There were 353 transplants done at the University of Alberta hospital in 2018, the last year for which figures are available. The medical centre serves the western provinces and territories, and the islet diabetes program handles patients from all 10 provinces.

For a patient to be considered for a transplant he/she must be accompanied by a caregiver, usually a family member. On average, a transplant patient and caregiver spend 3 months at the hospital. Most of that time is post transplant as the patient undergoes physical therapy and medical checkups.

The transplant housing program, in collaboration with the GoodHearts Foundation, provides 6 furnished suites near the U of A Hospital. The suites are available for nominal rent to transplant patients being treated at the University of Alberta Hospital. These apartments provide housing for a minimum of 24 couples per year.

Thus far, 2nd Chance Trail Ride Society has supported over 50 families since with a safe, secure, and comfortable home to stay in while a family member is undergoing a life saving transplant procedure. The 2nd CTR has donated $215,000 to GoodHearts to operate these apartments. 

Supporters of this society make and donate handmade quilts to transplant recipients staying in these apartments.

This program consists of living proof that organ and tissue donation works. The founding members and some of the general membership are made up of organ and/or tissue transplant recipients. From finding out a transplant is required, to being on a waiting list, to preparing for the transplant, to getting the call, to receiving the transplant, to transplant rejection, to maintaining the transplant, our members share their experiences. The University of Alberta’s Transplant Teams and the HOPE Program work closely with our mentors to find the best fit of patient with mentor.

This program also includes family members who provided support for the patient while going though a 2nd Chance at life journey.

Members of the Society available for mentorship include:

• 5 Lung recipients
• 1 Heart recipient
• 1 Kidney recipient from cadaver
• 1 Kidney recipient from living donor
• 1 Liver recipient
• 2 Tissue recipients
• 2 Stem cell recipients
• 1 Cornea recipient
  

We have been touched by transplant, and we can help you through your transplant journey.

Our members are able to mentor transplant recipients through their own experience and knowledge having received a transplant. Please Contact us for more information on the mentorship program. From learning how to track questions during your initial medical visits, understand the terminology, the importance of pre- and post-transplant care, and how to feel at ease with the gift received.

We can connect you to a Mentor, a volunteer who has received a transplant, cared for a family member or friend, a living donor, or the member of a donor family. Transplant Mentors and Volunteers understand the challenges and the learnings, and they too had mentors to help them through their transplant journey.

We do not offer medical advice, but we encourage patients to be their own best advocate, we can also help you navigate within your hospital program. Contact us if you require assistance with mentorship, post-surgery temporary housing or financial support. We understand and we are here to help you through your transplant journey.

This program consists of members of the society presenting their experiences before, during, and post transplant surgery. Members of the society have brought awareness to organ and tissue donation at the following public events:

• Alberta Registry’s offices throughout Alberta during National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (NOTDAW)
• The Association of Alberta Registry Agents annual conference.
• Elementary Public Schools
• Rural Women’s Conference
• Edmonton General Hospital
• Global Edmonton News, Newscap TV, Lakeland Connect and many other media outlets
• Lung Association – Stair Climb for Clean Air

This program was initially aimed at reaching rural Albertans through highway billboard signs to educate the necessity to speak to one’s family and register one’s intent to become an organ and/or tissue donor through the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry. It has been broadened to include signs placed in hockey arenas, curling rinks, rodeo arenas and most recently in the equestrian arenas. Over 100 signs have been placed throughout Rural Alberta. Contact us to add an awareness sign to your building or organization! 

A few years ago 2nd Chance Trail Ride Society teamed up with the Canadian Transplant Association and signs were placed in hockey arenas throughout Edmonton and region.

The word (register your intent to donate) has also been spread by transport trucks commuting across Western Canada. B&R Eckles Transport placed decals on semi-trucks in support of organ and tissue donation.

World Professional Chuckwagon Driver, Doug Irvine, hands out t-shirts and brochures promoting awareness at major provincial rodeos such at the Calgary Stampede throughout the summer months. Educational and awareness messaging has been heavily targeted through social media; Facebook and Twitter.

This event is held to promote living proof that organ and tissue donation works. This event is held annually on the 2nd week of August. Up to 100 participants including golfers and volunteers. This tournament is in recognition to those who have gone through the transplant process and are living proof that organ and tissue donation works.

This event is held to promote organ and tissue donation. The event occurs annually on the second weekend of May. It welcomes horse and riders and wagon drivers and takes place on the Iron Horse Trail from Lindbergh to Elk Point (14km). Participants ride in memory of or for a loved one on the organ and tissue transplant list. The ride consists of up to 350 participants annually and is for all ages. Wagons are provided for delegates that want to participate but do not have their own horse. These delegates have been ambassadors of organ and tissue donation and often follow up with a presentation at the gala.

The gala includes dinner, speakers, live and silent auction, and dance to follow. Participants for the gala is at capacity every year; sold out. Speakers who have been part of the gala in past include, doctors of the University of Alberta Transplant Teams, members of the Human Organ Procurement and Exchange Program, GoodHearts Foundation, Canadian Transplant Association, family members of love ones lost and have donated their organs and tissue; including Bernadine and Toby Boulet.

This New Year’s Event event is your opportunity to celebrate in style while making a difference. The dress code encourages formal or semi-formal attire with a splash of green to reflect the festive spirit of the evening.