On February 26, the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) hosted an informative conference for Macon-area organ transplant candidates, recipients, living donors and family members impacted by transplantation. The conference was held at the Peyton Anderson Health Education Center at the Medical Center of Central Georgia.

The Macon "Trends in Transplant" conference drew a crowd of 75 candidates and recipients, who benefited from medical updates by physicians and other professionals and information about GTF programs and services. Two local television stations were on hand to film the event and to interview some of the attendees.

There are approximately 143 people waiting for an organ transplant and 172 recipients of a transplant in the Macon area. In 2004, GTF was able to assist 79 Macon-area residents with our financial assistance and JobLink programs. Statewide, there are over 1,600 people waiting for organ transplants while more than 4,000 are living successfully with a transplant.

Transplantation is not a cure but rather a treatment, and its financial and psychosocial effects continue for life. Post-transplant medication costs alone range from $25,000 to $30,000 annually. The Georgia Transplant Foundation is the only organization of its kind in the state that provides financial and educational assistance to help ease the challenges associated with transplantation.

GTF will be holding more "Trends in Transplant" conferences as part of our efforts to reach transplant candidates, recipients, living donors and their families throughout the state.

Our next conference will be in Rome on May 7, followed by a conference in Columbus on June 11. Contact GTF at 770-457-3796 for more information.