father a kidney that I would need a transplant of my own someday, I still wouldn’t have changed a thing!” insists Judy. “I am truly blessed I was able to donate to my father — and so grateful Nicole donated to me!”