When you have had a transplant, and start to feel better, you may be interested in getting more involved in your community. There are many ways to get to know people and be more active in your own community or the transplant community.
Networking
Other teens have told us it has helped them a lot to talk to a close friend or others their age who have had a transplant.
Many teens with a transplant who have met at camp or in the hospital continue to keep in touch by email, text or on social media. They say it is nice to have someone to talk to who understands them.
Look for some opportunities to meet other kids your age with or without a transplant. Here are some ideas.
- Go to camp – either a transplant camp or another camp you are interested in. Talk to your healthcare team about camp opportunities in your area or find out how transplant camps work from this blog.
- Join the Canadian Transplant Association and consider taking part in the World Transplant Games.
- Speak to other kids your age when you are in the waiting room at clinic. Don’t be afraid to make the first move – they are probably bored from waiting and would welcome a chance to talk.
- Find a weekend job – it’s a great way to meet new people!
- Ask your transplant nurse to introduce you to another teen who has had a transplant.
Role-modelling and mentoring for younger teens
It can sometimes help you to help someone else. If you are an older teen, you might feel there are things that you know now that you would have liked to know before you had your transplant. If so, you can help others by supporting another teen who has just been told they need a transplant.
You can do this by giving your name to your nurse or social worker at the hospital. Another way is to write your own story or to start a blog. You may not be an expert in all things related to transplants, but you are an expert in your own experience. Your story is interesting and may help other teens.
Volunteering
Being a volunteer can be a very rewarding experience. Helping others can contribute to your own personal development and boost your self-esteem. Many organizations rely on volunteers and can offer many different opportunities. You are sure to find one that fits your interest and skill level.
Why not go online to look up one of these organizations – or any others that interest you – and find out what type of volunteers they need.
- Canadian Transplant Association
- Kidney Foundation of Canada
- Heart and Stroke Foundation
- Liver Foundation
- Lung Foundation
- Trillium Gift of Life Network
- The Hospital for Sick Children (if you are a current patient you must wait five years until you can volunteer, but you can still do a co-op experience or help with special events in the meantime)
- Your local hospital
- The hospital you will now be going to as a young adult with a transplant.
