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Held by Faith, Carried by Grace: Simone’s Journey of Resilience
My name is Simone Whitehead. I am 54 years old and currently live in Miami, Florida, though my roots and …
Knowledgeable, well-supported recipients and caregivers are better able to handle challenges along the transplant journey. Well-supported lung transplant recipients and caregivers may improve overall compliance and success.
We are a trusted resource; we offer guidance to patients and caregivers from transplant centers across the country. Sometimes, we are the exclusive provider of peer-to-peer support for lung transplant centers. We work to match mentors with transplant patients by things they have in common, such as disease, age, and transplant center.
Connecting with someone who has experienced what you are going through.
Gaining insight about the transplant process and how best to be successful.
Providing support for those experiencing BOS or chronic rejection.
Is the only national lung transplant mentorship program created and administered by recipients and caregivers
Is a free service providing one-on-one communication between people living successfully after transplant and those who are new or adjusting to the transplant world
Offers volunteer mentors who are recipients and caregivers
Matches mentors and mentees by commonalities
Maintains strict confidentiality
Are transplant recipients and caregivers who have the desire to help others through their transplant process
Receive training on listening and mentoring skills
Support and guide other recipients and caregivers
Offer a voice of reason and comfort
Are willing to share their experiences compassionately from the point of view of either a recipient or caregiver
Provide a bridge from uncertainty and fear to knowledge and empowerment
Share their experiences, but never give medical advice
Our Mentorship Program Manager
Janice Sutton joined the Lung Transplant Foundation as the Program Manager for the Mentorship Program in 2018. She is responsible for coordinating the development, implementation, and evaluation of Mentorship activities designed to support members of the lung transplant community.
My mentor has been a great sounding board for questions and for proactively sharing information that I should be asking about. She has helped me see a future after transplant.
My name is Simone Whitehead. I am 54 years old and currently live in Miami, Florida, though my roots and …
A Sudden Shift: From Health to Sarcoidosis If you had told me six years ago that I would have a …
A Testimonial by a Mentee in the Lung Transplant Foundation Mentorship Program In October of 2025 my wife Doris and …
The Lung Transplant Foundation Mentorship Program is named in honor of Joseph (Joe) J. Carter, a well-respected attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Joe envisioned this type of Mentorship program and hoped for the development of new procedures that would better ensure transplant success.
Joe died at age 38 from congenital lung failure before being listed for a transplant, leaving behind his son, Zachary, and his wife, Shari, who was pregnant with their second child. Shari, Zachary, and Aiden, who was born two months after Joe’s death, are supporting the Mentorship Program.
Joseph J. Carter remained true to his character even when he was struggling with serious medical issues and difficulty breathing. He never complained and never lost his sense of humor or love of life. Joe would go out of his way to help anyone. He searched for a program like this in his time of need. He would be honored to be a part of something that will help so many others. This program is a beautiful tribute to a life lost way too soon.
Creating a world where all lung transplant patients live long, healthy lives.
1249 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 323
Cary, NC 27511
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