December is finally upon us! What has felt like the longest year is finally coming to a close. In reflecting on this unusual year, we can't help but be amazed at how the living donor and transplant community continues to come together (virtually) and provide support to one another. Our community is living proof that even in 2020, there are 'feel good' stories to be found - and the year isn't over yet so let's keep them coming!
There's no question that the holidays will be a little different this year. But let's not forget that we all have something to give, even if it's just our gratitude. Be generous with your kindness and don't forget to check in on each other.
Happy Holidays!
The Centre Team
Employers Can Now Give Back Through the Circle of Excellence Program
On November 27, 2020, the Canadian Society of Transplantation launched the Living Donor Circle of Excellence, a program that celebrates employers who implement internal policies that provide salary support to employees who choose to be living organ donors.
Although there are initiatives such as the Program for the Reimbursement of Living Organ Donors (provided by the Trillium Gift of Life Network), there is nothing in place to cover lost wages; and depending on the donor's financial circumstances, waiting for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses may not be a viable option. More about the Circle of Excellence>
Although there are initiatives such as the Program for the Reimbursement of Living Organ Donors (provided by the Trillium Gift of Life Network), there is nothing in place to cover lost wages; and depending on the donor's financial circumstances, waiting for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses may not be a viable option. More about the Circle of Excellence>
"We were very fortunate," said Shirley Overholt who donated a kidney to her husband Scott in 2015. “We wanted to avoid Scott going on dialysis and his kidney function was deteriorating. I told [the hospital], ‘whatever appointment you make, I will be there for it’ – and my employer supported that. If I got a call at 10 a.m. about an opening for a scan at 11:30, I went. No questions asked. I had fantastic support that way.”
What's New
#GIVINGTUESDAY
December 1 is Giving Tuesday, the start of the giving season! This year, let's spread the word about living organ donation. Canadian Blood Services has a great social media toolkit for harnessing the power of Giving Tuesday to raise awareness for this life-saving treatment - bonus points if you share their image of living liver donor, Heather Badenoch. Not a social media user? No worries. Give back by donating to your local shelter or charity.
New Podcast Episode
Episode 5 of Living Transplant is out now! Listen to 'No' Was Not an Option: Our History of Transplant Innovation with guests Dr. Gary Levy and Charmaine Beal. Dr. Levy, winner of the 2020 UHN Global Impact Award, talks candidly about his determination to find a treatment for end-stage liver disease, sleeping in the ICU, recruiting Dr. Heather Ross, and his dislike for the word ‘no,’ - while Charmaine discusses the early days of the program (no OTTR!) and how her career flourished from riding the rollercoaster that is working alongside Dr. Levy.
In Case You Missed It
The national Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) program is an interprovincial program that is operated collaboratively between Canadian Blood Services and Canada’s living kidney donation and kidney transplant programs. Since January 2009, more than 500 living donors across Canada have shared the gift...
Coming Up
Kidney Transplant: Referral, Assessment & the Waitlist
Webinar, December 2, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST
This session will outline the kidney transplant process for recipients - from referral, to assessment to the transplant waitlist. In addition to a live Q & A, speakers will address common questions about the process, including: how do I know if I'm on the kidney transplant waitlist? How is the waitlist managed? How long will I be waiting for a kidney to become available?
Physical Activity for Living Donors & Transplant Recipients
Webinar, December 9 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST
Dr. Tania Janaudis-Ferreira and Dr. Sunita Mathur provide an overview of the physical challenges that transplant patients and organ donors may face before and after surgery. It will also discuss the role of exercise on physical function and quality of life before and after transplant.
Ongoing Education Session
Free online sessions presented by Heather Lannon, Outreach Coordinator, Centre for Living Organ Donation
The Centre for Living Organ Donation at UHN
Toronto General Hospital
585 University Ave., 11PMB 100, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2N2 Canada
livingorgandonation@uhn.ca
416-340-5400
www.livingorgandonation.ca
Toronto General Hospital
585 University Ave., 11PMB 100, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2N2 Canada
livingorgandonation@uhn.ca
416-340-5400
www.livingorgandonation.ca
