Tampa General Hospital Receives Major Donation for Transplant Innovation Fund

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has announced a significant monetary gift aimed at enhancing its already prestigious Transplant Institute. With a monumental $2.5 million donation, the Bekki and Mike Haggard Endowed Chair in Innovation is set to propel research, education, and clinical efforts in the field of organ transplantation. This initiative comes as a part of TGH's commitment to transforming the landscape of transplant medicine in the United States, particularly in light of the hospital's recent rise to the top of national transplant rankings.

A Commitment to Innovation

The donation made by the Haggards, who are strongly motivated by their personal experiences with organ transplantation, will assist in the pioneering work led by Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, the vice president and chief of the TGH Transplant Institute. This endowed chair position is designed not only to support groundbreaking research but also to ensure that education surrounding transplantation continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of patients and families.

Mike Haggard received a kidney transplant at TGH in 2016, which drastically altered the course of his life after battling Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). The Haggard family's dedication to raising awareness about kidney disease and advocating for living donations stems from their firsthand experiences. Bekki's brother, Allen Buckhalt, selflessly donated the kidney that facilitated Mike's transplant, a testament to the profound impact of living organ donations.

John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, articulated the significance of this generous gift. He stated, "The Haggards' exceptional gift will make a tremendous impact on patients and families for generations to come. Gifts like that of the Haggards provide critical resources necessary to support the transformative mission of Dr. Dhanireddy and his team."

Record-Breaking Achievements

The timing of this generous donation aligns seamlessly with TGH's recent achievement—it was ranked first in the nation for organ transplants, completing a record-setting 889 transplant procedures in the year 2024. This accolade underscores TGH's role as a leader in the transplant community and emphasizes its commitment to providing exceptional care.

Mike Haggard himself reflected on the life-sustaining expertise he and countless others have received at TGH, noting, "TGH has saved my life multiple times. Now the hospital is inspiring others to save more lives, making everybody better with the TGH standard of excellence."

Expanding Horizons

Part of the endowed donation will be allocated to the creation of an annual Haggard Innovation Grant at the TGH Transplant Institute. This initiative aims to foster ongoing innovation that aligns with the hospital's goals. Dr. Dhanireddy shared, "The opportunity to take a gift like this, invest it and make it work for years to come truly allows the TGH Transplant Institute to expand innovative, new techniques and technology in transplantation."

Through their longstanding relationship, the Haggard family has collaborated with TGH to spread the word about the importance of living donations. Frann Leppla, TGH's executive vice president and chief philanthropy officer, lauded their efforts, stating: “Mike and Bekki Haggard are wonderful caring people with a genuine passion for elevating the awareness of live organ donation.”

As part of TGH Foundation's ambitious fundraising campaign, Elevating Excellence Innovating Tomorrow's TGH, the Haggards' contribution has significantly boosted its ongoing effort to surpass the $200 million target, pushing total funds raised to over $150 million.

About Tampa General Hospital

Tampa General Hospital stands as one of the largest not-for-profit academic health systems in the United States. The hospital is renowned not only for its expertise in transplantation but also for comprehensive health services, holding numerous rankings and accolades, including the recognition of being the nation’s busiest adult solid organ transplant center in 2024. Emphasizing its role as a safety net hospital, TGH ensures that care is accessible for all, irrespective of the patients' financial situations, with substantial efforts aimed at community benefit.

With the establishment of the Bekki and Mike Haggard Endowed Chair in Innovation, Tampa General Hospital is poised to remain at the forefront of transplant medicine, benefiting numerous patients while setting new benchmarks in healthcare innovation.