Episodes

  • A Second Chance for Love: Emma’s Determination to Donate a Kidney at 79 | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts

    A Second Chance for Love: Emma’s Determination to Donate a Kidney at 79 | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts
    Mar 19 2026

    Emma didn’t see herself as brave — she simply saw a problem and knew she could help.


    At 79 years old, Emma became a living kidney donor for her husband after he began dialysis. But the path to donation wasn’t straightforward. After initially being turned away during her first evaluation due to concerns about blood sugar levels, Emma refused to give up. She advocated for herself, gathered medical evidence from her family doctor, and wrote a heartfelt letter asking for a second chance to be assessed.


    That persistence led her to the Toronto General Hospital Living Donor Program, where she was ultimately approved to donate.


    In this episode, Emma shares the deeply personal journey of advocating for herself, navigating the evaluation process, and donating a kidney to the person she has spent her life with. She reflects on why she never felt fear about the surgery, how dialysis affected their lives together, and why she believes more people should consider living donation — regardless of age.


    Now recovering just weeks after surgery, Emma is already looking ahead to what matters most: more time together, traveling again, and enjoying the life they’ve built side by side.


    Her message is simple but powerful: if you are healthy and willing to help, one kidney can change someone’s life.


    Links and Resources

    Learn more about living organ donation: www.livingorgandonation.ca

    Living Kidney & Liver Donation at UHN: UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre

    Information Sessions for potential donors: givelifeuhn.eventbrite.ca

    Becoming a living donor: https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Pages/become_living_donor.aspx

    Kidney Foundation of Canada – Living Donation https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Be-a-Living-Donor

    Trillium Gift of Life Network – Organ Donation in Ontario

    https://www.giftoflife.on.ca


    Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.


    About our Host

    Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.


    Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.


    The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
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    30 mins
  • International Women’s Day: Dr. Irene Kim on Motherhood, Mentorship & Transplant Leadership

    International Women’s Day: Dr. Irene Kim on Motherhood, Mentorship & Transplant Leadership
    Mar 8 2026

    In this special International Women’s Day bonus episode of the Living Transplant Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Irene Kim — abdominal transplant surgeon, Director of the Transplant Center at Cedars-Sinai, and the Esther and Mark Schulman Endowed Chair in Transplant Medicine.


    Beyond her many titles, Dr. Kim is also a mentor, a leader, and a mother. In this thoughtful and deeply human conversation, she reflects on the realities of balancing a demanding surgical career with family life, the mentors who shaped her journey in transplant medicine, and the lessons that come with leadership.

    Dr. Kim shares why motherhood has been one of the most humbling roles in her life, how strong support systems make success possible, and why mentorship doesn’t have to be gendered. She also opens up about how personal experiences with illness can reshape the way physicians connect with their patients.


    The episode closes with a powerful reflection inspired by author J.D. Salinger — a reminder that in a world constantly pushing us to do more and be more, sometimes the most meaningful realization is simply knowing when we already have enough.

    In honour of International Women’s Day, this conversation celebrates the women leading, caring, mentoring, and shaping the future of medicine and our communities.


    Links and Resources


    Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: https://www.cedars-sinai.org

    J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye: https://www.amazon.com/Catcher-Rye-J-D-Salinger/dp/0316769487

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-kim

    International Women’s Day: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

    UHN Women: https://www.uhn.ca/corporate/AboutUHN/UHNWomen


    Learn more about living organ donation: www.livingorgandonation.ca

    Living Kidney & Liver Donation at UHN: UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre

    Information Sessions for potential donors: givelifeuhn.eventbrite.ca



    Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.


    About our Host

    Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.


    Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.


    The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
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    17 mins
  • Between Giving and Receiving: Behind the Scene of Kidney Donation with a Kidney Donor Coordinator

    Between Giving and Receiving: Behind the Scene of Kidney Donation with a Kidney Donor Coordinator
    Mar 5 2026

    What really happens when someone decides to become a living kidney donor?


    In this episode of Living Transplant, Candice sits down with UHN living donor kidney coordinator Melinda Skadorwa to unpack the full donor journey — from the first health questionnaire to surgery day and beyond. Melinda shares how she found her way into transplant nursing, what a typical (and often unpredictable) day looks like, and the most common fears and misconceptions she hears from potential donors. The conversation explores the emotional and logistical realities of donation, including financial barriers, white coat anxiety, and the importance of strong support systems. Listeners will also learn how innovative programs like Kidney Paired Donation and List Exchange are helping more Canadians receive life-saving transplants — even when donors and recipients aren’t compatible. Whether you’re considering donation, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how living donation works, this episode offers an honest and compassionate look behind the scenes.


    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • How Melinda’s path led her into transplant care
    • What living donor coordinators actually do
    • Step-by-step overview of the living donor evaluation process
    • Common myths and fears about kidney donation
    • Life after donation: recovery and long-term outlook
    • How Kidney Paired Donation expands transplant access across Canada
    • The unique impact of non-directed (anonymous) donors
    • Barriers donors may face — including financial and system challenges
    • Emotional supports available for living donors
    • Advice for anyone thinking about becoming a donor


    Links and Resources

    Learn more about living organ donation: www.livingorgandonation.ca

    Living Kidney Donation at UHN: UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre

    Kidney Paired Donation Program: Kidney Paired Donation Program

    Financial Support for Living Donors: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/financial-support-for-living-organ-donors-tickets-60824861799?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

    Information about Becoming a Living Kidney Donor: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/information-for-potential-living-kidney-donors-tickets-62066475499?aff=ebdsoporgprofile


    Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.


    About our Host

    Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.


    Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.


    The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
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    37 mins
  • One Liver for Life: Pediatric Liver Transplants | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts

    One Liver for Life: Pediatric Liver Transplants | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts
    Feb 19 2026
    In this episode of the Living Transplant Podcast, host Candice Coghlan speaks with Dr. Blayne Sayed, transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon at SickKids and UHN, about the complexity and emotional depth of pediatric liver transplantation. Dr. Sayed shares what makes children’s liver surgery uniquely challenging, how families navigate the transplant journey, and why long-term relationships between care teams and families matter so deeply.They explore the powerful role of living liver donation, advances in transplant science and immune research, and emerging technologies like organ perfusion that may improve outcomes and expand the donor pool. Dr. Sayed also discusses the future of transplant care — including reducing immunosuppression, protecting organs from injury, and building stronger transition supports for children growing into adult care.Did you know that when a child needs a liver donor, both donor evaluation and surgery take place at UHN — a powerful reflection of our strong partnership in pediatric living donor transplantation.Key TakeawaysPediatric liver transplantation involves highly complex, technically demanding surgery on very small patients.Families often face a long and emotionally intense journey from diagnosis to transplant.Living liver donation is a critical lifeline for children and helps reduce wait times and risk.Strong collaboration between SickKids and UHN supports seamless donor evaluation and surgery.Long-term relationships between transplant teams and families are central to pediatric care.Research into liver injury and immune response may help reduce rejection and improve long-term outcomes.New organ perfusion technologies could allow organs to be treated and optimized before transplant.Some liver transplant recipients may eventually be able to safely minimize or stop immunosuppression.Better transition programs are needed to support teens moving from pediatric to adult transplant care.Innovation in transplant science is accelerating and holds real promise for children.Connect with the Podcast or Learn more about Organ DonationClick here for more information about living organ donation.Click here to learn more about liver transplantationClick here to hear stories about living organ donors and recipientsClick here to learn more about Sick Kids liver transplant programCentre for Living Organ Donation on InstagramAjmera Transplant Centre on InstagramEach episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.About our HostCandice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
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    47 mins
  • A Toddler Transplant: How Daddy's Liver Saved Camilla's Life | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts

    A Toddler Transplant: How Daddy's Liver Saved Camilla's Life | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts
    Feb 5 2026

    In this heartwarming episode of the Living Transplant podcast, we welcome Bianca and Joseph to share the incredible journey of their daughter, Camilla. Initially born healthy, Camilla’s persistent jaundice led to a life-changing diagnosis of biliary atresia at just four weeks old. After a failed Kasai procedure, the family was thrust into survival mode at SickKids Hospital, facing the terrifying reality that their infant daughter needed a liver transplant to survive. Joseph recounts the emotional process of becoming his daughter’s living donor, transforming a time of immense fear into a story of profound sacrifice and paternal love.

    

    The couple opens up about the unique challenge of having two family members in surgery simultaneously and the unforgettable relief of their reunification during recovery. Now nearly three years post-transplant, Camilla is a thriving toddler, hitting every milestone. Bianca discusses how they navigate “mom guilt,” the importance of normalizing Camilla’s transplant scar, and the vital role of the “poop chart” in early diagnosis. Their story is a testament to the resilience of families, the power of advocacy, and the miracle of organ donation.


    Connect with the Podcast or Learn more about Organ Donation

    Click here for more information about living organ donation.

    Click here for more information about living kidney transplantation.

    Click here for more information about Polycystic Kidney Disease.

    Ajmera Transplant Centre on Instagram


    Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.


    About our Host

    Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.


    Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.


    The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
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    54 mins
  • Reimagining Healthcare: Advocacy, Equity, and Dignity with Kamika Sylvester, RN | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts

    Reimagining Healthcare: Advocacy, Equity, and Dignity with Kamika Sylvester, RN | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts
    Jan 22 2026

    In this powerful episode of The Living Transplant Podcast, host Candice Coghlan is joined by Kamika Sylvester, RN — nurse, patient advocate, nonprofit founder, and tech entrepreneur — for a deeply honest conversation about racism in healthcare, patient advocacy, and reimagining what truly equitable care can look like. Kamika shares her journey as a patient first, navigating a life-altering diagnosis at just 18 years old, and how that experience shaped her path into nursing, advocacy, and systems change. Together, Candice and Kamika unpack why mistrust exists in healthcare for many racialized communities, how bias and burnout impact both patients and providers, and why dignity and listening must be at the centre of care.


    Listeners will also learn Kamika’s practical ABCDs of Advocacy, a simple but powerful framework to help patients and families navigate complex healthcare systems with confidence:


    A – Adjust your attitude

    B – Bring backup

    C – Have concise conversations

    D – Keep detailed documentation


    The conversation also explores:

    • Why representation in healthcare teams matters for patient outcomes
    • How burnout affects healthcare providers — especially those from racialized communities
    • What real cultural safety looks like beyond “checkbox” training
    • How healthcare leaders, providers, and allies can use their privilege to create meaningful change
    • What a truly inclusive, reimagined healthcare system could look like
    • This episode is essential listening for patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone committed to building a more just, compassionate, and equitable healthcare system.


    Links

    Centre for Living Organ Donation

    Ajmera Transplant Centre

    Code Melanin – Supporting Black, Indigenous, and racialized healthcare professionals and addressing burnout

    The Black Birth Project – Advancing equity in maternal and birth outcomes

    Green Table Talk (ACB Organ Health Committee) – Community conversations on organ health and equity


    Each episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.


    About our Host

    Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.


    Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.


    The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
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    53 mins
  • “I See You”: Indigenous Kidney Health, Cultural Safety, and Reimagining Care | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts

    “I See You”: Indigenous Kidney Health, Cultural Safety, and Reimagining Care | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts
    Jan 8 2026
    In this powerful episode of The Living Transplant Podcast, host Candice Coghlan is joined by Crystal Hardy, a First Nations patient, researcher, and advocate whose lived experience with dialysis and kidney transplantation deeply informs her work in Indigenous kidney health.Crystal shares her journey through kidney failure, dialysis, and transplant — not just as a patient navigating a complex healthcare system, but as a researcher working to transform it. She reflects on the moment she realized that life on dialysis could still be full of purpose, the importance of feeling seen within healthcare, and how cultural safety, trust, and community connection directly impact health outcomes.Together, Candice and Crystal explore the systemic barriers First Nations patients face, including geographic isolation, under-referral for transplant, cultural mismatch in care, and inadequate navigation and relocation supports. Crystal introduces the Indigenous Kidney Health Project, explaining how Indigenous storywork and the Two-Eyed Seeing framework are being used to identify gaps in kidney care and reimagine more equitable, culturally congruent systems.This episode is a moving, insightful conversation about advocacy, food sovereignty, patient partnership, and hope — and a reminder that kidney care must meet people where they are, honour who they are, and listen to the stories they carry.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Crystal’s lived experience as a dialysis and transplant patient shaped her research and advocacyWhy feeling seen and heard is foundational to culturally safe kidney careThe real-world barriers First Nations patients face when accessing dialysis and transplantationWhy Indigenous patients are referred for transplant significantly less often — and what needs to changeWhat the Indigenous Kidney Health Project is and why patient voices lead the workHow Two-Eyed Seeing blends Indigenous knowledge with biomedical researchThe role of food sovereignty and traditional foods in kidney healthWhy connection, purpose, and peer support are essential on the kidney journeyHow healthcare systems can move from “cultural training” to truly individualized, respectful careKey TakeawaysKidney disease is a lifelong journey — transplantation is not a cure, but a transitionCultural safety is not a checklist; it is built through trust, listening, and relationshipsGeography and relocation create profound inequities in access to kidney careIndigenous patients must be partners and leaders in research about their careFood, culture, language, and community are inseparable from health outcomesPurpose and peer connection can be life-sustaining during dialysis and transplant journeysSystemic change is possible — and already beginning — when patients are centeredNotable Quotes“I was my own best case study.”“I see you.”“You can’t reform the system if you don’t know what people are actually living through.”“Transplant isn’t a cure — it’s a different way of living with care.”About the GuestCrystal N. Hardy is a First Nations kidney patient, researcher, and advocate whose work focuses on Indigenous kidney health, cultural safety, and equitable access to transplantation. Drawing from her own experiences with dialysis and transplant, Crystal leads research that centers Indigenous voices, storywork, and patient partnership to address systemic gaps in kidney care.If you are a First Nations patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider interested in supporting or participating in the Indigenous Kidney Health Project, Crystal welcomes connection, please reach out to cnhardy@lakeheadu.ca About the HostCandice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a kidney transplant recipient and board member of the National Kidney Foundation. Diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, Candice spent time on dialysis before receiving a living donor kidney transplant from her mother.Resources & LinksLearn more about living organ donation: www.livingorgandonation.caLiving Kidney Donation at UHN: UHN Ajmera Transplant CentreLiving with Kidney Disease Thunder Bay Event Recording: Living with Kidney DiseaseCrystal Hardy Story 1:49:56CanSOLVE CKD Indigenous People’s Engagement & Research CouncilGet In TouchHave questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode?Email the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.caDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General Hospital or the University Health Network.
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    44 mins
  • Amy's Reflections from the First 25 Years of a Kidney Transplant Journey | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts

    Amy's Reflections from the First 25 Years of a Kidney Transplant Journey | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts
    Dec 18 2025
    In this episode of the Living Transplant podcast, host Candice Coghlan turns the microphone on the show’s very own producer, Amy Schluter. Amy is a podcast host and producer, an entrepreneur, a mom of three and now a 25-year kidney transplant recipient. As we celebrate this incredible milestone of twenty-five years since her kidney transplant, Amy joins Candice for a heartfelt, funny, and deeply honest conversation about her unexpected diagnosis at 25, the life-changing gift from her sister, and what it’s like to build a full, vibrant life in the decades that follow. It’s a journey defined by resilience, creativity, and the joy of living life to the fullest.A transplant isn’t a cure, but there have been significant advances over the last 25 years. Amy takes us back to the year 2000, discussing the technological landscape of transplantation at the time and how laparoscopic surgery was a groundbreaking procedure for her donor, her sister Kelly. Candice and Amy discuss the evolution of transplant care, from the early days of "Timex watch" medication reminders to the modern era of health tech.Listeners will hear inspiring stories about Amy’s high-risk pregnancy with twins, the messy, emotional realities of recovery, including a memorable blender explosion and her hopes for the future, from organ cloning dreams to simply staying healthy to watch her kids grow. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, newly transplanted, or decades into your journey, a caregiver or a medical professional, this conversation offers inspiration, humour, and a unique perspective drawn from decades of lived transplant experience. It’s a powerful testament to the longevity and quality of life possible after transplantation.Key Takeaways:The 25-Year Milestone: Amy reflects on living longer with her transplant than without it.Pregnancy and Twins: A look at the rare and high-risk journey of carrying twins as a transplant recipient and the medical curiosity it sparked at St. Michael's Hospital.Technological Advancements: How transplant surgery and aftercare have evolved over the last two decades.Balancing Act: Insights on managing a career as a serial entrepreneur and podcast producer while prioritizing health and family.Mental Resilience: Overcoming the trauma of diagnosis and the importance of community support.Links and ResourcesChef Over Your Shoulder PodcastBespoke ProductionsKidney Foundation Peer SupportPregnancy & Kidney DiseaseTransplant Pregnancy RegistryConnect with the Podcast or Learn more about Organ DonationClick here for more information about living organ donation.Click here for more information about living kidney transplantation. Centre for Living Organ Donation on InstagramAjmera Transplant Centre on InstagramEach episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.About our HostCandice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.
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    40 mins