The next educational meeting for OTS will be held on Friday, Nov.1, starting at 7pm CST.   This program will be held on Zoom and the topic is the latest news about medications for transplant patients. 

  The speaker for this meeting will be Dr.  Anesia Reticker.   Dr. Reticker is a Clinical Pharmacist in the Solid Organ Transplant Department at the University of Chicago Medicine.

  In this presentation Dr. Reticker will explain the difference between brand name and generic medications, what every patient should know about immunosuppressant medication and the serious problems of non-adherence to medications and drug toxicity.

  This meeting is a chance for you to ask questions about transplant medications from an expert in transplant pharmacy.   There will be time for Dr. Reticker to answer questions after her presentation.    

  This meeting is free and is open to the public.   It will be held on the Zoom videoconference system, and the Zoom login info is listed below.

  Please mark your calendar to attend this important OTS meeting on Friday, November 1, 2024. 

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Nov 1, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

        Every month on the First Fri, until Dec 5, 2025, 14 occurrence(s)

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwufuyqqTgiGNPkZRDOnWRKdF9e8GSNVH9c/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgrTIvGNOWuBuARpw-A4r4Z-rwtnZHjY1tlyXXJw9dVTHdMsQbN-pYI_bm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88395273827?pwd=i3tlF4talnA7niwfOBr1h1itJ85cfp.1

Meeting ID: 883 9527 3827

Passcode: 532335

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Meeting ID: 883 9527 3827

Passcode: 532335

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kqmku8yGy

Please join us for the next OTS meeting on Friday, October 4, 2024. This meeting will be held by Zoom videoconference call, starting at 7pm CST.

The topic of this meeting is: Medicare & You -  Answering Your Medicare Questions.  The speaker for this meeting will be Ms. Carrie Espinosa, the owner and principal advisor for Horizon Benefit Services.   You can learn more about her company at this website: www.horizonbenefitservices.com.

  Medicare open enrollment starts on October 15 and ends on December 7, 2024, for any changes to plans that go into effect on January 1, 2025.  This is a good time to review your plan and make sure it is still working for you.  This presentation will include a brief overview of the different Medicare parts and advantage plans, as well as the different drug plans.

This is ideal for those who will be turning 65 soon and are starting to think about Medicare, and also those who are on Medicare but have questions and want to understand it better.

In this meeting Carrie Espinosa will share:

·      Important Medicare updates and changes for 2025.

·     Preview of 2025 Medicare plans.

·     How to review your plan to make sure it will be the best plan for you for the next year. 

  This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public.  We will email the Zoom login info the day before the meeting.   Please mark your calendars for this important presentation on Friday, October 4,2024. 

Here is the Zoom login info for this meeting:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Oct 4, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

        Every month on the First Fri, until Dec 5, 2025, 15 occurrence(s)

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwufuyqqTgiGNPkZRDOnWRKdF9e8GSNVH9c/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgrTIvGNOWuBuARpw-A4r4Z-rwtnZHjY1tlyXXJw9dVTHdMsQbN-pYI_bm 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88395273827?pwd=i3tlF4talnA7niwfOBr1h1itJ85cfp.1

Meeting ID: 883 9527 3827

Passcode: 532335

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Meeting ID: 883 9527 3827

Passcode: 532335 

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kqmku8yGy

Please join OTS as we celebrate our gift of life and the special gift of organ donors.   Whether you are a transplant recipient, a donor family member, or a supporter of our cause, this brunch is a wonderful opportunity to bond, inspire and uplift each other.   Don’t miss out on this special celebration - let’s honor the gift of life through organ donation together!

                        Date:               Sunday, September 22, 2024

                        Time:               Check-in table opens at 10:00 AM.  

                                                        Program begins at 10:30 AM

                        Where:             Belvedere Events

                                                1170 W. Devon Avenue

                                                Elk Grove Village, IL

This is a party with delicious breakfast food, live music, friends, raffles with many terrific prizes, and more. 

This event is very popular and tends to sell out quickly, so please get your reservation in now.  Save money by reserving your place before September 1.    

The price for this OTS celebration which includes the brunch, party favors for every guest and more is as follows:

       Reservations made now until Sept. 1: ………….. $25/person

       Reservations made from Sept. 2 – Sept. 11……$35/person

Sorry, reservations cannot be accepted the day of the event. 

You can reserve a place at this party on the OTS website. Just go to the OTS Store to reserve your place by credit card.

SEE YOU AT THIS OTS PARTY! 

You are invited to the next OTS meeting that will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024,starting at 7pm CST. This is a virtual meeting that will be held on the Zoom video conference system.This meeting will be a fun, casual evening to hang out and chat with your OTS friends.

• How are you enjoying the warm summer weather?

* If you have any questions about medications or transplant issues, this is the place to get answers from other transplant recipients.

• Bring your drink of choice and join us for a fun evening with friends on Friday, July 12!

This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public. All pre and post transplant recipients, plus living donors and donor families are invited to attend this virtual chat. The Zoom login info for this meeting is listed below:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Jul 12, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

        Jul 12, 2024 07:00 PM

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwufuyqqTgiGNPkZRDOnWRKdF9e8GSNVH9c/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgrTIvGNOWuBuARpw-A4r4Z-rwtnZHjY1tlyXXJw9dVTHdMsQbN-pYI_bm

 Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88395273827?pwd=i3tlF4talnA7niwfOBr1h1itJ85cfp.1

Meeting ID: 883 9527 3827

Passcode: 532335

---

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Meeting ID: 883 9527 3827

Passcode: 532335

 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kqmku8yGy

 We hope to see you on Friday, July 12 for this virtual chat with friends!

The next OTS meeting will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024. This meeting will be held on Zoom, startiing at 7pm CST. The title of this presentation is: Tips for 25+ Years Post Transolant Success - A Transplant Patient Panel.

At this meeting we will hear the personal stories of 4 transplant recipients who are all long term survivors of more than 25 years. We will hear from the folllowing speakers:

*. Ryan, who received a heart 28 years ago.

*. Harold: who received a small bowel and lliver transplant 32 years ago.

*. Brent: a 29 year kidney recipient.

*. Lori: a 37 year kidney recipient.

Each of these transplant recipients will share the important factors they believe have helped them to not just survive with a transplanted organ, but to thrive and enjoy their long lives. There are specific issues that every transplant recipient faces after many years post transplant, such as damage from certain meds, or even favorite doctors retiring. We hope that the advice that is shared by these transplant recipients will inspire all of us as we look forward to joining the 25+ year post transplant club in the future.

This meeting is free and is open to the public.

Mark your calendar NOW to attend this important meeting on Friday, June 7, 2024, starting at 7pm.

The Zoom link for this meeting is listed below:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Jun 7, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88395273827?pwd=i3tlF4talnA7niwfOBr1h1itJ85cfp.1

Meeting ID: 883 9527 3827

Passcode: 532335

---

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Meeting ID: 883 9527 3827

Passcode: 532335

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kqmku8yGy

To mark National Donate Life Month in April, Organ Transplant Support is hosting a Tree Planting Ceremony & Dedication to honor organ and tissue donors on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

WHEN: APRIL TIME: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Doors open at 10:00 AM
Program begins at 10:30 AM

Where: NAPER SETTLEMENT, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL

This program will start at 10:30am at the Meeting House. A short program will be held with speakers about organ and tissue donation. After the speakers the guests will adjourn outside to a ceremonial tree planting on the grounds of Naper Settlement. OTS is honored to dedicate 2 different trees this year.

One tree will be dedicated to honor the gift of life of all organ and tissue donors. We will also dedicate another tree in memory of Dr. Enayat Osanloo, MD. Dr. Osanaloo was the very first nephrologist to open a practice in Naperville and he was instrumental in the founding of OTS in 1990.

The OTS Tree Planting Ceremony & Dedication is a special event to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. If you are a transplant recipient, have you taken the time this month to recognize your organ donor for your special gift of life? All transplant recipients, those waiting for transplants, organ donor families and transplant professionals are invited to attend this free program.

Be sure to Register Now for our 33rd Annual OTS Tree Planting Ceremony
scheduled for 10:00 AM on Sunday, April 28.

Click Here to Register!

Eldercare Issues for the Future

Speaker:   Ben Neiburger, JD, CPA

Please join us for the OTS meeting that will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024.   This meeting will be held on Zoom starting at 7pm CST.   The topic of this meeting is about Elder Care Issues for the future.

Our speaker for this meeting will be Mr. Ben Neiburger, a generation law attorney with a practice based in Elmhurst, IL.   As one of only a few elder law attorneys in Illinois with a CPA after his name, Ben offers a unique perspective to help his clients plan for their future.  Ben has helped thousands of families care for aging loved ones, resolve family conflicts, afford long term care costs and ensure their wishes are carried out – without losing their sanity or going broke. 

In this presentation Ben Neiburger will discuss the top 10 documents that families should have to navigate the elder care process and be able to provide the best care for their loved ones. This meeting will cover subjects including: wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced directives, living wills, retirement account distribution planning, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and how to navigate the family dynamics during disability. There will be time for questions during the presentation, so that Ben can dive into the topics that are the most important to all those joining the meeting.

This meeting is free and open to the public.    We hope to see you at this OTS meeting on Friday, April 5, 2024.  

The Zoom login information for this meeting is listed below:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Apr 5, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83713374962?pwd=g0BDcueTwieqIe6tcsQb78HpsM3hKE.1

Meeting ID: 837 1337 4962

Passcode: 459205

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Meeting ID: 837 1337 4962

Passcode: 459205

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kjHCWZxfU

      OTS is excited to present a special panel discussion about liver health during the regular educational meeting on Friday, March 1, 2024.  This meeting will be on Zoom, starting at 7:00PM CST.   All transplant recipients and their families are invited to attend this program.

     The main speaker for this panel discussion will be Dr. Julia Wattacheril, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) program at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City.

     We welcome an interactive presentation by Dr. Julia Wattacheril on maintaining a healthy liver, which will be followed by several patients sharing their own post-transplant journeys.    What can you do to make sure that your liver stays healthy post-transplant?  How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?  What is the impact of weight, nutrition, immunosuppression drugs and exercise on liver health?  Since loving your liver includes friendship and connection, Dr. Wattacheril will also be joined by Aimee Muth, LCSW, to discuss the importance of social supports for overall health. One or two liver transplant recipients will also join this meeting to share their transplant journeys.

    Dr. Wattacheril is a physician scientist with a dynamic and human-centered approach to research and integration with clinical care. She enjoys tackling difficult, field-limiting questions that emerge from caring for patients with liver disease using innovative approaches that are tested real time in multiple dimensions. The teams she leads are made of individuals with more than computational acumen and clinical expertise but link the relational and ethical capacities required in patient care to the molecules and data points that emerge from humans -- in all of their and their environment’s complexity. Her current projects test hypotheses at scale across populations. She has a particular commitment to develop and translate science and medicine not just across disciplines but to those most affected and often least included in the conversation.

    This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public.  Mark your calendar now to attend this important OTS meeting on Friday, March 1, 2024.  

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Mar 1, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85471038491?pwd=VLpN7SaFiaHKHHWGmRYbtc8kD2k7LA.1

Meeting ID: 854 7103 8491

Passcode: 396721

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Meeting ID: 854 7103 8491

Passcode: 396721

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbjSezJpgN

You are invited to the OTS educational meeting scheduled on Friday, February 2, 2024.   This meeting will be held on Zoom, starting at 7pm CST.  The topic of this meeting is:  Mental Health Challenges After a Transplant. 

The speaker for this meeting will be Dr. Aniruddha Deka.   Dr. Deka is the Medical Director of Transplant Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center.  He is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science at Rush.   Dr. Deka received his medical training at Rush Medical School and Yale Medical School in Connecticut. 

Dr Deka will discuss the emotional and mental health aspects that often accompany the post-transplant phase.   His presentation will include the following key points:

1.      Types and prevalence of Mental Health Challenges.   Dr. Deka will discuss the common mental health challenges in the post-transplant phase. 

2.     Medication Impact:   Exploring the potential impact of post-transplant medications on mental health, including ways to mitigate the potential issues of medications on patients.

3.     Management Strategies:  Dr. Deka will discuss ways which will empower individuals to proactively manage their emotional well-being throughout the post-transplant period. 

4.     When and Where to Seek Professional Help.

This virtual OTS meeting is free and is open to the public.  Any pre or post organ transplant patient and their family are welcome to join this meeting.    Mark your calendar now to attend this important OTS meeting on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024!  The Zoom login info for this meeting is listed below:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Feb 2, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83557534138?pwd=EfEVOCXTTV2AOMcYXNFnSrgDS5Rn5Q.1

Meeting ID: 835 5753 4138

Passcode: 157503

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Meeting ID: 835 5753 4138

Passcode: 157503

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdKzA2NVt3

You are invited to get together with your transplant friends for the OTS virtual holiday party. This will be a casual evening with games, prizes, and lots of laughter. We are planning a few fun, easy games to play with a group. We will have drawings throughout the party for gift cards, so everyone who attends the party will have several chances to win a prize. This is our gift from Organ Transplant Support to you! 

This free party is open to any organ transplant recipient, caregiver or donor family member - whetheryouare new to OTS or a long-time member. Why not ask a friend, family member, nurse, or support team member to join this party to help celebrate the holiday season? This is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and have fun with other transplant recipients at the same time. 

Be sure to get your favorite beverage and join your friends on Friday, December 1 for the OTS Holiday Party! The Zoom login for this party is listed below:

Topic: OTS Holiday Party

Time: Dec 1, 2023 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84666741005?pwd=1dLwJ3NCjljXfOeZaOii8F8H3AM4mN.1

Meeting ID: 846 6674 1005

Passcode: 889910

---

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• +1 360 209 5623 US

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• +1 669 444 9171 US

• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

• +1 689 278 1000 US

• +1 719 359 4580 US

Meeting ID: 846 6674 1005

Passcode: 889910

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kvImAXlFC

The next OTS educational meeting will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023.  This meeting will be held on Zoom, starting at 7pm CST.  

The speaker for this meeting will be Ms. Roxanne Watson.  Roxanne Watson is a heart transplant recipient, patient advocate, and a transplant ambassador for Donate Life, WomenHeart, and the American Heart Association. She’s the host of Michael’s Gifts, a radio talk show on WRCR AM 1700 in New York.  She is a WomanHeart Champion, and she was designated as a Woman of Distinction by the State of New York.

Roxanne is a champion for organ donation in New York, and she works tirelessly almost every weekend to register people for the organ donor registry in New York.   She has signed up more than 11.000 people for the organ and tissue donor registry in New York.  

At this meeting on November 3 Roxanne will share her transplant journey and the work that she does to honor Michael, her organ donor. 

  This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public.    You won’t want to miss this inspiring story of organ donation and advocacy on Friday, November 3, 2023!      

The Zoom link for this OTS meeting is listed below:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Nov 3, 2023 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83322744958?pwd=5fHV1b4hpPehGRLibW93mA4bnOr8xJ.1

Meeting ID: 833 2274 4958

Passcode: 100628

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• +1 305 224 1968 US

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• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

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• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 833 2274 4958

Passcode: 100628

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kc6Ez50cNx

The next OTS educational meeting will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023.  This meeting will be held on Zoom, starting at 7pm CST. 

The topic of this meeting is:  Medicare Changes in 2024 -   Answering Your Medicare Questions.   The speaker for this meeting will be Ms. Carrie Espinosa, the owner and principal advisor for Horizon Benefit Services.    You can learn more about her company at this website:  www.horizonbenefitservices.com.

Medicare open enrollment starts on October 15 and ends on December 7, 2023, for any changes to plans that go into effect on January 1, 2024.   This is a good time to review your plan and make sure it is still working for you.   This presentation will include a brief overview of the different Medicare parts and advantage plans, as well as the different drug plans.

Carrie Espinosa and her team meet people every day to navigate the many insurance options for the coming year.   She has worked with transplant recipients and is familiar with the specialty medications that are vital for all recipients to take every day.  In this presentation Carrie will share:

·       Important Medicare updates and changes for 2024.

·      Preview of 2024 Medicare plans.

·      How to review your plan to make sure it will be the best plan for you for the next year. 

This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public.   Please mark your calendars for this important presentation on Friday, October 6,2023.  The Zoom login info for this meeting is listed below:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Oct 6, 2023 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88337684220?pwd=3b9xMqJ4f3WGHxKZzDYNF3Tqs3hcdK.1

Meeting ID: 883 3768 4220

Passcode: 242835

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• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

• +1 564 217 2000 US

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• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

• +1 689 278 1000 US

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• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

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Meeting ID: 883 3768 4220

Passcode: 242835

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbWgh9iPHo

YOU ARE INVITED TO AN OTS BRUNCH!

WHEN: Sunday, September 10, 2023

Program begins at 10:30AM

WHERE: Garden Terrace at the Pavilion

1000 Wellington Drive, Elk Grove Village, IL.

OTS is having a party and we want you to join us! The 33rd Annual Celebration Brunch will be held to celebrate organ donation and transplantation and 33 years of service by OTS to the transplant community in Chicago and surrounding areas. This party will be held in an elegant banquet room with a private garden patio next to the room.

You will enjoy:

• A delicious Breakfast Brunch with scrambled eggs, french toast, ham, bacon, sausage, country fried potatoes, oven baked chicken and assorted fruit platter. Also included is an assortment of mini muffins and mini Danish. Beverages include regular and decaf coffee, orange juice, soft drinks and water.

• Great music by Jim Perona, instrumental guitarist.

• Celebration of transplant anniversaries.

• Silent auction with terrific prizes!

• MORE!

  Tickets are $20 per person until Friday, September 8. Tickets the day of the event will be $25. Everyone is welcome to this celebration: transplant recipients, caregivers, family members, donor families and transplant professionals. This is a special celebration of organ donation and transplantation you don’t want to miss!

  Reservations for the OTS Brunch can be made online at this website. Go to the OTS Store to find the Reservation Form where you can pay with PayPal or a credit card.

See you at the OTS Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, September 10!

The next OTS meeting will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023, starting at 7pm CST. This meeting will be held on Zoom.

This meeting will be a fun, casual evening to hang out and chat with your OTS friends. If you have any concerns or questions for other transplant recipients you are welcome to join this meeting and stare your questions.

This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public. We look forward to seeing you for this group chat on Friday, September 1, 2023.

The Zoom login info for this meeting is listed below:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Sep 1, 2023 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81389981488?pwd=UWcvejZWeFMzbHJScy8wZzA0U1FPUT09

Meeting ID: 813 8998 1488

Passcode: 669558

One tap mobile

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+13126266799,,81389981488#,,,,*669558# US (Chicago)

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• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

• +1 689 278 1000 US

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• +1 253 205 0468 US

• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

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• +1 564 217 2000 US

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• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 813 8998 1488

Passcode: 669558

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbmRovRN09

The next meeting of Organ Transplant Support will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, starting at 7pm CST.   This meeting will be held on the Zoom videoconference system.

We have 2 speakers for this meeting from the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network.   Ms. Julie Gilmartin, the Volunteer Coordinator, and Ms. Ashley Ocasio, the Aftercare Specialist for Donor Family Services will speak about writing to your donor family and also about the Ambassador for Hope Program at the Gift of Hope. 

Julie Gilmartin will explain the Ambassador for Hope Program for the Gift of Hope, and how you can join this program.   Then Ashley Ocasio will explain the process established by the Gift of Hope and local transplant centers so that transplant recipients can send letters to donor families.  They will also offer guidelines about writing that first letter.     They will also be available to answer any questions that you have about writing to your donor family or the volunteer program. 

This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public.  The Zoom login info will be posted on the OTS website (www.organtransplantsupport.org).  

Please join us for this important meeting on Friday, August 4, 2023.

You are invited to the next OTS meeting that will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, starting at 7pm CST.   This is a virtual meeting that will be held on the Zoom videoconference system.  

This meeting will be a fun, casual evening to hang out and chat with your OTS friends.   We would love to learn about any special plans you have for the summer.   How are you enjoying the warm summer weather the next few months?   Do you feel comfortable getting together in groups now, or are you staying home because of Covid? If you have any questions for other transplant recipients you are welcome to join this meeting and ask your questions.

Bring your drink of choice and join us for a fun evening with friends on Friday, July 7!   This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public.  The Zoom login info for this meeting is listed below.

Topic: OTS Membership Meeting

Time: Jul 7, 2023 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85030169925?pwd=L3FYSFhoNXBiK3N3elhuWk1RRW5vZz09

Meeting ID: 850 3016 9925

Passcode: 312353

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+13126266799,,85030169925#,,,,*312353# US (Chicago)

+13092053325,,85030169925#,,,,*312353# US

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• +1 646 931 3860 US

• +1 360 209 5623 US

• +1 386 347 5053 US

• +1 507 473 4847 US

• +1 564 217 2000 US

• +1 669 444 9171 US

• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

• +1 689 278 1000 US

• +1 719 359 4580 US

• +1 253 205 0468 US

• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

Meeting ID: 850 3016 9925

Passcode: 312353

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kBBH0lV5G

When: Friday, May 5, 2023

Time: 7pm

Where: On Zoom: You can join from Anywhere

In celebration of National Donate Life Month, all are invited to attend the 2023 Virtual OTS Tree Planting Ceremony & Dedication honoring organ and tissue donors, their families, as well as recipients, friends, and caregivers.

We will have speakers about organ donation, music and poetry to honor organ donors for their Gift of Life, and a video of the 2023 OTS tree planting dedication at Naper Settlement in Naperville. Speakers for this program are:

Ms. Kim McCullough, VP of Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network

Ms. Margaret Pearson, Regional Coordinator for the Illinois Secretary of State Office of Organ & Tissue Donation.

Shaun & Allyson Martin, Donor Parents

The OTS Tree Planting Ceremony & Dedication is a very special way that all transplant recipients can honor our organ donors for the Gift of Life. All transplant recipients and those waiting for a transplant as well as donor families are welcome to join this meeting. It is important to take time to honor and remember all those who donated organs so that we could have a second chance at life.

The Zoom login info for this meeting is listed below:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: May 5, 2023 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89799084465?pwd=T0FqUW90dC93aTFUcGVrbVpneUNzQT09

Meeting ID: 897 9908 4465

Passcode: 662274

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+13092053325,,89799084465#,,,,*662274# US

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        +1 646 931 3860 US

        +1 689 278 1000 US

        +1 719 359 4580 US

        +1 253 205 0468 US

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 360 209 5623 US

        +1 386 347 5053 US

        +1 507 473 4847 US

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        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 897 9908 4465

Passcode: 662274

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdD35SwSSo

The next virtual meeting of Organ Transplant Support will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023.   This meeting will start at a new time of 7:15PM CST.   We are excited to announce that we have 2 speakers for this meeting:  Margaret Pearson and Mike Cohen. 

Margaret Pearson is a Regional Coordinator for the Secretary of State office of Organ & Tissue Donation.  Margaret will speak about the work of the new Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and the events planned by the Secretary of State for National Donate Life Month in April. 

The next speaker for this meeting will be Mike Cohen, a heart transplant survivor and long-distance cyclist. Mike will share his incredible journey when he biked across the country to meet the family of his organ donor.  This is a story from cancer to health.  In hospital with a heart attack – and home with a new heart.  And finally, across the country on a bike, twice.   Mike will share his story, the highs and lows of his journey, and why he rode over 1,500 miles to meet his donor family.   You can learn more about Mike Cohen at his website:  www.mrmikecohen.com.

This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public.  It will be held on Zoom, and we will post the login for this meeting the day before the meeting.

We hope that you can join the OTS meeting on Friday, April 7, to learn about National Donate Life Month and also hear the inspiring and incredible transplant story of Mike Cohen. 

You are invited to the next OTS meeting on Friday, February 3, 2023.  This meeting will be held on Zoom, starting at 7:00pm CST.   This meeting is the annual meeting for OTS where we hold the elections for all positions on the OTS Board of Directors.   The election will be held at the start of the meeting and then we will introduce our speaker.

The topic of the presentation will be:  Living Life with Kidney Disease and Prevention, Benefits and Challenges of Kidney Transplants.  Our speaker will be Dr. Sumair Akhtar, Chief Clinical Officer for Strive Health.  Dr. Akhtar is also a practicing primary care doctor in the Chicagoland area.   His career is focused on serving older adults with chronic and serious health challenges.  Dr. Akhtar trained in internal medicine and was a chief resident at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  

Strive Health is the nation’s leader in value-based kidney care.   Strive delivers compassionate kidney care the way it should be done, by a focus on high-touch care, prevention, and next generation dialysis services.   Dr. Akhtar will also give a brief overview of Strive Care 365, a program of Strive Health.  Strive Care 365 provides kidney patients with a Complete Care solution that treats the whole person through comprehensive, coordinated care services.  For more info about Strive go to www.strivehealth.com.

This OTS meeting is free and is open to all pre and post-transplant patients and their families.  The Zoom login info is listed below.

Please join us on Friday, February 3 for the OTS election and this important presentation. 

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Feb 3, 2023 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84714062814?pwd=WmVKaFp0WmNoUjNPTGw1cG5OcnQwQT09

Meeting ID: 847 1406 2814

Passcode: 883607

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+13126266799,,84714062814#,,,,*883607# US (Chicago)

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        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 931 3860 US

        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 305 224 1968 US

        +1 386 347 5053 US

        +1 507 473 4847 US

        +1 564 217 2000 US

        +1 669 444 9171 US

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

        +1 689 278 1000 US

        +1 719 359 4580 US

        +1 253 205 0468 US

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 360 209 5623 US

Meeting ID: 847 1406 2814

Passcode: 883607

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcbcs8TL9Y

You are invited to get together with your transplant friends for the OTS Holiday Party. This party will be held on Zoom so you can join from anywhere. This will be a casual evening with games, prizes, and lots of laughter. There will be a prize for the person who wears the ugliest holiday sweater to this party. We will play a word game called First Letter, Last Letter that is a fun, easy game to play with a group. We will have drawings throughout the party for gift cards, so everyone who attends the party will have several chances to win a prize. This is our gift from Organ Transplant Support to you!

This free party is open to any organ transplant recipients, caregiver or donor family member - whether you are new to OTS or a long-time member. Why not ask a friend, family member, nurse, or support team member to join this party to help celebrate the holiday season and have fun with other transplant recipients at the same time.

The Zoom login info will be posted on this website soon. Plan to get your favorite beverage, wear an ugly holiday sweater and join your friends on Friday, December 2 for the OTS Holiday Party.

The next OTS educational meeting will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022.   This meeting will be held on Zoom, starting at 7pm CST. 

The topic of this meeting is:  Getting Ready for Open Enrollment:  Answering Your Medicare Questions.   The speaker for this meeting will be Ms. Judy Maltz, Board Vice President of the Transplant Community Alliance, based in Phoenix, Arizona.  

Medicare open enrollment started on October 15 and ends on December 7, 2022, for any changes to plans that go into effect on January 1, 2023.   This is a good time to review your plan and make sure it is still working for you.   This presentation will include a brief overview of the different Medicare parts and advantage plans, as well as the different drug plans.

    Judy Maltz is a specialist in insurance and Medicare for organ transplant recipients.  She has worked in this field for over 25 years – through the advent of HMO’s and the introduction of Medicare Part D.  She knows where everything started and what the changes have been.  She has followed the laws affecting transplant patients since she began in transplants in 2005.  Judy is passionate about helping organ transplant patients find the best plan to meet the needs of each patient.

This OTS meeting is free and is open to the public.   The Zoom login info is listed below:

Topic: OTS Educational Meeting

Time: Nov 11, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81710092185?pwd=NmlzNEIzN2Q3anpBdnJGZ3lpWjZTdz09

Meeting ID: 817 1009 2185

Passcode: 864658

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+13126266799,,81710092185#,,,,*864658# US (Chicago)

+13092053325,,81710092185#,,,,*864658# US

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        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

        +1 564 217 2000 US

        +1 669 444 9171 US

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

        +1 689 278 1000 US

        +1 719 359 4580 US

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 360 209 5623 US

        +1 386 347 5053 US

        +1 507 473 4847 US

Meeting ID: 817 1009 2185

Passcode: 864658

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcpz3Xl2wL