Transplant Ambassador Program

02/02/2026

Your journey brings hope 💚
Every story shared reminds someone they’re not alone and that brighter days are possible.

Learn more, listen in, or get involved:
🔗 Website: transplantambassadors.ca

01/30/2026

It’s time to hear from YOU! 🌟
It’s Question Friday for our transplant community.

In one word, what does being part of TAP mean to you? 💚
Share one word in the comments and connect with others in the community. Let’s support, share, and grow together 💚

🔗 Our Website: https://transplantambassadors.ca/

01/28/2026

🔈Spotlight Ambassador: Frank C

Today, we are honoured to recognize Frank, one of our Transplant Ambassadors. Frank received a new kidney from a deceased donor in August 2022 and now gives back through the Transplant Ambassador Program (TAP). 💚

Sharing from his lived experience, Frank mentions his favorite part of being an ambassador is, 💬“I can provide some knowledge or insight based on my personal experience of having gone through dialysis and transplant if patients are interested.”

Frank values the meaningful interactions he has through TAP and finds it especially powerful when people can learn from one another through shared experiences.🤝✨

Frank speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese, allowing him to support and uplift individuals within these communities, creating greater accessibility and connection across the TAP community. 💪🌎

Frank serves as an ambassador for St. Joseph's Health Centre Toronto.

Learn more about Frank and his transplant journey. Check out the video linked! 📽️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0dV4Xdx5bM

Thank you, Frank, for your strength in sharing your story to support and inspire others on their transplant journey.🌟

We also extend a special thank you to St. Joseph's Health Centre Toronto, for all the incredible work they do.

For More Information and Links!👇
🔗 Learn more about the Transplant Ambassador Program: https://transplantambassadors.ca/

🔗 Learn more about Frank:
📽️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0dV4Xdx5bM

🔗 Learn more about St. Joseph's Health Centre Toronto:
https://unityhealth.to/areas-of-care/programs-and-clinics/kidney-and-metabolism/

01/26/2026

TAP is a supportive community where you can share your voice, connect with others, and feel truly understood.💚
Know someone who should be part of this? Share this post and invite them to join us!
🔗 Learn more: https://transplantambassadors.ca/
🔗 Ambassador Directory: https://transplantambassadors.ca/ambassador-directory/

01/21/2026

🔈 Spotlight Ambassador: Kathleen Zavarise

Today, we are honoured to recognize Kathleen, one of our Transplant Ambassadors. Kathleen received a kidney and liver transplant at the University of London Hospital in March 2023. A life-changing milestone she is deeply grateful for. 💚

Reflecting on her journey, Kathleen shares:
💬 “I am very grateful for a second chance at life as the doctors did not think I would live long enough to get one.”

Kathleen also shares her excitement about being part of the Transplant Ambassador Program (TAP), saying:
💬 “I love sharing that I understand the fear, frustration, and uncertainty of what the future holds. I feel like I give people hope.”

Kathleen discusses how her life has changed and what she has been able to accomplish. Hearing the relief and renewed hope from others brings her great joy, and it’s her favourite part of being an ambassador. ✨🤝

Kathleen serves as an ambassador for St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

Learn more about Kathleen and her transplant journey. Check out the video linked.
📽️https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu97cHQEk6Y

Thank you, Kathleen, for your courage to share your story to inspire hope in others.🌟

We also extend a special thank you to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton for all the incredible work they do.

For More Information!👇
🔗 Learn more about the Transplant Ambassador Program:
https://transplantambassadors.ca/
🔗 Learn more about Kathleen:
📽️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu97cHQEk6Y
🔗 Learn more about St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton:
https://www.stjoes.ca/hospital-services/kidney-urinary-services/renal-transplant-clinic

01/19/2026

Exciting posts on the way ✨
Featuring upcoming Spotlights and more content to look forward to.

Follow along and stay tuned!
🔗 Website: transplantambassadors.ca
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/transplantambassadors.ca/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tap-give-and-gain-8a93991b4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070841740340

12/09/2025

📢LAST CALL TO RSVP FOR OUR LAST WEBINAR OF 2025📢
Tonight a panelist of Ambassadors will be sharing their stories and experiences with living donor kidney transplantation. Registration for this webinar will be open until 5pm EST with our webinar starting at 6:30pm EST.
RSVP by sending an email to webinarregistration@transplantambassadors.ca or by calling 833-274-3740 💚
When: THIS EVENING FROM 6:30pm-8:00pm
Where: join by Microsoft Teams or by phone
View previous TAP webinars at: https://transplantambassadors.ca/tap-webinar-series/
livingkidneytransplantation

12/08/2025

🌟AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Mike🌟
This is TAP donor Ambassador, Mike. When Mike found out that his cousin, Cathy, was in end-stage kidney disease and needed a kidney, Mike stepped up to be her donor. In June 2017, Mike donated his kidney to Cathy at London Health Sciences Centre. After a full recovery, Mike was back at work with no ill effects!
As a donor, Mike is grateful to have had the opportunity to make such a difference in someone’s life. Now, eight years later, Mike says the most rewarding part of being a TAP Ambassador is “the opportunity to address misconceptions about living donor transplantation.”
In speaking with a patient who asked “how does one ask someone for a kidney?” Mike shared his and Cathy’s kidney journeys and told the patient “a ‘match’ isn’t always the result of a straightforward ‘ask’.” A year later, that patient reached out to Mike to say that they found a potential donor!
If you’re interested in hearing more about Mike’s journey and decision to be a living kidney donor, join us tomorrow for our last webinar of 2025 - it’s not too late to RSVP!
When: Tuesday December 9th from 6:30pm-8:00pm
Where: join by Microsoft Teams or by phone
RSVP for this inspiring webinar by sending an email to webinarregistration@transplantambassadors.ca or by calling 833-274-3740 💚

12/02/2025

This , the Transplant Ambassador Program (TAP) is celebrating the incredible strength, resilience, and generosity within the transplant community.
We know what you’re going through because we’ve been there: At TAP, our ambassadors bring lived experience, compassion, and hope to kidney patients and potential donors.
This , your gift helps us continue providing compassionate support.
💚Donate today: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/renal-patient-and-donor-foundation/

This organization is designated by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a registered charity. They comply with the CRA's requirements and have been issued a charitable registration number.

11/29/2025

🌟AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: McKenzie🌟
Let us introduce, McKenzie, a recent kidney transplant recipient. McKenzie was diagnosed with a genetic type of chronic kidney disease and eventually found herself in end-stage kidney failure with a creatinine of over 1100. Thankfully, McKenzie’s cousin, Susannah was a match for her donated a kidney to McKenzie in August of this year.
McKenzie is so grateful to her living donor, and says that her kidney transplant has been life changing. After a 2 month recovery, McKenzie says she’s now “back to normal and feeling great.”
If you would like to hear more about McKenzie’s transplant, join us for our next webinar on December 9th where McKenzie and others will be sharing their experiences with living kidney transplantation!
When: Tuesday December 9th from 6:30pm-8:00pm
Where: join by Microsoft Teams or by phone
RSVP for this inspiring webinar by sending an email to webinarregistration@transplantambassadors.ca or by calling 833-274-3740 💚

11/20/2025

A few of our London Transplant Ambassadors were pleased to be on hand yesterday to recognize London Health Science Centre’s 50th Anniversary of living donor kidney transplantation. A big milestone worth celebrating!
Special thanks to: London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), Michael Santavy, Dervla Connaughton, Alp Sener, Lakshman Gunaratnam, Anthony Jevnikar, Marian Reich, Caroline & Greg Powers, Graham Nesbitt, Dororthy McKegney, Ola Kazzah. Our very special kidney donors and recipients not present were with us in spirit.

11/19/2025

🌟AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Bob🌟
Meet Bob, who was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2010 after a viral infection. His kidney function steadily declined over the next 8 years, and he was hoping to receive a pre-emptive transplant from his sister. They both faced a setback when she was found not to be eligible as a donor, but he maintained a positive attitude when he began peritoneal dialysis treatment in 2019.
PD treated him well, and after 4 years, 7 months and 3 days on PD, Bob at age 72 received a kidney from a living donor through the Paired Kidney Donation Program. This program connects willing but incompatible donor-recipient pairs, allowing them to “swap” kidneys anonymously within a group. He later wrote a letter to this anonymous donor expressing how he was overwhelmed with gratitude for this gift of life.
Bob recovered well after surgery and is now able to live his life to the fullest. He enjoys dinners with family, theatre outings with his wife, swimming with grandkids and spending time at the family cottage.
Bob is now a proud Transplant Ambassador. “Sharing my story one-on-one with those facing a similar situation can provide a sense of hope throughout their kidney journey. Stay positive, you are not alone, it can all work out!”