FACT: Vancouver is the only city in all of British Columbia that performs organ transplants. FACT: Those who live outside of the Lower Mainland are responsible for finding accommodations for themselves and their caregiver(s), for a period of 3 months or until they have been cleared by their transplant team to return home. This would normal cost a couple approx $10,000. Or more for the 3 month
period. If this requirement is not met, the patient may be delayed in receiving their transplant and subsequently, at risk of not receiving a heart in time. FACT: Patients who are at the point where an organ transplant is necessary, are often on disability or not working enough to be able to afford their existing rent or mortgage and a hotel room stay for their recovery. For over 19 years, the Heart Transplant Home Society (HTHS) has been operating 2 heart homes in the vicinity of St. Paul’s Hospital providing affordable accommodations to heart transplant patients and their caregiver(s). To date, we have housed over 212 patients. Removing the financial stress from the patient and their families is our top priority. This is especially important to ensure the life of both the heart being transplanted and of the patient. All Members, including our active Board of Directors, are volunteers. 97% of every dollar raised is designated to the homes and to support heart patients and their caregivers. It is our intent in 2015 to open a 3rd home to accommodate more patients.
