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Living Transplant: Patient Stories | Organ Donation | Medical Experts

Living Transplant: Patient Stories | Organ Donation | Medical Experts

Written by: Living Transplant: Patient Stories | Organ Donation | Medical Experts with Candice Coghlan. Supported by the Ajmera Transplant Centre Toronto General Hospital UHN
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 Living Transplant: Patient Stories | Organ Donation | Medical Experts is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes at the transplant program at Toronto General Hospital with the goal to educate, inspire and fuel your passion about transplant, with your host, Candice Coghlan, an Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre and a kidney transplant recipient.669196 Biological Sciences Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science
Episodes
  • “I See You”: Indigenous Kidney Health, Cultural Safety, and Reimagining Care

    “I See You”: Indigenous Kidney Health, Cultural Safety, and Reimagining Care
    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
  • Fifty Years of Kidney Transplantation: Nephrologist Dr. Cole's Perspective on Revolutions in Renal Care | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts

    Fifty Years of Kidney Transplantation: Nephrologist Dr. Cole's Perspective on Revolutions in Renal Care | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode of the Living Transplant podcast, Dr. Edward Cole shares his extensive experience in nephrology and kidney transplantation. With a career spanning over fifty years at the University Health Network, Dr. Cole has witnessed the trajectory of transplant medicine from its infancy to its advacned state today. He reflects on the future of nephrology, including potential innovations in transplantation and the significance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.


    In This Episode, We Cover:

    • The Early Days: What transplant medicine looked like in 1975 versus today.
    • The Game Changers: How drugs like Cyclosporine revolutionized survival rates.
    • The Science of Matching: Understanding HLA antigens and the breakthrough of the Paired Donation Program.
    • Future Horizons: Xenotransplantation and the dream of eliminating anti-rejection medication.
    • Hard Truths: Dr. Cole’s candid advice on patient advocacy and the realities of a medical career.


    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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    36 mins
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