Did you know that January is named after the Roman God Janus?

Janus is often depicted with two faces, one looking forward and one looking back. It is the perfect name for this month.

As we step into January, we reflect on last year with gratitude. Whether we experienced joy, heartache or a bit of both, we celebrate what 2022 brought us.

As we look ahead, let's bring hope and optimism into the new year - and welcome change, new ideas and opportunities.

When you look back on 2022, what stands out for you? What are your goals and wishes for 2023? What do you want to share with the world? What do you want the world to share with you?

We invite you to write it on our Hope Wall. And join us in the coming year as we provide more support, share more stories and help more people live longer, healthier lives.

Last year, 164 men and women stepped forward to donate a kidney or liver at the Ajmera Transplant Centre - and they, and many others on the journey, are inspiring people of all walks to life to explore transplant and the gift of living donation. We hope our community continues to grow in strength and number in 2023.

Thank you for coming along on this ride. We couldn't do it without you!

 
The Centre Team
@givelifeuhn

Coming Up

For many potential transplant recipients, it can be difficult to find a living donor, especially if most of their family and friends live overseas, or outside of Canada. This webinar will provide information about the process and supports available for potential living donors residing outside of Canada who want to donate to a loved one in Ontario.

We have partnered with the Living Kidney Donors Network (LKDN) and the PKD Foundation on a Canadian version of Having Your Donor Find You!, a free self-paced program developed by two-time kidney transplant recipient, Harvey Mysel. Through a series of videos and background materials, Harvey educates patients and caregivers about kidney transplant and gives them the tools to mount a successful living donor campaign. Those who register for the program will have access to all program components, including videos, reading materials, e-newsletter with practical tips and more. There is no cost to register. To preview the program click here.
 
Additional resources for those searching for a kidney or liver donor are available in the Find a Donor Playlist on our YouTube Channel, YouTube.com/@givelifeuhn.

Ongoing Education Sessions 
Free online information sessions presented by Centre for Living Organ Donation
  • 1st Tuesday of the Month: Information for Potential Living Kidney Donors 
  • 2nd Tuesday of the Month: Finding a Living Donor.
  • 3rd Tuesday of the Month: Financial Resources for Living Donors (PRELOD and other provincial reimbursement programs, employer support and more)
  • 4th Tuesday of the Month: Information for Potential Living Liver Donors
  • 4th Wednesday of the Month: Information for Caregivers of People on the Liver or Kidney Transplant List

Feeling creative or know a young video creator? Help spread awareness of organ donation. Enter the STS competition for a chance to win cash and prizes - $30K available. Deadline for the next round of submissions is March 10. Learn more at bit.ly/sharetheshorts
In this video, #ShareTheShorts mentor, Candice Coghlan reviews where to find reliable Canadian information about organ donation and transplantation for your #ShareTheShorts video. Questions? Email livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. 

In Case You Missed It

Living Transplant explores the world of transplant through the eyes of recipients, living donors and donor families, clinicians, researchers, innovators and pioneers. Join Candice Coghlan and guests for the last 2 episodes of Season 3. Planning for Season 4 is now under way. If you have suggestions for guests or topics, please email livingorgandonation@uhn.ca.
 
The holidays can be difficult for many Canadians - including people waiting on the transplant list, people recovering from transplant as a recipient or donor, those recently diagnosed, those who have lost a transplant, caregivers and those who have lost a loved one. This webinar featuring UHN Spiritual Care practitioner, Stefan Pankiw, explored feelings of grief and loss that sometimes accompany the transplant journey and supports available for patients, donors and donor families, and caregivers. 
Share your story and help more living donors and recipients find each other. If you'd like to be featured in a future edition of Storytelling Saturdays or speak about your experience at one of our events or webinars, please email us
Marissa gives us a peek into what life is like being on dialysis. She walks us through her story, how her mother courageously stepped forward as her living kidney donor, and gave her a second chance at a more fulfilling life. This video is part of the Great Actions Leave a Mark Campaign, www.greatactions.ca.
"Nobody will ever do something that big for me, ever. It's. It's a gift of life. And I'm grateful forever," said Judith Belair-Kyle. 36-year-old Judith Belair-Kyle was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at 15 - a hereditary kidney disease that leads to kidney failure.

Partner Events & Resources

The Centre for Living Organ Donation at UHN
Toronto General Hospital | Ajmera Transplant Centre
585 University Ave, 9 MaRS-9115, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2 Canada
livingorgandonation@uhn.ca  | 416-340-5400
www.livingorgandonation.ca

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