Kidney transplant events--call for participants

 Here's a collection of events in which people interested in kidney transplantation can participate.  I'll give a short talk on kidney exchange in the May 7 event.  There are also events tomorrow, April 23, and June 12, as well as ways to help particular transplant candidates who you know.

Evolving National Perspectives In Kidney Transplant Symposium Is Rewarding Living Kidney Donors Medically Unethical?   Date: Saturday, May 7, 2022 7AM PDT | 9AM CDT | 10AM EDT This symposium is approximately 3.5 hours   Noted speakers include Oxford philosopher and ethicist J.R. Richards and Nobel Laureate Alvin Roth. Currently it is illegal for the donor or donor’s family to receive anything of value in exchange for an organ. The one policy that has not been considered to increase the donor supply and which probably has the most potential is to offer a reward or some other compensation to the donor. The primary argument offered by those opposed to rewarding the donor is that it is medically unethical? The primary purpose of this symposium is addressing this issue of whether rewarding the donor is medically unethical.   In addition to the medical ethics question, this symposium will have presentations by experts in the field of transplantation on related questions including:   The cost benefit question; The risks and safety of donation; Immediate options to increase organ donation; The very recent development of organ sharing; U.S. public attitudes towards rewarding the donor; The experiences of a living donor; The limits of increasing the count of deceased donors. INTENDED AUDIENCE: This virtual event is designed for surgeons, physicians, policy analysts, and health care professionals dedicated to the treatment of chronic kidney failure. This symposium is sponsored by the University of Chicago Transplant Institute, the National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO), and Waitlist Zero.   View Symposium Flyer   View University of Chicago Course Page   Join Symposium Virtually Here, For Free       Join the Transplant Village Trotters Team for the NKFI Kidney Walk in Chicago Walk for Kidneys is a family-friendly celebration of passion and progress. This annual event is an incredible opportunity for supporters of the NKFI to come together, show their spirit, and demonstrate their determination to make a difference in the fight against kidney disease.  Join our Transplant Village Team, "The Transplant Village Trotters," as we support the NKFI mission for this festive two-mile walk.  Proceeds support research, public education, and patient services.   Join The Transplant Village Trotters Team!       Living Donor Meet-up in Chicago   Come join fellow living donors for a fun-filled day of events in Chicago on April 23rd!  This informal and laid back event is a great opportunity to hang out with other living donors and enjoy Chicago on what looks like will be a beautiful day.  No registration needed just show up and feel free to bring friends and family!   Living Donors 5th Meetup Facebook Page     Are you or somebody you love in need of a living kidney donor? The Kidney Champion Program will help you learn ways you can find your living kidney donor. The program is run entirely by living kidney donors, transplant recipients, and caregivers who want to share their experiences with you. During this program, you will learn skills to effectively tell your story and lessen your fear of asking for a living donor.  You will learn specific strategies on how you can use social media to share your story.  The Kidney Champion Program was created through a 3-way partnership between the Northwestern Medicine Organ Transplant Center, Transplant Village, and the Living Kidney Donors Network. This program was developed with you in mind. We want to help you be an active part of your kidney transplant journey. We have found that when people needing a kidney transplant put forth the effort and drive the process, they can find a living kidney donor. Feel free to invite your entire care team- whether you are in need of a lifesaving transplant yourself or are trying to support someone in need, this program offers education and strategies that your entire care team can employ to help you on your journey!     Sign up for the Kidney Champion Program