There’s strength in connecting
Kidney Transplant Connectors (KTCs) are donors and recipients who come together to educate and motivate people in need of a kidney transplant and their loved ones by sharing their own journeys through transplantation.Meet the Kidney Transplant Connectors
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TranscriptALANA
I was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 13.
BUDDY
I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, it's called. I learned that I would someday have to have a kidney transplant.
SCOTT
I was on the waitlist for about a year and a half. I was told to get on the transplant list in January of 2009. My donor came forward to me in July of 2010 and the surgery was in September.
HEATHER
I decided to donate my kidney because I'd always been passionate about the field of transplant. My career has been spent in transplant. It was something that I thought I would do when I died, but when I discovered that I had a family member who needed a kidney transplant, I was very excited about the opportunity to be able to be a donor.
SUE
I donated in February of 2017. And how do I feel about the decision? I feel like I got more than I gave. I think it was a good decision for me.
BOBBI
I donated a year ago this past September. It's probably one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.
SCOTT
I think it's important for me to tell my story to others who are in situations similar to what I was in eight years or so ago, to let them know that they're not walking alone.
HEATHER
I think that allowing recipients who are waiting or people who are contemplating becoming living donors, allowing them the opportunity to hear other people's stories is really what connects us all.
ALANA
This is something I wish I had when I was going through the transplant process and getting approved for donation. And so I know that this is really going to move people and help people on a significant level
SCOTT
The one thing that a peer can give you that a set of doctors cannot is real life experience. The doctors have a great deal of knowledge, but unless by coincidence one of them actually underwent a transplant, they were never the one who was on the table.
AIMEE
It's about education. It's about empowering and advocating for yourself so that you and your healthcare team can make the best decision for you.
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About the program
The Kidney Transplant Connectors program is available both in-person and as a live webinar. Each program is presented by 1 donor and 1 recipient who share their personal journeys, as well as:- The importance of self-advocacy and considering all available options to help reduce time spent on the transplant waitlist
- Tips for preparing yourself and your loved ones before, during, and after the procedure
- Educational information and resources about transplant options
How healthcare professionals can get involved
If you are a healthcare professional interested in hosting a free Kidney Transplant Connectors Program for your Transplant Center, here’s all you need to get started:- A minimum of 10 program attendees (people in need of a kidney transplant, caregiver to someone in need of a kidney transplant, or someone considering donating a kidney)
- A program date at least 45 days from the date of your request
If you are interested in joining the Kidney Transplant Connectors program to share your personal experience as a donor or recipient, please call 833-813-4KTC or email info@kidneytransplantconnectors.com.
The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your health or treatment.