Transplant Village Announces Launch of Kidney Donor Champion Program
During the Donor Champion Program, kidney transplant patients will learn how to find their living donors. Anyone who wants to help in their search for a living donor is invited to attend. This includes transplant patients, their families, and friends.
CHICAGO, May 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Transplant Village has recently announced the launch of a new kidney transplant patient advocacy effort known as the Donor Champion Program. Created through a 3-way collaboration between the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center, Transplant Village, and the Living Kidney Donors Network, the Donor Champion Program was developed with transplant patients and their families in mind.
"Part of our mission is to support and connect the transplant community," said Dan Dickinson, Chairman of Transplant Village. "The creation of the Donor Champion Program is completely in-line with our mission of giving back. We want to help patients and their families be an active part of their transplant journey and we've found that when people needing a kidney transplant put forward the effort and drive the process, they can find a living donor."
As of 2019, there are over 95,000 people on the kidney transplant wait list and the estimated wait time for a deceased donor kidney transplant is 5 to 10 Years. Through living organ donation, patients can receive the kidney they need to live.
"Donors are out there, we help kidney patients find them," says Dickinson.
The very first session of the Donor Champion Program will take place on May 22nd at the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center. During the 2-hour session, transplant patients will learn how to find their living donors. Anyone who wants to help in their search for a living donor is invited to attend. This includes transplant patients, their families, and friends.
Harvey Mysel, founder of the Living Kidney Donors Network will lead the first session.
He shared, "Imagine the possibilities of your donor finding you. This is what can happen when kidney patients share their story with enough people. When pursuing a living kidney transplant it's all about others hearing your story. The Donor Champion Program helps patients develop their Kidney Kampaign so they feel comfortable telling their story."
During the Donor Champion Program, attendees will also learn how to overcome their fear of asking for a living donor as well as benefit from the successful transplant and donation experiences of the program team.
"One thing kidney patients need to remember is they are not alone in their journey. There are others who have been in their shoes and these people want to help them. Nothing compares to the knowledge of people who have been there. They are able to give support and encouragement during a very difficult time. More importantly, the Donor Champion Program will arm you with the information you need to be pro-active. Doing so can save your life," said Dickinson.
Those interested in attending the free event can sign up today and say "YES" to life by calling 312.695.0828.
Event Details:
Donor Champion Program
May 22nd, 2019
Northwestern Comprehensive Transplant Center
Transplant Village
Transplant Village is a group made up of organ recipients, donors and their families. They are united in their mission to support the future of organ transplantation at Northwestern Medicine while connecting and supporting the transplant community.
Learn more:
http://www.transplantvillage.org
Living Kidney Donors Network (LKDN)
The organization's purpose is to share knowledge and build the confidence to enable the life changing benefits of living donation. Harvey Mysel established the LKDN after recognizing the need for better resources while pursuing a successful living kidney transplant in 2006.
Learn more:
http://www.LKDN.org
Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center
Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center is a leader in living kidney donor transplants in the country and has a highly successful kidney paired donation program. To date, the transplant team has performed more than 2,500 living donor kidney transplants at a rate of over 100 per year.
Learn more:
http://www.nm.org/transplant
SOURCE Transplant Village
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