Donor Champion Program
Finding Your Living Donor Starts with a Conversation
What is the Donor Champion Program?
A Community-Based Workshop for Transplant Patients
Living donation is often the best path to transplant, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. The Donor Champion Program is a free, 90-minute virtual workshop that helps transplant candidates build confidence, overcome the fear of asking, and learn practical ways to share their need for a living donor. Led by people who have been there, the workshop offers guidance and encouragement to help participants take the next step in their living donor search.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Share Your Story with Confidence
Learn practical ways to talk about your transplant journey with family, friends, and your community.
Reduce the Fear of Asking
Explore common concerns and barriers that often prevent people from reaching out for support.
Build a Stronger Support Network
Discover ways others can help raise awareness and support your search for a living donor.
WHEN YOU JOIN THE PROGRAM
Here's What You Can Expect
90-Minute Interactive Zoom Session
Participants will:
• Learn from people with first-hand transplant experience
• Explore strategies for sharing their story
• Discuss common challenges and fears
• Gain practical tools to engage their support network
• Leave with actionable next steps
Who ShouldAttend?
This program is helpful if you are:
• Waiting for a kidney or liver transplant
• Interested in learning more about living donation
• Unsure how to talk about your need for a donor
• Looking for ways to engage family and friends
• Ready to take a more active role in your transplant journey
UpcomingSessions
November 3, 2026
Virtual via Zoom Session
December 2. 2026
Virtual via Zoom Session
Frequently AskedQuestions
Is there a cost to attend?
No, the program is offered at no cost.
Is the workshop virtual?
Yes, sessions are held online via Zoom.
Do I need to have a donor identified?
No. The workshop is designed for individuals exploring living donation and looking for guidance on where to start.
Can a family member attend?
Yes, support people are welcome.
Join Us
Ready to Take the First Step?
Finding a living donor can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Complete the form to the right to register for an upcoming session for FREE, or call 312.695.0828.
The Donor Champion Progam Is
Proudly Brought to You By
Northwestern Medicine Organ Transplant Center
Northwestern Medicine is a leader in living kidney donor transplants in the country and has a highly successful kidney paired donation program. To date, the transplant team has performed more than 2,500 living kidney transplants at a rate of over 100 per year.
Transplant Village
Transplant Village is a group made up of organ recipients, donors and their families. They are united in their mission to support the future of organ transplantation at Northwestern Medicine while connecting and supporting the transplant community.
Living Kidney Donors Network (LKDN)
The organization's purpose is to share knowledge and build confidence to enable the life changing benefits of living donation. Harvey Mysel established the LKDN after recognizing the need for better resources while pursuing a successful living kidney transplant in 2006.