Organ transplant waiting list

When you are an approved candidate for transplant you are added to a national waiting list maintained by the Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network (OPTN). The OPTN system generates potential matches based on medical criteria, urgency, wait time, expected benefit and proximity to the donor. Gift of Life uses this list to link donor organs with patients in the most dire need of a transplant based on a nationally approved set of criteria.

Learn more about the waiting list and check out a map of transplant centers in the Gift of Life region.

Waiting for a transplant

If you or a loved one needs a transplant, understanding what’s involved can help you to prepare and achieve a successful outcome. Waiting for a transplant is stressful and it’s helpful to hear how others made it through the process. Gift of Life Howie’s House Caregiver Lifeline Program offers great resources to learn about the waiting list, what to expect, caregiver and Gift of Life Howie’s House information, and more.

Learn what to expect while awaiting an organ transplant.

A living donor transplant may be an option. Living donors may donate a kidney or a portion of their liver. Learn more about the living donation process.

How to prepare for Transplant

Anticipating and preparing for an organ transplant can be daunting. Find educational and support resources for patients awaiting organ transplants.

The pre-transplant journey is a complex and deeply personal experience that varies for each individual. Gift of Life Howie’s House Caregiver Lifeline Program supports families through this experience. Check out past Caregiver Lifeline videos.

Gift of Life Howie’s House

Gift of Life Howie’s House is a “home away from home” for transplant patients and their families. It provides temporary living and support services to people who travel to Philadelphia to receive transplant care.

Gift of Life Howie’s House serves families of patients being evaluated for transplant; families of hospitalized patients awaiting and undergoing transplant; transplant recipients returning for follow-up care on an outpatient basis; living donors and their families.

Learn more about Gift of Life Howie’s House.

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