Travis knew that during his journey on this Earth that he wanted to give back someway somehow. After finding out about living organ donation, Travis asked himself, “What kind of community, state, country, and world do I want to live in?
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He answered, “I want to live where people care about the people around them”. Travis then made the decision to donate one of his Kidneys, and taking part in helping someone get their life back.
Travis is thankful for his experience with the American Transplant Foundations 1+1=LIFE mentorship program. All of his questions were answered by his mentor, and created his transplant process run smoothly and comfortably.
“The American Transplant Foundation’s 1+1=Life Mentorship Program helped me take the donation process from an abstract idea to a lived reality by matching me with a mentor who had been through the whole process and could answer any questions or concerns I had leading up to my donation. This put me at ease and made the experience even that much more rewarding.”
Travis – Living Donor
When you are going through the transplant process, your doctors and health care providers, as good as they are, can only give you part of the story.
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There are certain questions that only someone who has actually been through the process can answer. The ATF mentorship program fills that information gap. My mentor was able to answer questions and provide feedback based on his experience that helped answer questions and ease concerns. This program should be considered a requirement for anyone going through the transplant process. It is an invaluable and, in my opinion, necessary piece of the transplant journey.
Trey – Transplant Recipient
Smith decided to donate his kidney to a non-directed recipient, but was going through a difficult time during the preparation process. Smith lacked support from his family since they did not agree with his decision to donate.
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When asked about the benefits to using the mentorship program, Smith stated, “I met, virtually, an incredible individual who I would like to think is a friend. He provided the support I needed when I felt alone in the process. He was that security blanket that provided me answers anytime they came up”.
Smith donated a kidney to a non-directed recipient in June of 2018. He is grateful for the 1+1=LIFE Mentorship program, and highly suggests signing up for a mentor if you are looking for answers, support, or even a friend.
Smith – Living Donor
I share my experience with anyone who is looking for a donor.
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I see ATF as a key player in supporting recipients, donors, and their family through a very scary process.
Michelle – Living Donor
It is something completely different when you speak to someone who has been through it before.
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I just needed someone to prepare me for what was to come. My Mentor provided the emotional and mental support for my journey and I might not have made it without him. He [my Mentor] was great and went above and beyond my expectations.
Bryan – Transplant Recipient
James was considering donating a portion of his liver to a stranger. He was highly motivated to become a donor after learning that there are over 13,000 people on the waiting list.
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His main concern was how donation would affect his long-term health and had fears surrounding the many complications that can occur during and after the surgery. James also leads a very active lifestyle and was concerned that he might not be able to do the things he loved after donating.
James was able to connect with Aaron, who also donated a portion of his liver to a non-directed recipient. “He had lots of great stories and was there to talk when I needed him.” James’ surgery will not take place for at least six months but he says the mentorship program has brought him peace of mind and confidence in his decision to donate.
