2023: Working towards Better Outcomes for Lung Transplant Recipients

As we bid farewell to another year, it’s a moment of reflection and gratitude for all we’ve achieved together at the Lung Transplant Foundation. In 2023, our collective efforts and unwavering commitment have propelled us toward our shared goal of improving outcomes in lung transplant.

Here’s a brief wrap-up of some of the significant accomplishments and activities that defined our year:

Research Advancements in Lung Transplantation and Chronic Rejection

Through collaborative initiatives and partnerships, our community made significant strides in understanding and addressing challenges in lung transplantation and chronic rejection. We are optimistic about the forward and positive movement that is being made in clinical trials for a BOS therapeutic. 

Patient Advocacy for Lung Transplant Recipients

We continued to be a strong voice for patients and their families. Our advocacy efforts focused on raising awareness, promoting patient rights, and ensuring access to the best possible care for those undergoing lung transplants. The Lung Transplant Foundation spent three days in Washington DC advocating with our friends at Honor the Gift to ensure that noninvasive surveillance testing remains available and covered by Medicare for all transplant patients. 

Lung Transplant Community Outreach

Our engagement with the community reached new heights. From educational events to support groups, we worked tirelessly to connect with and empower individuals affected by lung transplantation. We continue to see our peer-to-peer mentorship program grow. We now have mentors available for individuals on any part of their transplant journey. We have added Spanish-speaking mentors to our program as we continue to grow our reach and meet our community where they are. Grief, caregiver, and chronic rejection specific mentors are available if you need a friendly ear to listen at any time. 

Lung Transplant Education and Access

After overwhelming feedback from our community on the need for lung transplant-specific educational materials, we continued our Transplant Talk series which provides us an hour each month to educate on topics that are specific to the unique needs of transplant patients and their families. We celebrated our 2^nd annual BOS Education Day on October 25^th. This year we hosted six sessions on topics that included noninvasive testing, clinical trial education, medication adherence, and a clinical overview of a BOS diagnosis. 

We are thrilled to unveil our new and improved Lung Transplant Foundation website! This is a result of our goal to enhancing the support we provide for the lung transplant community. Our dedicated team has worked diligently to create a user-friendly platform that not only offers a wealth of updated resources but also ensures seamless navigation for our visitors. With a focus on where you are on your transplant journey or support of a loved one who is, our new website is designed to empower patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with the information they need. We believe that this enhanced online space will serve as a valuable hub for the exchange of knowledge and support, ultimately contributing to better outcomes in lung transplant. Explore the new site and discover a wealth of resources at your fingertips.

Collaborative Partnerships

Building on our commitment to collaboration, we fostered meaningful partnerships with medical institutions, research organizations, and other stakeholders. These partnerships amplify our impact and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to lung transplant care. Our partnerships help us to keep up to date with the newest innovations in transplant and clinical trials while also ensuring Lung Transplant Foundation keeps the patient at the forefront of care and new therapeutics. 

As we celebrate these achievements, let’s also express our gratitude to each supporter, volunteer, donor, and partner who played a vital role in making this year a success. Your dedication is the driving force behind our mission, and together, we are making a difference in the lives of those affected by lung transplantation.

Looking ahead, let’s carry this momentum into the new year with renewed determination and passion. There is much work to be done, but with the strength of our community, we are confident that we can continue to make strides toward better outcomes in lung transplant.

We are wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with hope and continued progress.

Warm regards,
Amy Skiba
Executive Director
Lung Transplant Foundation