My Transplant Journey
Real stories. Shared experiences. Building resilient transplantation systems through people.
Every transplant journey tells a story
Behind every organ donation and transplant is a person whose life has been changed. Patients, donors, caregivers and healthcare professionals each experience the transplantation pathway from a unique perspective, yet all contribute to the resilience of transplant systems.
My Transplant Journey is a BRAVEST initiative dedicated to sharing these experiences, highlighting the human side of transplantation while showcasing the lessons learned across Europe.
By listening to one another, we can improve understanding, strengthen collaboration and support more resilient, equitable and patient-centred transplant services.
The Patient HUB
Discover the ESOT Patient Hub, a trusted source of clear, reliable information for transplant patients, families, and caregivers. Explore expert resources, practical guidance, and patient stories to support every stage of the transplant journey.
Why these stories matter
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how vulnerable transplantation programmes can be during times of crisis. Through BRAVEST, we are generating evidence and developing recommendations to improve organisational resilience, and lived experiences provide an equally valuable and complementary perspective.
Patient and professional stories help us to:
Understand the real-world impact of disruptions to transplant services.
Identify good practices that supported continuity of care.
Highlight innovative solutions developed by transplant teams.
Promote patient-centred approaches to transplantation.
Inspire collaboration across countries and healthcare systems.
Together, these experiences complement the scientific evidence generated throughout the BRAVEST project.
Featured journeys
"Patients are recognised not only as beneficiaries of healthcare services but as active partners in protecting their continuity, quality and resilience."
Colin White - Ireland, UK
“52,000 patients were on organ transplant waiting lists in the EU at the end of 2022.”
“Every day, I am reminded of how fragile – and at the same time, how priceless – life is. That is why my cause is to talk more about organ donation. Because one “yes” can save up to eight human lives.”
Natalia Maeva - Bulgaria
“27,952 organ transplants were performed in the EU in 2022.”
“The EU had 696 organ transplant programmes in 2022.”
*data sourced from Public Health, European Commission
Patient community and resources
Share your experience
Have you been part of the transplantation journey?
Whether you are a patient, living donor, family member or healthcare professional, your experience can help others learn, prepare and feel supported.
We welcome stories from across Europe that reflect the diversity of transplantation experiences and demonstrate how resilience can be strengthened through shared knowledge.
“The key thing is trust. First and foremost, trust in the procedure – not as a last resort, but as a real opportunity to start a new life. “
Stefano Pavanello - Italy