Bryan resident in limbo after Houston transplant program halts, doctors investigated

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Over 300 patients are unsure of where or when they’ll receive lifesaving care after a kidney and liver transplant program in Houston was suspended.

Memorial Hermann and UTHealth are highlighted in an article in the New York Times about a Houston Doctor, Dr. Steve Bynon, who is accused of manipulating the donor transplant system and preventing patients from making it to the top of the list. An investigation into the matter is ongoing and UTHealth told CBS News that all physicians including Dr. Bynon are cooperating in the investigation.

But, patients say they don’t know what to do next and haven’t heard much from the program.

Shawn Lawson is a Bryan resident who spends a lot of his time trying to stay alive. He spends hours at a dialysis clinic in Bryan or driving to doctors in Houston. It all began in 2017 with a stroke but since, Lawson has lost eyesight and had two kidneys removed due to cancer.

“I was also told that I would receive the new kidney by Halloween. Halloween has come and gone and we’re in 2024,” Lawson said.

The effort is something he says he couldn’t do without the support of his wife Julya, their kids and grandkids.

“I have to say something, I have to speak up for the rest of the people that don’t have a support group that don’t have family and friends that are checking on them on a daily basis right through that,” the Lawsons said.

They received a call from the health group notifying them that the program was on hold and a letter would be following. So far, they said they have not received any letter and calls have gone unanswered.

“When this happened, I was very upset, honestly, I was very angry,” Shawn said. “You know depression kind of set in a little bit again, but of course, my wife’s like no, you have to keep moving forward, we’re going to get this done.”

According to Memorial Hermann’s most recent statement, each patient is being individually contacted by a transplant care coordinator to review options, including transition to another transplant program, where necessary.

Additionally, it’s working with UTHealth to get its program reactivated under a different physician leadership structure.

Shawn

The Lawsons started a GoFundMe to support travels for care and a lack of work due to treatments. You can find the link here to support their cause.