Thank YOU!

This year, everyone at the National Foundation for Transplants is giving thanks to the wonderful transplant professionals we work with from day to day. Whether you are a social worker, financial coordinator, transplant coordinator, transplant surgeon or any other professional who works with transplant candidates and recipients-THANK YOU!

So many patients needing transplants are worried and unsure of the process. However, transplant professionals are dedicated to supporting patients every step of the way. We appreciate you and the work you do!

Celebrating 25 Years!

For more than 25 years, the National Foundation for Transplants has been helping transplant candidates and recipients raise funds for their transplant-related expenses. Last night we held our first annual open house, to celebrate of our 25th birthday!

In 1983, three women sat around the kitchen table to think of ways to help someone in need of an organ transplant. That first successful "campaign," led to the early days of NFT, which has now helped thousands of patients over the years. Keep checking back as we add photos of the NFT patients, board members and friends who attended our open house.

How Can NFT Help in the Transplant Fundraising Process?

Many don't know where to turn when they hear the astronomical costs for transplant surgery. At NFT, we help patients work with a group of volunteers to raise funds for their transplant-related expenses. Below are a few frequently asked questions that we hope to answer for those seeking fundraising experience.

1. What expenses will NFT cover?

NFT can help with transplant costs; hospital bills and deposits; doctors' appointments; pharmacy needs; caregiver expenses; insurance premiums; temporary mortgage assistance; travel, food and lodging expenses; co-pays; and more.

2. What if I don't know enough people to volunteer?

NFT can help find additional volunteer resources in your community, such as religious organizations, civic groups, community service organizations, fraternities and sororities.

3. When is the best time to fundraise?

Before your transplant it's easier to communicate the need, gather momentum and maintain enthusiasm among volunteers and donors. However, many campaigns continue to fundraise post-transplant, and others don't even begin until after transplant.

Former Teacher Receives Stem Cell Transplant

For 36 years, Mike George devoted his heart and soul to the lives of countless students during his career as a high school science teacher and principal.

Four years ago, Mike began experiencing pain in his joints and shortness of breath. Doctors diagnosed him with scleroderma, and his only hope was a stem cell transplant.

After Mike and his campaign volunteers began working with NFT, more than $60,000 was raised for Mike's transplant-related expenses. In March of this year, he received his lifesaving transplant and is recovering well at his home in New Jersey.

Can the Internet Help Your Fundraising Campaign?

Utilizing the numerous tools the Internet has to offer can really help your fundraising campaign! Below are a few ways your campaign can benefit from the Internet.

• Get the word out there. By creating a blog or Web site, you can reach a broader audience.


• Ask people for donations. Whether it is through an e-mail solicitation or an appeal on your Web site, simply explain your problem and ask people for help.


• Encourage people to visit NFT’s donation page and look for your personal campaign page. This allows supporters to donate directly online with a safe, secure process.


• Use your Web site to promote fundraising events, which could increase attendance and participation.

Transplant Recipient to Meet Bone Marrow Donor

In 1998, Susan Grant received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant. Without that transplant, Susan would not have had the opportunity for a second chance at life.

After being diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, doctors told Susan a bone marrow transplant was her only hope.

Although several candidates in the U.S. matched Susan on six different testing levels, each of the U.S. candidates refused to take the DNA component matching test, which forced Susan to begin an international search. Fortunately, a donor in England was a perfect match on all seven levels.

Ten years ago Peter Andrews, of Reading, England, offered Susan a second chance at life by donating his bone marrow. Since then, the two have kept in touch through letters and e-mails. For the first time since the transplant, Susan and Andrew will meet in person.

Peter and his wife will fly to Richmond, VA this weekend to attend a "birthday" celebration at a local church to commemorate Susan's transplant 10 years ago.

"Meeting Peter is a dream come true," said Susan. "I've kept a photo of Peter and his family on my mantel for years. When I look at it, I'm reminded that a complete stranger gave me back my life, and I'm grateful beyond words."