The summit will feature subject matter experts to educate the transplant community in critical areas.
From Aug. 2 through Aug. 7, the Mt. Laurel-based American Society of Transplantation (AST) will be taking its non-profit mission on the road to the Transplant Games of America in Salt Lake City.
There, the group will address more than 6,000 organ transplant recipients, living donors, caregivers and donor families about key issues in transplantation.
Officials say the society’s second annual Transplant Community Summit will be held during the games and will educate the transplant community on critical topics including current transplant research, advocacy and financial concerns.
The Transplant Community Summit will be held by the AST’s recently launched Power2Save initiative, which aims aims to offer reliable educational resources to the transplant community, share stories of hope and raise the much-needed funds for research.
According to AST officials, approximately 50 percent of all transplanted organs will experience failure within five to 10 years, typically due to organ rejection or complications from immunosuppressive drugs. Collectively, this impacts more than 250,000 Americans, and this figure increases daily with every new organ transplant. To eliminate this problem, more research is required. To date, there are more than 2,300 people in New Jersey waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
The Transplant Community Summit will feature subject matter experts to educate the transplant community in critical areas including:
- The Latest in Transplant Research: The AST will give an overview on the latest research in transplantation.
- Transplant Advocacy: Attendees will hear important transplant-related issues currently facing our government. They will also get trained on how to be an effective advocate.
- Healthy Living with a Transplant: The AST will discuss topics for eating and drinking, having pets, traveling, sports, gardening, routine health maintenance, and more.
- Preserving Your Sanity: Attendees will hear tips and tricks for recipients, caregivers, and donors.
- Financial Concerns When Living with a Transplant or Considering Donation: Healthcare costs, combined with time away from work, can become a major financial challenge. These planning tips, as well as information about transplant assistance programs, will help ensure your affairs are in order.
