Receiving a transplant is not a single event — it’s a lifelong journey of courage, care, and gratitude from first diagnosis through thriving years after surgery.
1. Diagnosis & Referral
A serious illness or organ failure leads your doctor to refer you to a certified transplant center for evaluation.
Comprehensive testing confirms whether a transplant is the best path forward. If approved, your name is added to the national waiting list, managed by UNOS, based on medical criteria.
2. Evaluation & Approval
3. Waiting & Preparation
Time on the waiting list varies by organ type. Staying healthy, attending appointments, and remaining reachable 24/7 are essential.
When a donor becomes available, the system matches recipients by medical need and compatibility. Your transplant center will contact you immediately to come to the hospital.
4. The Match & The Call
5. Surgery & Recovery
Specialized surgical teams perform the lifesaving transplant. Recovery begins in the ICU, followed by education on medication, nutrition, and long-term self-care.
Recipients take daily medications to prevent rejection and return for regular follow-ups. Support from family, peers, and care teams is key to long-term success.
6. Life After Transplant
7. Giving Back
Many recipients choose to volunteer, share their stories, or write to their donor’s family — honoring the gift that made their life possible.