This session is intended for patients, caregivers, family and healthcare providers - but anyone who is interested is welcome!

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 eligible for a kidney transplant?
• How do I know if I'm on the waitlist? Once I've been referred, am I on the waitlist?
• Is there a waitlist for living organ donation?
• How is the waitlist managed? Who is prioritized?
• How long will I be waiting for a kidney to become available? What factors influence wait time?

To submit your questions in advance or in real time click here or go to slido.com and enter the event code: Kidney

Speakers

Bee-Jay Realubit Ajmera Transplant Centre

Bee-Jay Realubit is a Registered Nurse and Recipient Coordinator (Listed) in the Kidney Transplant Program at the Ajmera Transplant Centre at Toronto General Hospital. In this role, he manages the transplant candidate’s file once the transplant assessment is completed until they have their operation. He works with referring centres to get updates about any major changes in patient health and to arrange updated testing, as needed, to make sure it is safe to proceed with the transplant operation.

Andrew Hinson Trillium Gift of Life Network

Andrew Hinson is a Program Manager for Kidney Transplant at Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), the agency responsible for delivering and coordinating organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario. He works on the development and implementation of provincial transplant policies and practice, working closely with the Kidney & Pancreas Working Group and other transplant stakeholders. Andrew was previously a Project Manager with Waterloo Wellington LHIN and had an earlier spell at TGLN as a Project Analyst. Andrew has a PhD in history, is a soccer enthusiast and has a Scottish accent.

Brian Cooke Living Kidney Donor

Brian is a retired Police Officer with the Hamilton Police Service with 34 years of service, who devotes his time volunteering in the community. In December of 2015 Brian's niece, Allison approached him about becoming a living kidney donor. Allison had been on the transplant list for approximately 2 years and she was still unable to locate a match. Allison's health was failing as both her kidneys were shutting down. She was on dialysis 24/7. Brian successfully donated to Allison in December of 2016 at the age of 64. Brian has seen first hand that being a donor saves live. He shares his story with the intention of bringing others hope.