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On April 26th, The Kidney Foundation will launch a new Transplant Connect group as part of their Kidney Connect Peer Support program offerings. The group will provide support to post-transplant recipients, their loved ones and living donors.  

The reality is that a kidney transplant is a treatment, and there are still challenges and triumphs living with a donor kidney.  Transplant patients have a unique experience with their medications, side affects, body changes, and feelings about their future and how well their graft will work. This group is meant to be a safe space with trained patient facilitators, who themselves are kidney transplant recipients, helping to support and guide a meaningful discussion with the group participants. 

“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 living with a transplant. Everyone assumes you are back to "normal" which isn't always the case” she added.  

 Once the group is up and running, 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 an educational component.   

The Kidney Foundation’s Peer Support program seeks to provide support for all patients and caregivers, no matter where they are in their journey with kidney disease. Group meetings, one on 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 please email ontario.programs@kidney.ca.
Meeting Dates and Times