Transplant Ambassador Program

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Transplant Ambassador Program

It's not easy to understand kidney failure, dialysis, and kidney transplantation. WE CAN HELP.

04/14/2026

Part Two is Here! 💚

Two Gals & a Kidney Podcast continues the insightful and engaging conversation with special guest Dr. Ann Young from St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

In this episode, the Gals talk with Dr. Young about a transformational new kidney screening research project she is leading, and the importance of patient advocacy in bringing new research and information to light.

A conversation you won’t want to miss!

🔗 Listen now:
https://transplantambassadors.ca/podcast/

https://2galskidneypodcast.ca

04/13/2026

However this week unfolds, remember you don’t have to face it alone. 💚
The TAP community is here to support you, uplift you, and walk beside you every step of the way.

🔗 https://transplantambassadors.ca

04/09/2026

🔈Spotlight: David Ruuskanen

We are excited to recognize our ambassador, David Ruuskanen, who is from Aurora, Ontario. David was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which led to kidney failure. He received a kidney from a work colleague in March 2025, after 1 year on hemodialysis. 💚

He says, “I had the privilege of speaking to two kidney transplant patients prior to my surgery. It is one thing to have written material about the process, but it’s better to be able to speak to people who went through the experience, and to be able to ask them specific questions.”💬

David serves as an Ambassador for Mackenzie Health/UHN (University Health Network).

While undergoing dialysis, he volunteered on the Mackenzie Health Chronic Kidney Disease Quality Team and the Central Region Integrated Renal Program Council (IRPC). He now dedicates his time as an ambassador with TAP and has also written a book encouraging others to reach their full potential.

Learn More about David and his transplant journey, check out the video link below!
📽️ https://youtu.be/vZkyMugVJj4

Learn more about David’s story on the Mackenzie Health website: https://www.mackenziehealth.ca/about-us/patient-stories/from-athlete-to-fighter-dave’s-journey-with-chronic-kidney-disease

Link to Dave’s book on Amazon: Bonfire Lessons: How to Leverage the Magic in the Universe to Reach Your Goals and Dreams: Ruuskanen, David: 9781412041041: Books - Amazon.ca

Thank you, David, for sharing your experience and offering guidance to those at the start of their transplant journey. 🌟
We also extend a special thank you to Mackenzie Health and the University Health Network for all the incredible work they do.

More Information and Links👇
David Ruuskanen Ambassador Email: davidru@transplantambassadors.ca
David Ruuskanen Journey, YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/vZkyMugVJj4
Transplant Ambassador Program Website: transplantambassadors.ca

Learn more about David’s story on the Mackenzie Health website: https://www.mackenziehealth.ca/about-us/patient-stories/from-athlete-to-fighter-dave’s-journey-with-chronic-kidney-disease
Link to David’s book on Amazon: Bonfire Lessons: How to Leverage the Magic in the Universe to Reach Your Goals and Dreams: Ruuskanen, David: 9781412041041: Books - Amazon.ca

04/07/2026

Two Gals & a Kidney Podcast
New Episode Out Now! 🎙️

Tune in for an insightful and engaging conversation with special guest Dr. Ann Young from St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

In this episode, the Gals talk with Dr. Young about the benefits of transplant compared to dialysis, as well as process differences across Transplant Centres.

You won’t want to miss this conversation!

🔗 Listen now:
https://transplantambassadors.ca/podcast/

https://2galskidneypodcast.ca

04/04/2026

Join us, The Two Gals and a Kidney Podcast, for meaningful conversations, real stories, and expert insights on kidney transplant, donation, and patient engagement. Whether you're directly impacted or want to learn more, this podcast is for you.💚

Each episode features candid conversations with kidney patients, donors, researchers, healthcare providers, patient advocates, global experts, and more! Sharing real experiences and trusted insights.💚

Listen for free now! Links below!

Website: https://transplantambassadors.ca/podcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

04/01/2026

Listen now to the latest episode of the Amplify Podcast by Patient Voice Partners 🎙️

Featuring an inspiring conversation with TAP Co-Founder Susan Q. McKenzie and long-time TAP Ambassador Christine Pisapia.

Hosted by Ursula Mann, with Christine Pisapia, this episode dives into powerful insights, real stories, and the true impact of advocacy in action.

Listen now! Links Below!

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-dialysis-to-second-chances-the-truth-about/id1830521321?i=1000756409302

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7lkQ5TFquKyWp7iaqx0Y4p?si=IqWwdqYFRKGKTwNfUj01HA

TAP Website: https://transplantambassadors.ca/

03/31/2026

Two Gals & a Kidney Podcast
New Episode Out Now! 🎙️

Tune in for a meaningful conversation with special guests Transplant Ambassadors Willie van Dyk and Bill Armstrong.

In this episode, the Gals connect with two dedicated ambassadors whose lives have been deeply transformed through their service to fellow kidney patients and their commitment to advocacy within the kidney community.

This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Listen now:
https://transplantambassadors.ca/podcast/

https://2galskidneypodcast.ca

03/30/2026

Brave Patient Seeking Donor - Esther

Esther is a mother of two from Toronto, ON. She has been on dialysis since 2022 and is urgently in need of a kidney transplant. Esther’s greatest wish is simple but powerful: to stay healthy and be there for her children, who need her now more than ever.

Learn more about Esther’s Story: transplantambassadors.ca/patient/esther/

How you can help:
1️⃣ Share this post. Every share increases Esther’s chance of finding a donor.
2️⃣ See if you could be a living kidney donor: blood.ca/am-i-eligible-be-living-kidney-donor
3️⃣ Visit our website: transplantambassadors.ca

One click can start a chain reaction of awareness, compassion, and action that could change someone’s world forever. 💚

03/27/2026

Tune in for 2 Gals Tuesdays!✨

New episodes of the Two Gals & a Kidney Podcast drop every Tuesday 🎙️

Join us for meaningful conversations, real stories, and expert insights on kidney transplant, donation, and patient engagement. Whether you're directly impacted or want to learn more, this podcast is for you 💚

🎧 Listen now & stay connected:
https://transplantambassadors.ca/podcast/

📩 Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear new episodes and updates!

03/25/2026

🔈Spotlight: Carlyn Hartwick

We are proud to recognize one of our young ambassadors, Carlyn Hartwick, who is from Kingston, Ontario. Carlyn donated her kidney to an anonymous recipient in 2019 at age 20.
She was a nursing student at Queen’s University and completed 3 years of clinical placements. During this time, she was able to see first-hand the impact of organ failure on the body and the importance of donation.

Carlyn now works as an early childhood educator and is also a new mom. She is passionate about horses and enjoys horseback riding. She hopes to educate those interested in learning more about becoming a living donor, particularly a non-directed donor. 💚

Carlyn serves as an ambassador for Kingston Hospital.
Carlyn will be speaking at the upcoming TAP Webinar on March 25.
Click here to register: webinarregistration@transplantambassadors.ca or call 1-833-274-3740

Thank you, Carlyn, for openly sharing your story and helping others understand the importance of living donation. 🌟

We also extend a special thank you to the Kingston Health Sciences Centre for all the incredible work they do.

More Information and Links👇
Carlyn Hartwick Ambassador email: carlynh@transplantambassadors.ca
Transplant Ambassador Program Website: transplantambassadors.ca
TAP Webinar RSVP at:
Email: webinarregistration@transplantambassadors.ca or call 1-833-274-3740

03/25/2026

Last Chance to Register for our Webinar!
Details down below

Transplant Ambassador Program (TAP) Webinar Series Presents 💚
Living Kidney Donors Share Their Hopes, Fears & Real-Life Experiences
Curious about living kidney donation? Wondering what it’s really like to donate a kidney? Considering donation or simply looking to learn more? This webinar is for you.
Hear directly from a panel of living kidney donor TAP Ambassadors as they share their personal journeys, insights, and lived experiences.
When: Wednesday, March 25 | 6:30–8:30 PM
Where: Virtual webinar (online)
RSVP by emailing webinarregistration@transplantambassadors.ca
or calling 1-833-274-3740 💚
🔗 Learn more: www.TransplantAmbassadors.ca
View previous TAP webinars at: https://transplantambassadors.ca/tap-webinar-series/

03/24/2026

Part 2 is here! 💚

Continuing the Conversation with Drs. Amit Garg and Seychelle Yohanna: Linking Arms to Create a Culture of Change.

In this episode, the Gals continue their discussion about how kidney patients and kidney donor volunteers in TAP were successfully embedded into kidney care, and highlight some of the barriers to increasing kidney transplantation in Ontario.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

🔗 Listen now:
https://transplantambassadors.ca/podcast/

Address

339 Windermere Road
London, ON
N6A5A5

Website

http://transplantambassadors.ca/, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/renal-patient-and-donor-foundation/

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