An organ transplant is a life-saving procedure that changes your life forever. Issues such as immunosuppression and follow-up care can limit your travel options and may even come into play as you make decisions about where you want to live and your own family planning.
Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO)
Transplant Recipients International Organization(TRIO) is an international nonprofit organization that has manylocal chapters. You can join as a member of thenationalor international support group, or join a local chapter in your area, some of which hold in-person meetings. You can also connect with the administrators to learn about starting a chapter in your community.
The TRIO support group focuses on transplant awareness, support, education, and advocacy. The organization serves people who are waiting for a transplant or have had a transplant. Educational content and member stories are accessible on the website.
One of TRIO’s programs, “Lend A Helping Ear,” links members who are willing to share experiences with others in need of support. There is also a subgroup dedicated to caregivers that is partnered with Transplant Caregivers - Partners for Life, a private Facebook group.
UPMC Children’s Hospital of PittsburghChildhood transplants involve lifelong considerations as children learn how to attend school and participate in activities while accommodating their health limitations. Parents also have concerns about caregiving and helping their children work towards independence and self-care.UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburghhas a dedicated support group for children who have had or are getting an organ transplant. Educational videos and resources are available on the website.Summer camps for kids who have had transplants are also available, offering a complete schedule of fun activities and educational programs.Parents of children receiving care at UPMC can have access to sleeping rooms, showers, and laundry facilities. There is also a parent support group, and limited financial assistance for families is available.While the UPMC support group is free to join, the children’s camp requires a participation fee.
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Childhood transplants involve lifelong considerations as children learn how to attend school and participate in activities while accommodating their health limitations. Parents also have concerns about caregiving and helping their children work towards independence and self-care.
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburghhas a dedicated support group for children who have had or are getting an organ transplant. Educational videos and resources are available on the website.
Summer camps for kids who have had transplants are also available, offering a complete schedule of fun activities and educational programs.
Parents of children receiving care at UPMC can have access to sleeping rooms, showers, and laundry facilities. There is also a parent support group, and limited financial assistance for families is available.
While the UPMC support group is free to join, the children’s camp requires a participation fee.
Transplant Support Organization
TheTransplant Support Organizationhas many objectives, including raising community awareness about organ donation and supporting organ transplant recipients with scholarships, education, and networking opportunities. Their support group serves Westchester County (just outside of New York City) and the surrounding areas, while their awareness and advocacy programs have a national reach.
In addition to education, the Transplant Support Organization actively works to sign people up to become organ donors.
The organization offers a scholarship to “honor the memory of deceased members” and promote the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Each year, a high school senior in New York State is chosen from a pool of applicants to receive the scholarship based on their advocacy and awareness efforts.
American Heart Association Support Network
Adults and children who are survivors of aheart transplantneed lifelong cardiac care and continue to have persistent health concerns after transplant. TheAmerican Heart Association Support Networkhas an online public forum for heart transplant survivors and candidates who can connect with each other for support, advice, and referrals.
The support network hosts aYouTube channelwith videos about life as a heart transplant recipient, and you can also join the AHA’s private Facebook page to connect with others who share your same concerns.
The AHA webpage also has an online collection ofeducational materialsand news stories about heart health and transplants.
Second Wind
Second Windis a lung transplant support network with an online forum that addresses questions and concerns about lung transplants, a community network to connect with, and a financial assistance program for lung transplant survivors and candidates.
The website provides registered members with a search tool to find and connect with others who have undergone similar lung transplant experiences. Members listed in the Member Search can only be reached if they give consent to having their name and information published in the directory.
National Kidney Foundation Transplant Community
Kidney transplants are the most common type of organ transplant received from a living donor.Oftentimes, a kidney donor is a person related to the recipient. A kidney transplant is a concern for the donor and recipient, both of whom need to understand the health implications before and after the surgery.
TheNational Kidney Foundation Transplant Communityis a support group for people who have had or are awaiting a kidney transplant as well as their families. The online support group offers educational material about living with a kidney transplant, an interactive discussion forum, and access to a private community to network and interact with others on a one-on-one basis.
American Liver Foundation Support Community
Frequently Asked Questions
Transplant support groups are non-profit organizations that provide transplant recipients or those awaiting a transplant with information, networking opportunities, education, and moderated support. Many of these groups maintain private communities for registered members. Some offer in-person support groups and special events for members to meet and share experiences and concerns.
Living with an organ transplant can be extremely challenging, often leaving you isolated from others who understand your concerns (especially if you live in a remote or small community). You can benefit from connecting in a safe space to share experiences, information, and resources with others who have had or are awaiting an organ transplant.
Most transplant support groups are free but encourage financial contributions from their members. Some fund their efforts through annual membership fees. Special events and camps are generally fee-based.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.United Network for Organ Sharing.Living donation facts and resources from UNOS.United Network of Organ Sharing.Data and trends.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.United Network for Organ Sharing.Living donation facts and resources from UNOS.United Network of Organ Sharing.Data and trends.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
United Network for Organ Sharing.Living donation facts and resources from UNOS.United Network of Organ Sharing.Data and trends.
United Network for Organ Sharing.Living donation facts and resources from UNOS.
United Network of Organ Sharing.Data and trends.
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