Dallas Methodist Medical Center employee-patient lauded with 'Comeback of the Year' recognition
BY LYNETTE WILKINSON
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
The Liver Institute at Methodist Dallas Medical Center recently announced that Amy Hackney, business coordinator, has been awarded the Patient Comeback of the Year Award by the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP).
Hackney received a kidney transplant in 1999 after being diagnosed with end stage renal disease when she was only 23-years old. After her transplant, Hackney went on to obtain her MBA in Health Care Management and worked diligently to increase the knowledge and awareness of ESRD patients around the country.
Last year, Hackney was faced with an overwhelming medical setback when she was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer that forms in the lymph nodes and attacks the immune system.
Physicians were preparing Hackney and her family for the worst outcome because they felt her body was too frail and she had too many obstacles and complications to overcome.
She underwent many weeks of aggressive treatment to fight the cancer and won.
"The amazing part of the story is that Amy has continued to work throughout this entire experience," says Geli King-Brown, outreach coordinator for the End Sage Renal Disease Network of Texas, Inc., who nominated Hackney for the award. "She never faltered in her duties at work or obligations to other patients. Amy has shown the world that this disease does not define her and she works hard to show other patients that it shouldn’t define them either."
"Needless to say, I was very shocked and surprised to learn I'd won," says Hackney. As she accepted the award she shared her story. "I am blessed to be here because without the amazing care from my doctors at Methodist Dallas, I would not have beaten the disease."
Hackney is one of the founding members of the Patient Advisory Committee for the ESRD Network of Texas, Inc. and currently is the patient representative to the executive committee of the Network. The AAKP's 34th Annual Convention hosted hundreds of kidney patients, their families, friends, caregivers and healthcare professionals. The Convention, held in St. Louis, MO, featured educational sessions and exciting social events for attendees.
The Liver Institute is one of only two facilities in the Dallas area that perform adult liver transplants.
The Institute also offers comprehensive and multi-dis-ciplinary care for liver disease. The program includes a hepatitis center; a general hepatology program; a liver tumor program; and a hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorder clinic. The Institute is also involved in research projects on liver diseases.
The Methodist Health System, affiliated by covenant with the NTC includes Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Midlothian Health Center, and three Methodist Family Health Centers.
