Patients on transplant waiting lists and their caregivers could wait days, months, or even years for that special phone call announcing an organ donor match – and then they have to drop everything at a moment’s notice to undergo the life-saving procedure. Although it’s an exciting and relieving moment, caregivers who must travel for care are then faced with the stress of paying for a hotel and meals until the patient’s recovery.
To support patients and their families through the challenges associated with organ transplantation, there are resources available for temporary and affordable housing, meals, and other supportive services for transplant-related care. These programs include both Penn Medicine's own Clyde F. Barker Transplant House near the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Gift of Life Family House. Penn Medicine partners with the Gift of Life to register organ donors and to connect patients to organ matches for transplants.
The Perioperative team hosted two brunches at the Gift of Life Family House through the organization’s Home Cook Heroes program, preparing and serving homemade meals – scrambled eggs, waffles, and parfait – for the families of transplant recipients.
“We’re able to alleviate a little bit of stress in someone’s day who’s probably worried about 100 other things. They don’t have to think about where their next meal will be from,” said Margaret Vance, MSN, RN, CNOR, clinical nurse education specialist. “Being able to give them one less thing to worry about through something as simple as a warm breakfast is a heartwarming experience.”
The Home Cook Heroes program is just one of many ways Penn Medicine supports the Gift of Life. Throughout April, PAH staff participated in events to celebrate National Donate Life Month, honoring those who have donated organs and encouraging others to consider registering as organ, eye, and tissue donors. On April 22nd, an information table was on display for National Blue and Green Day – which reflects the Gift of Life’s colors – with flyers and brochures about donor registration, in addition to blue and green cupcakes in the cafeteria. A representative from the Gift of Life hosted a Grand Rounds to discuss the critical need for donors – one donor could save up to eight lives – and how to best communicate with patients and loved ones about joining the donor registry.
“We have an obligation as health care providers to promote lifesaving donations whenever we can,” said Chris Huot, MSN, RN, CNML, nurse manager for Critical Care. “We want to provide our staff, patients, and caregivers with comprehensive resources on organ donation so they can make informed decisions.”
Be the Match
Similarly, members of PAH’s Pathology and Laboratory Medicine department raised awareness for Be the Match – an organization that supports patients with blood cancer and connects them to donors for bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants.
Specimen Processors Lauren Dorman and Hanilyah Holly assembled a table outside of the cafeteria and handed out flyers, stickers, and educational resources to advocate for joining the donor registry. Ten people even completed a questionnaire and took a swab kit, which was then sent to Be the Match for further testing to determine if they qualify to be a donor. They will be contacted by the organization at a later date for next steps.
“Many people who approached the table said they wanted to learn more about donations just from seeing someone wearing one of our stickers for Be the Match,” said Dorman. “Even if you’re unable to donate, you can make an impact by spreading awareness for these essential procedures.”