On Feb. 3, 2025, Mark Hope received a living donor kidney from his son-in-law, Brandon Fortney, highlighting the incredible bond of family and selflessness in the face of adversity. “When I found out Brandon was a match, it was like winning the lottery. The whole experience is overwhelming, but knowing it was someone who cares for me made it all the more special,” says Mark.
Mark, 62, was born and raised in Colorado and listed for a kidney transplant while still living there, but he and his wife LuAnn moved from Denver to Norman, Okla. for a slower pace of life and so he could receive care at INTEGRIS Health.
Mark’s Journey
Over two decades ago, Mark was diagnosed with insulin-resistant diabetes, which worsened over time and led to declining kidney function. Despite numerous treatments, including nine daily insulin shots and a bariatric surgery aimed at controlling his diabetes, Mark’s kidney function fell dangerously low, requiring a transplant to save his life.
“I was at 18% kidney function for a while and fought hard to avoid dialysis, but eventually my glomerular filtration rate dropped to 5%. It felt like an emergency, and I had to get initiated on dialysis,” Mark recalls. Glomerular filtration rate, or GFR, is a blood test that assesses kidney function by measuring how well they’re filtering blood.
While physically demanding, dialysis allowed Mark to regain some strength and ultimately prepared him for the kidney transplant. “It was a challenging time, but my wife LuAnn took care of me without a second thought,” says Mark. “She’s been phenomenal throughout this entire process, but especially when I was on dialysis.”
Mark was on the national transplant waitlist for several years, and time was of the essence. The average wait time for a kidney is three to five years from a deceased donor. With living donation, a patient may be able to receive a transplant much faster.
“Living donor kidney transplants are truly life-changing—not just for the recipient, but for the donor as well. While complex, they offer excellent outcomes when done under the right conditions. Mark’s surgery went smoothly, and his recovery has been a strong reflection of both medical expertise and personal determination,” says E.N. Scott Samara, M.D., who performed Mark’s transplant.
Samara is the surgical director of kidney transplant at the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center.
Brandon’s decision to donate a kidney reflects their close-knit family, and the profound support they provide one another. “He’s a humble guy, but when I asked if he would consider being a donor, he didn’t hesitate. It’s a testament to his character and love for our family,” Mark shares.
“Me, my wife Kaity, my mother-in-law LuAnn, friends and other family members were all more than willing to jump on the donation list,” says Brandon. “Mark has touched so many people’s lives, and he would do the same for anyone else.”
Recovery, Gratitude and Giving Back
Since the transplant, Mark has seen a remarkable improvement in his quality of life. He is now more active, spending quality time with his family and volunteering his time to help others. “I’m enjoying life again—my energy levels are up, and I can engage with my family in ways I couldn’t before,” he says.
“Mark went home three days post-transplant,” says Sudhir Thaduri, M.D., a transplant nephrologist at the INTEGRIS Health Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center. “He displayed great patience and understanding of the entire transplant process, from getting his name on the waitlist to going home after surgery.”
Mark recognizes the vital role his care team at INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute played throughout his journey. “I have an army of doctors and nurses watching every move I make, and that gives me peace of mind. We’ve developed a connection that extends beyond typical patient-caregiver relationships. I know I’m more than just a number to them,” he says.
“He is a role model patient radiating positive energy and a great attitude with clinicians and doctors,” says Thaduri. “Nearly two months after surgery his kidney function numbers are excellent, and he feels in charge of his life again. We are glad to have worked with him through this process.”
Mark remains grateful for his health and is passionate about raising awareness for kidney donation. As April marks National Donate Life Month, he encourages everyone to consider becoming a donor. “You never know how your decision can impact someone’s life for the better,” he adds. He has even launched an initiative, “Kidney Class,” which aims to educate potential transplant patients on using social media to share their stories and connect with living donors. “If one person can reach out and find their own matched donor, we can change lives together,” Mark says.
Every ten minutes another person is added to the national transplant waiting list. Of those, 82% need a kidney. There are more than 90,000 people in the United States waiting for a kidney donation. To learn more about living donation, or to schedule an assessment, call 405-949-3816.
Oklahomans have three options to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Residents can sign-up when renewing their driver’s license, visit LifeShareRegistry.org to sign up online or call 800-826-LIFE (5433) and request a donor registration form.