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Our Mission
Discover the Day After Foundation, where we are committed to providing hope, education, and support for those navigating the complexities of organ transplantation. Our mission is to spread and improve awareness of organ transplantation for transplant recipients, candidates, those with related concerns, caregivers, and families. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid, advocacy, and guidance, by becoming a pillar of support for both pre- and post-transplant life.
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Introduction to Organ Transplantation
Organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure that replaces a failing organ with a healthy one from a donor. The Day After Foundation informs and supports individuals and their loved ones (recipients, caregivers, families, and friends) about the various types of transplants, including heart, kidney, liver, lungs, and pancreas transplants. Each type of transplant presents unique challenges and recovery processes, and we're here to guide you with education and resources through every step of your journey.
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Featured Stories/Success Stories
We are grateful to share inspiring stories from transplant recipients, donors, and caregivers. These stories offer a glimpse into the courage, resilience, and hope that define the transplant journey. Discover how lives have been transformed and how each journey, while unique, is filled with shared experiences of recovery, growth, and renewed life.
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LIVER 21 months POST TRANSPLANT
At 49, my journey started as a challenging one. It began with a lifetime of mild alcohol use disorder.
"For Those Waiting for an Organ: Patience and Positivity: The wait can feel endless, but maintaining a positive outlook and staying patient can make a huge difference. Lean on your support system and take things one day at a time.
For Transplantees Resuming Their Journey: Embrace the New Chapter: You’ve been given a second chance at life. Embrace it fully, take care of your health, and cherish every moment. Your journey is a testament to your courage and determination.
For Everyone: You Are Not Alone: Whether you’re waiting, recovering, or supporting someone through this process, remember that you are not alone. Communities and resources are available to support you every step of the way.
Stay hopeful, stay strong, and keep moving forward. Your journey, though challenging, will be a powerful story of resilience and hope."
-Christy P.
Kidney & pancreas 2 years post transplant
Type 1 Diabetes & Chronic Kidney Disease
"No matter how it seems, you are not on this journey alone. So many people are invested in your health and well-being, and everyone wants to see you succeed. Keep going! Remain as healthy as you can both physically and mentally. Take your medications and go to your appointments but be sure to do the things that bring you joy. You have the right to feel whatever emotion you feel now. Cry when you need to cry and laugh when you need to laugh. The most important thing is to invest in yourself."
-Katie D.
Kidney 7 years post transplant | Pancreas 5 years post transplant
Mismanagement of Type 1 Diabetes
"The pre and post transplantation journey can be difficult. However, stay focused on the gift of life you have or will receive. Focus on the quality of life you seek as a candidate and the quality of life you now have as a recipient. Never give up hope, think positive because miracles do happen; I am living proof of that! "
-Candice S.
kidney 4 years POST TRANSPLANT
At the age of 35 I abruptly went into kidney failure. My only warning was that my feet swelled one day. I had a physical with normal lab results a year prior. Post foot-swelling, my labs were not good. An internal medicine doctor referred me to a nephrologist without explaining the dire time crunch I was under. I could not get in to see someone for 3 months. Two weeks after seeing someone I was rushed to the hospital to begin emergency dialysis.
"Please know that even though this life-changing, overwhelming trial has come to you, there is a God who sees you, knows what you are facing, understands your complicated feelings and fears, and is more than willing to walk with you through this in a very personal and special way. Cry out to Jesus with your whole heart, and he will make himself known in a way you will recognize. He will give you strength to face each day. Most times, he will just make you able to endure. Organ transplantation is not an easy life but it is a life where your autonomy and energy, and optimism for tomorrow are daily restored. It is a refreshing of balance and hope. Unexpected gifts and blessings of people, places, and things come through this new life. Peace to you always. "
-Candice B.
LIVER 5 years POST TRANSPLANT
Many years of alcohol use, which led to an addiction resulting in a diagnosis of cirrhosis.
"Facing transplant may be scary, but the support in the transplant community is immense! Getting a second chance to live, receiving the gift of life and being part of the miraculous process of transplantation brings a new outlook to our lives, the journey is so worth it!! "
-Nancy J.
LIVER 33 YEARS POST TRANSPLANT | Awaiting kidney less THAN A YEAR
In 2018 I caught a severe fungal infection in my lungs. I was on infusions for nearly three months. It killed the fungus but damaged my kidneys. Now I am on dialysis waiting for a kidney transplant at Emory.
"One dialysis treatment at a time. "
-Teri L. W.
Liver 8 Years post transplant
Hemochromatosis
"Never quit. Lean on mentors like me and others. Join the local transplant organizations. I am part of GTF as well as JTA. A fantastic group of people. Make sure that you have a committed and educated support team. I didn't and it wasn't pretty. This is not something that you want to do alone. Listen to the doctors and nurses. They are very good at what they do, and we are lucky to have them. Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything, even if to just talk. tcj993@live.com. All the best to each of you!"
-Thomas J.
3+ years Post Liver Transplant
Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer
"To those waiting for their organ, focus on the positive, not the negative. Easier said that done, I know. If there is blue sky, sit outside; if the birds chirp, chirp back; and if you are getting anxious about what you read on social media, take a break. Remember why you fight: your family, your pets, yourSELF.
You control how your illness affects you. Watch a new show, read a new book, if you are able, bake cookies. You decide how to spend your time, do something you enjoy. Your call will come and good or bad, you have spent your time with you, doing what you want, not stressing over something you read that may or may not be true. "
- Beth L.
