IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A kidney transplant at the Iowa City VA Medical Center has given a navy veteran a new lease on life. Navy veteran Jeffrey Pruitt was diagnosed with renal failure and was told he had six months before he’d be incapacitated. After fighting it for five years he got his lucky break with a kidney transplant.

“I will honor that transplant team with my life by living the absolute best life I can,” Pruitt said.

Pruitt said his fight with kidney failure was painful, but it’s a fight he’s using as inspiration for his new passion for art. Post-transplant, he’s made a career out of painting and creating music.

“The art came out of the pain,” Pruitt said. “I would not be doing this today if it were not for the suffering.”

Pruitt’s survival doesn’t only inspire his art, it also affects the way he lives his life. His outlook left an impression on the transplant team that helped him through his recovery.

“Every time I talk to Jeff I end up either crying or laughing,” Stacey Abel, who was on the team that helped Pruitt with his recovery, said. “He’s a light.”

Pruitt says he’s thankful for the work the team put into his recovery.

“They’re just so thoroughly invested in you,” Pruitt said. “They treat me as family and I love them and every chance I get I’m going to sing their praise.”

Veterans travel from around the nation to the Iowa City VA Medical Center for kidney transplants.

The connection between the recipient and the transplant team extends beyond their stay at the VA Medical Center. In some cases, it’s a lifelong relationship that lasts way longer than their time at the hospital.

“It’s really about building relationship, building trust,” Abel said. “Letting that patient know that we’re here, not only for this three-week period, but we’re here for the duration.”

Many patients wait years for transplants. The Iowa Donor Network reports more than 600 Iowans are on the waiting list, while an average of 17 Americans die every day awaiting a transplant.

There are local and national resources for those interested in becoming an organ donor:

The Iowa Donor Network has assistance for the donor registration process with information and statistics about the need for donors.

Programs like the National Kidney Foundation or Donate Life American help people across the country with the donation process.

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Express will be closing stores in Iowa and across the country as part of a bankruptcy plan announced by the company.

The Columbus, Ohio-based retailer currently operates around 530 Express, Express Edit and Express Factory Outlet stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. There are also seven stores in Mexico and Central America, according to the Express store locator. It also owns Bonobos and UpWest.

It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday. The company received a $35 million commitment in new financing from certain existing lenders, subject to court approval. Express also received $49 million from the IRS on April 15 from the pandemic-era CARES Act, according to USA TODAY.

The company plans to sell its retail stores to an investor group, which includes WHP Global, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties. Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines and Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville are both owned by Brookfield.

Here is what to know about the Express closures and how Iowa stores will be affected.

How many Express stores are closing?

There will be 95 Express locations closing. The closures are spread across 29 states and Washington D.C., according to Market Watch. The closures will consist of 75 typical retail locations closing and 20 factory-outlet stores. All of the UpWest stores will also close.

When will Express start closing stores?

The company will start liquidation sales at closing stores on April 23. All of Express’ brands are still fulfilling orders and processing returns. Its merchandise policies remain unchanged, and gift cards and store credits can still be used in stores that remain open.

How many Express locations are closing in Iowa?

Only three Express locations are closing in Iowa. They are all factory outlet stores.

These include:

• Cedar Rapids: Lindale Mall, 4444 1st Ave. NE
• Davenport: Northpark Mall, 320 W. Kimberly Road
• Williamsburg: Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg, 150 Tanger Drive

Iowa’s remaining stores in West Des Moines, Coral Ridge and Altoona will keep operating.

Reporting contributed by Emily DeLetter.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.