About NEPATSG

	NEPATSG members include:
	Transplant recipients, candidates, their families and donor families.
	Health care professionals.
	Individuals interested in helping NEPATSG meet its goals.

Thousands of organ transplant recipients are alive and well today after once being told that they had only months to live. To the average person, detached from personal contact with an organ recipient, transplant surgery holds the mystic quality of a miracle cure. It is undeniably a miraculous advance in medicine. For those who have endured the seemingly endless wait for an organ donor and have finally undergone transplant surgery, it is indeed a chance for a new life after years of illness.

In many cases, however, this new life brings with it a new set of problems. Transplantation does not mean an easy return to a normal life. Transplant recipients face lives that can be difficult socially, psychologically, and financially. They must take medication daily and remain constantly aware of possible infection. In addition to these physical concerns, they must deal with the high costs associated with organ transplantations. Because of their experience these people share a special bond of understanding and inner support, the same union one might find among soldiers who fought the same war and in many ways are still fighting it.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Transplant Support Group (NEPATSG) helps to bring these people and their families together with those who are candidates for transplantation to help them cope with their ongoing personal and psychological needs.

NEPATSG is a non-profit organization, dedicated to helping transplant candidates, recipients and donor families by providing the following:

	SUPPORT - Developed hot line contact by implementing a buddy system for new transplant candidates.
	Conduct meetings devoted to support and latest news for candidates and recipients. Establish hospital support program.
	Develop a program for donor families.
	EDUCATION - Educate the public through our speakers bureau. Discuss responsibilities of transplant recipients.
	Coordinate with OPO'S and schools.
	To show health professionals transplantation works.
	AWARENESS - Develop teaching tools for the public.
	Talk to school students.
	Work with community organizations and lend advice on related matters.
	Increase communication through newsletters and develop donor awareness.

For additional information or if you are interested in holding meetings in your area, please call or contact us at the mail or e-mail addresses above.