PHOENIX – July 11, 2022 – TransplantStrong, a patient engagement platform for proactive kidney patients, is pleased to unveil its “Donor Seeker” app available for free download in the Apple App Store. Created as a mobile extension to the online Donor-Seeker® Program, this fast-tracked app teaches kidney disease patients how to amplify their search for a living donor.
The Donor-Seeker’s four-part video series can be viewed in less than 15 minutes in both English and Spanish. Users can access the resource section to download a course completion certificate, other forms, and links to additional support materials.
“In our nation alone, over 97,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant, and the wait to get a kidney from a deceased organ donor can take five to 10 years. The lion’s share is waiting on dialysis, tethered to demanding routines that pose additional health risks and concerns,” says Risa Simon, president of Simon Says Seminars, Inc.
“While the key is to find a living kidney donor who can end their wait, willing volunteers must pass astronaut-like health tests to become suitable candidates for living donation.” Simon adds, “Because of this, patients are encouraged to attract several potential donors—not just one.”
Simon knows what it takes to find a suitable donor. Her relentless efforts attracted five committed donors over the course of two years. For various reasons, however, they were all disqualified. Fortunately, a sixth volunteer appeared and was approved to move forward. Following their successful surgeries, Simon was faced with an important decision. She could either ignore information voids that disadvantaged transplant access or create learning platforms to fill those gaps. She chose the latter.
The Donor-Seeker® program was created to increase need awareness by inspiring natural conversations about living kidney donation. Simon states, “Our story-sharing examples were crafted to build communication confidence, listener curiosity, and social media shares. Best case scenario, interested individuals display a genuine desire to make a difference.”
To date, more than 170,000 people have donated one of their kidneys to someone in need. One in four donors are not biologically related to their recipient, and some are altruistic strangers. Simon says, “The value of enlisting family and friends to help the patient expand need awareness, beyond their inner circle, can be tremendously rewarding.”
Several transplant centers are now introducing their patients to the Donor-Seeker® program through a no-fee partnership. Large dialysis groups are also interested in referring their patients to this fast-track platform, to increase transplant opportunities that support better outcomes.
“UC Davis Kidney Transplant Program links patients directly to TransplantStrong’s Donor-Seeker Program to help them normalize the conversation about finding a living donor,” says Melissa Bein, MS, RN, and Executive Director, UC Davis Transplant Center. “The program provides practical tools for patients to approach the topic with more confidence and ease. Most important, the program provides a pathway to action for patients and families. It’s working!”
“We’re honored to offer the Donor-Seeker® program to those who could benefit from a live-donor transplant,” Simon added. “We’re equally excited about the launch of our new app, as it’s bringing patients who typically learn from their mobile devices into the mix.”
For more information, visit www.transplantstrong.com or download the app on the Apple App Store. Watch for the Android version of the Donor-Seeker® app coming soon.
Email Risa Simon directly at Risa@TransplantStrong.com if your organization is interested in leveraging their patient engagement activities through branded sponsorships.
About TransplantStrong
TransplantStrong’s patient engagement platforms were created by patients for patients. Its mission-based vision continues to be a guiding light for proactively empowering patients to use their voice to advocate for better outcomes.
Media Contact:
Risa Simon, President, Simon Says Seminars, Inc.
Founder, TransplantFirst Academy | TransplantStrong
Risa@TransplantStrong.com
480.575.9353
Media Contact
Company Name: TransplantStrong
Contact Person: Risa Simon, President, Simon Says Seminars, Inc.
Email: Send Email
Phone: 480.575.9353
Country: United States
Website: https://transplantstrong.com/finding-kidney-donors-donor-seeker-program/