A Transformational Gift for Transplants

Pleasant Rowland, a successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist, has demonstrated her passion for the arts and literacy in the Madison community over many years. But beneath her generosity there was suffering. In 2012, after two decades of living with chronic kidney disease, Pleasant’s condition became dire: she was diagnosed with stage four kidney failure. When none of her family members were a good match, Pleasant reached out to those she knew, and several people anonymously volunteered to be kidney donors.

Once Pleasant’s surgical team identified an ideal match, they performed a successful kidney transplant. “It feels nearly impossible to say ‘thank you’ enough to the donor who saved my life and to the many doctors and staff at UW Hospital who made it happen,” says Pleasant. “I was blessed to live so close to a world-renowned transplant center.”

That life-changing experience inspired Pleasant to broaden her philanthropic focus and make a transformational contribution that will change the face of transplant at the UW Health Transplant Center. Her profound gratitude is supporting the creation of the Pleasant T. Rowland Transplant Clinic. Construction is already underway. The new, expanded clinic will improve patient access, allow for enhanced technology and patient education, and provide a full range of patient services, alleviating the need for patients to travel to other areas of the hospital.

The ambitious endeavor is slated to be complete by fall 2022. “This is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to the team for the incredible care I received here and to the many donors and their families for making such a selfless choice, and it’s a gift to all the transplant recipients who will come here seeking a second chance at life,” shares Pleasant. “Life after transplant is wonderful.”

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