Support Groups & Programs
Support for Patients and Families
As an advocate for patients with renal failure and those who support them, the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division offer an extensive outreach program. Designed to meet a variety of specific needs, these groups provide ongoing education, counseling and support for patients of every age. This is a free public service. Please call in advance to confirm the schedule and your attendance.
Children’s Kidney Center Teen Night
Activities and outings are planned 4 times per year for patients ages 13 – 21. Teen night offers a space for patients and parents to connect outside of the medical environment and engage on a more personal level. Activities are catered to interests of the participants and the time of year. For more information about upcoming Teen Nights, please contact Lorena Zamarelli at 973-322-6769.
Parent 2 Parent Support Network
Discovering that your child has a chronic illness can be a difficult experience. The Children’s Kidney Center is beginning a program to connect parents of newly diagnosed Chronic Kidney Disease/Pre-Transplant patients with parents who have been through similar situations. Parent mentors will be available to offer emotional support, answer questions, and share resources. If you are interested in becoming a parent mentor, please contact Lorena Zamarelli at 973-322-6769.
Resources
The following organizations and associated web sites provide general information, frequently asked questions and patient testimonials about kidney transplantation:
- optn.transplant.hrsa.gov – The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN): The unified transplant network established by the United States Congress under the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) of 1984
- www.unos.org –United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS): The organization contracted to administer the OPTN. UNOS has also developed a website specifically for patients and families at www.transplantliving.org
- www.njsharingnetwork.org – The Sharing Network: The non-profit, federally certified organ procurement organization (OPO) An OPO is a program that acquires and coordinates placement of donated organs for patients on national transplant waiting lists.
- www.kidneyfund.org – American Kidney Fund (AKF)
- www.a-s-t.org – American Society of Transplantation
- www.kidney.org – National Kidney Foundation