U of Miami Dedicates Lilliam Jean Kaplan Renal Transplantation Center

As a result of a major gift from the son of kidney transplant recipient, the University of Miami has renamed its prestigeous kidney and pancreas transplant program the Lillian Jean Kaplan Renal Transplantation Center.

The donation by Mrs. Kaplan's son, Thomas, ensures that the resources will be available to support the research and education efforts of the kidney transplant program, which is the third most active in the world, according to university officials.

Mrs. Kaplan, who died earlier this year at age 78, received a kidney transplant in 1995 performed by Dr. Joshua Miller, founder of the University of Miami transplant program.

Funds from the donation also will be used to endow the Joshua Miller Chair in Transplant Surgery, which will be held by Dr. George W. Burke.

"Lillian Jean Kaplan had a bright and indomitable human spirit of graciousness, sophistication and unsinkable optimism," Miller said of his longtime patient. "Our work at the center that bears her name will be a testament to her and her family in the wish for a brighter tomorrow."

The amount of the gift was not disclosed.

Other sources: University of Miami