Kidney transplant journeys can feel overwhelming, complicated, and deeply personal. Sometimes, one of the most helpful things is talking to someone who has already been there.
Join us for an informal community conversation about the Transplant Ambassador Program (TAP), a peer support initiative that connects people considering or preparing for kidney transplantation with trained volunteers who have lived experience as transplant recipients or living kidney donors.
This special forum will explore the recent expansion of TAP into Montreal, as well as upcoming plans for Calgary. Together, we’ll discuss how peer support can help patients and families feel more informed, less isolated, and better supported throughout the transplant journey.
You’ll hear from TAP co-founder Susan McKenzie, plus volunteers, community leaders, and individuals involved in bringing TAP to new communities, including perspectives from Montreal’s growing bilingual support network.
Topics will include:
- The history and growth of the Transplant Ambassador Program
- Why peer support matters during the transplant journey
- What led to the expansion into Atlantic Canada, Montreal, and Calgary
- Volunteer perspectives and lived experiences
- How transplant recipients and living donors can become TAP volunteers
- How patients, families, and prospective donors can connect with a TAP mentor
This session is intended to be warm, conversational, and welcoming. Whether you are exploring transplant, considering living donation, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the program, you are welcome to join us.
There will also be time for audience questions and discussion.
About TAP
The Transplant Ambassador Program (TAP) is a patient-led peer support program that connects people living with kidney disease, their families, and potential living kidney donors with people who have been through the transplant journey themselves.
TAP Ambassadors are kidney transplant recipients and living kidney donors who are trained to share their lived experience, answer questions, and provide support in person, by Zoom, phone, or email. When possible, TAP connects people with an Ambassador who has a similar background or experience.
TAP began in Ontario in 2016, after patients and living donors identified peer support as an important way to help people better understand and navigate kidney transplantation. Since then, TAP has become integrated into kidney programs across Ontario and is now expanding into other parts of Canada, including Atlantic Canada, Montreal, and Calgary.