The Utah Jazz GM, Justin Zanik Returns to the Office after Kidney Transplant

Thanks to the Utah Jazz for updating us on ‘X’ regarding their General Manager Justin Zanik!  The Jazz reports that Zanik has made a quick return to the team after undergoing a life-changing kidney transplant this April (2024). Zanik, 49, battled kidney failure during the 2023-24 basketball season was able to receive a kidney through the Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation. A family friend (who was not a perfect antigen match) donated his kidney through the paired exchange, which in turn allowed Zanik to receive a kidney from a better matched donated kidney. The Paired Kidney Donation program is making it great strides for family and friends willing to to donate a kidney that doesn’t match their loved one. Their donation puts their loved one in first position to receive a kidney that is better matched.  Zanik’s  return comes just over seven weeks after surgery, coinciding with the Jazz’s pre-draft preparations shifting back to Salt Lake City. Zanik, 49, has been a pivotal figure in the Jazz front office since returning in 2017, demonstrating resilience and dedication to the organization.  Go Jazz and Congratulations for a new lease on life Mr. Zanik!