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Transplant Connect Support Group
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by Trish Reynolds
The Kidney Foundation has launched a new Transplant Connect group as part of their Kidney Connect Peer Support program offerings. The group provides support to post-transplant recipients and living donors.
The reality is that a kidney transplant is a treatment, and there are still challenges and triumphs in living with a donor kidney. Transplant recipients have a unique experience with their medications, side effects, body changes and feelings about their future and how well their graft will work.
“The group is very much needed and will complement our growing roster of peer support groups,” said Sadia Baig, Peer Support Coordinator with The Kidney Foundation. “There are a lot of complexities to living with a transplant. Everyone assumes you are back to ‘normal’ which isn’t always the case,” she added.
This support group is a safe space with trained patient facilitators, who themselves are kidney transplant recipients, helping to support and guide a meaningful discussion with group participants. The goal is to invite guest speakers to help provide further information and expertise to support group participants. While peer support groups do not provide medical advice, these experts can help answer general questions and offer education to support the transplant experience.
The Kidney Foundation’s Peer Support program provides support for all patients and caregivers, no matter where they are in their journey with kidney disease. Group meetings, oneon-one support and online support through kidneyconnect.ca, provide a safe, confidential and welcoming space for people to talk about the unique challenges they face and connect with others who understand the reality of living with kidney disease.
To learn more or to join the Transplant Connect Support Group or any of our other Peer Support Groups, email ontario.programs@kidney.ca or visit www.kidney.ca/supportmeetings.
