Living Donor Program

The Ajmera Transplant Centre, in alignment with Ontario Health, our partners at Trillium Gift of Life Network and our peer organizations, is gradually and cautiously increasing the transplant activities that were put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The safety of our patients, living donors and staff is our number one priority. Ongoing measures are being taken to ensure that donated organs are COVID-free and that the transplant units remain low COVID-19 risk areas. Please visit UHN’s COVID-19 section to learn more about UHN's plans as we ease back into scheduled services and what you need to know before arriving at the hospital.

As we shared before, you will continue to keep your priority on the waiting list while our programs continue to work towards increasing transplant services.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your Transplant Coordinator for information and support. We are grateful for your patience, trust and understanding. We know this transition period is difficult for our patients and their families. Please visit UHN’s Transplant Psychosocial Team page to access more information and resources.

What We Do

At the Living Donor Program, we achieve excellent results for our recipients and donors. Our living kidney and living liver donor programs care for people who would like to donate a kidney or a piece of their liver to a person with end stage kidney or liver disease.

Our programs

Assess and test donors to see if they can donate;
Educate donors about the transplant process; and
Provide exceptional patient care at all stages of the transplant journey.

Located at the Toronto General Hospital, Munk Building 12th Floor, our compassionate team of experts are world leaders in innovation, research and, most importantly, patient care. Learn more about the liver transplant and kidney transplant teams who will be with you throughout your journey.

About Donation

What is a living donation?

A 'living donation' happens when a person who is alive gives either a kidney or a part of their liver to someone with end-stage kidney or liver disease.

Who can be a living donor?

A living kidney or liver donor could be a spouse, family member, friend, co-worker or stranger.

Donors must be

older than 16 years of age;
a healthy weight for their height;
in good health without diabetes, cancer, kidney or heart disease; and
willing to freely donate.

How do I become a living kidney or liver donor?

Complete a Living Donor Health History Form
Submit the completed form in person, by email, mail or fax. All contact information is on the form.
Our Living Kidney or Liver Donor Assessment Office will call you once we have reviewed your health history form.

If you wish to become a living liver donor please attach a copy of your blood type with your donor health history form, either through a letter from your family doctor or a blood donor card.

Living Kidney Donor Program

If you are interested in becoming a living donor, our assessment office will guide you through the process. It starts with a simple conversation with one of our transplant team members. They can be reached at 416 340 5400.

Living Liver Donor Program

How do I ask someone to become a donor on my behalf?

If you are interested in finding a living kidney or liver donor, we can help guide you through the process. It starts with a simple conversation.

The Centre for Living Organ Donation at UHN
416 340 5400
livingorgandonation@uhn.ca

Social Media and You

Waiting for a transplant? Read our guidelines before seeking out a living donor.

Need a Transplant?

The UHN Transplant Program treats patients from across Canada and around the world. Our liver and kidney transplant clinics welcome new patient referrals.

Advantages of a Living Kidney Donor Transplant

Resource Library

For a comprehensive list of helpful materials that will guide you through your donor journey as well as media stories and videos on living organ donation, visit our Resource Library.

Upcoming Events

Living Donation Q & A Sessions for Patients Eligible for Kidney Transplant (Families and Support Persons welcome)
Date: Bi-weekly, Thursdays
Location: Toronto General Hospital
Registration: If you would like to receive invitation, please email livingorgandonation@uhn.ca.

Living Donation Information Sessions for Patients Approved for Liver Transplant (Families and Support Persons welcome)
Date: Weekly, Wednesdays
Location: Toronto General Hospital
Registration: If you would like to receive invitation, please email livingorgandonation@uhn.ca.

Living Donor Webinars
Date: Every Tuesday
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Topics:

1st Tuesday of the month: PRELOD Information Session for living donors and living donor candidates
2nd Tuesday of the month: Living Donor Champion Session for those who would like to support person in need of a liver or kidney
3rd Tuesday of the month: Living Kidney Donor Session for those considering living kidney donation
4th Tuesday of the month: Living Liver Donor Session for those considering living liver donation

All sessions are free. To register, please visit the Centre for Living Organ Donation Eventbrite page and select a date to reserve your spot and receive login instructions.

If you have questions or would like more information please email livingorgandonation@uhn.ca.

Lunch & Learn: Health Equity, Living Donation & Transplantation
Date: Friday, January 31, 2020
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Location: Toronto General Hospital and Facebook Live
Registration: Free. For more information or to register, visit the Lunch & Learn: Health Equity, Living Donation & Transplantation Eventbrite page.

Archived Events

For all of our archived patient education events related to living organ donation, visit our Archived Events section.

Why Living Donation Matters: Our Success Stories

Our patients talk about their experiences and the impact of live donation.

Hina Khan and Kelly Bryan with Muhammad Khan

‘I have the utmost admiration for living donors’
Read the story »

‘I decided to turn something bad into something good’
Read the story »

Facts vs. Myths about Organ Donation - Myth #2"

See all our stories »

Give Us Your Input

Needs Assessment for the UHN Centre for Living Organ Donation

The UHN Centre for Living Organ Donation has one goal: to improve access to safe and appropriate living organ donation for donors and recipients. Please take a few moments to tell us what information or supports would be helpful to you.

Needs Assessment for the UHN Centre for Living Organ Donation

This is an anonymous survey. The information you provide will be used for planning purposes. If you wish to speak with one of our team members or join our mailing list, please email livingorgandonation@uhn.ca.

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