Organ Donation and Transplant Research Foundation of BC

Organ Donation and Transplant Research Foundation of BC The Transplant Research Foundation (TRF) of BC provides funding each year to BC based scientists conducting transplant research. TRF of BC supports innovation.

The Organ Donation and Transplant Research Foundation of BC (ODTRF) supports BC-based researchers and clinicans conducting organ donation and transplant research. We require all awarded funds go through a rigorous peer review and rating process which ensures that all Foundation funded research meets international standards of excellence. Our Venture Grant program funds research in new areas of exp

loration that will lead to early prediction, diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with organ failure.

Recovery after a heart transplant or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) extends well beyond surgery. As a social work...
08/26/2026

Recovery after a heart transplant or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) extends well beyond surgery. As a social worker with the Heart Transplant and Heart Failure Program at St. Paul’s Hospital, Calvin Ngai sees firsthand how family, friends, and community support can shape a patient’s recovery.

Funded through a 2026 ODTRF-supported Providence Health Care Research Challenge Grant, Calvin’s research explores how social support influences recovery for heart transplant and LVAD recipients—and how care can better meet the needs of patients with varying levels of support.

Read our conversation with Calvin to learn more: https://www.odtrf.org/beyond-transplant-the-vital-role-of-social-support-in-recovery/

We are pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s ODTRF Venture Grants.This year’s funded projects reflect the br...
07/29/2026

We are pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s ODTRF Venture Grants.

This year’s funded projects reflect the breadth of transplant research, addressing both scientific advancement and the human experience of donation and transplantation:

* Dr. Alice Virani and Jordy Hermiston
This study will explore the experiences of organ donor families and transplant recipients who have participated in British Columbia’s supported direct contact program. By understanding the benefits, challenges, and supports needed for meaningful connections, this research will help inform programs that are safe, respectful, and responsive to the needs of both recipients and donor families.

* Dr. Michael Bleszynski
This project is evaluating an innovative machine perfusion approach to better preserve donated pancreases before islet cell transplantation. By protecting insulin-producing cells during organ transport, this research has the potential to improve transplant outcomes, maximize the use of donated pancreases, and bring hope to more people living with diabetes.

We are proud to support researchers whose work strengthens both the science and the human impact of organ donation and transplantation.

Behind every successful transplant is a dedicated team working behind the scenes.At Vancouver General Hospital’s Immunol...
07/09/2026

Behind every successful transplant is a dedicated team working behind the scenes.

At Vancouver General Hospital’s Immunology Lab, scientists work around the clock to help match donor organs with the right recipients, using advanced testing, innovation, and collaboration to make second chances possible.

From genetic matching to less invasive monitoring approaches, their work is helping improve transplant outcomes and bring renewed hope to patients and families across B.C.

Every test the VCH Immunology Lab performs represents the possibility of more time, better health, and a brighter future. Learn more about the remarkable team helping save lives: https://www.odtrf.org/the-science-behind-second-chances/

Congratulations to Wynne Chiu on presenting her ODTRF-funded research at The Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & All...
06/26/2026

Congratulations to Wynne Chiu on presenting her ODTRF-funded research at The Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP) conference in Sophia Antipolis, France earlier this month!

Her presentation showcased her team’s project, Navigating the Journey of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Mentorship Program, an innovative initiative designed to support patients and families facing advanced heart failure, heart transplantation, or ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy.

This research recognizes the unique value of peer mentorship and is co-designed by clinicians and people with lived experience to create a sustainable, patient-centred support program.

Congratulations to Wynne on sharing this important work on the international stage and advancing research that puts patients and lived experience at the centre of care.

Research drives progress. Collaboration accelerates it.ODTRF is delighted to partner with Vancouver Coastal Health Resea...
06/09/2026

Research drives progress. Collaboration accelerates it.

ODTRF is delighted to partner with Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute in supporting the 2026 Innovation and Translational Research Awards. Congratulations to Dr. Mypinder Sekhon, recipient of the $100,000 co-funded award, for his transformational research exploring the safe and ethical implementation of normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in organ donation. This important work will help address critical evidence gaps and support future advances in organ donation and transplantation.

Learn how Dr. Sekhon’s study is informing evidence-based protocols and supporting the expansion of organ donation practices: https://www.odtrf.org/funding-supports-new-study-on-brain-monitoring/

VCHRI award announcement: https://www.vchri.ca/announcement/2026/06/09/innovation-and-translational-research-awards-2026-recipients

The CDTRP - Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program Patient, Family and Donor Forum kicks off next week! ...
06/02/2026

The CDTRP - Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program Patient, Family and Donor Forum kicks off next week!

There is still time to register for this free informative and engaging event.

The PFD Research Forum theme is Pathways for Partnership: Strengthening Patient and Community Engagement with Indigenous Communities. To register and learn more visit:
https://cdtrp.ca/en/patient-family-and-donor-research-forum-2026/

ODTRF attended BC Transplant’s Education Day earlier this week, where we had the opportunity to hear a range of engaging...
05/27/2026

ODTRF attended BC Transplant’s Education Day earlier this week, where we had the opportunity to hear a range of engaging and thought-provoking presentations, including from several researchers we have funded.

Among them were Dr. Myp Sekhon and Dr. James Lan, who shared important insights related to expanding organ donation opportunities and diagnostics connected to ABO-incompatible kidney transplant.

We are proud to support research that advances understanding, fosters meaningful conversations, and helps improve care for patients and families across British Columbia.

This National Nursing Week, we proudly recognize and celebrate the incredible nurses whose compassion, expertise, and de...
05/15/2026

This National Nursing Week, we proudly recognize and celebrate the incredible nurses whose compassion, expertise, and dedication make a difference every day for patients and their families in the organ donation and transplant community.

Through ODTRF funding, these nurses are also leading and supporting frontline research that improves patient experiences, advances clinical care, and drives innovation across our healthcare system. These projects, and their impacts, include:

* Wynne Chui’s grant, Improving the journey of care of people with advanced heart failure and transplant: Implementation of a peer mentorship program in practice, is being piloted at St. Paul's Hospital and was selected for presentation this summer in France at the international Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions Conference.

* Anja Webster’s study, Natural health product and medicine use among kidney transplant recipients followed by the St. Paul’s Hospital post-kidney transplant program, identified opportunities to improve patient education and clinical guidance on natural health products for kidney transplant recipients.

* Deborah Fairhurst and Erin Waters’ project, Patient and healthcare providers experience with the Pre-Transplant Coordinator role at Providence Healthcare, aims to create a more standardized, patient-centred approach to improve confidence, communication, and care coordination throughout the transplant journey. Results are forthcoming.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate Ali, whose dream of becoming a mom was made possible through the gift of organ donation,...
05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate Ali, whose dream of becoming a mom was made possible through the gift of organ donation, advances in transplantation, and ongoing research.

After receiving a life-saving double lung transplant at 19, Ali is now living the life she once only dreamed of, including welcoming her daughter Maeva.

We also honour and remember all mothers connected to the world of organ donation and transplantation—including those experiencing renewed life and grieving loss 💚

Read about Ali’s journey: https://www.odtrf.org/a-mothers-love-2/

As Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re honoured to share reflections from Naomi—an ODTRF p...
05/01/2026

As Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re honoured to share reflections from Naomi—an ODTRF patient partner and heart transplant recipient. Her experience is a powerful reflection of the gratitude and insight that transplantation can bring, as well as the vital importance of including patient voices in shaping the future of research.

Q: How has your transplant shaped the way you see life and your future?
A: My transplant has changed the way I view life and the world for the better by broadening my perspective on life. It has involved some extreme exposure therapy on how to cope with disruption of life plans, unpredictability, and complete loss of control. But in all seriousness, I worry much less about what people think of me, bad grades, and sudden changes in plans. I am thankful to be here. I love spending time with my family and being in nursing school, and I am very thankful to be alive. I used to be very attached to my plans for the future, but I have learned that life doesn’t always go the way you plan it. And that is okay. I am learning to let go of control and allow life to unfold in the surprising ways it does.

Q: How do you honour your donor in your daily life?
A: Honouring my donor and my donor family is very important to me. I have this full, amazing life I get to live because of my donor. Although there is no way to express the extent of my gratitude, I prioritize treating my body and heart well by staying active, eating (mostly) healthy, and trying to reduce stress, among other self-care activities. I also want to honour my donor by living life to the fullest. Right now, that means being in nursing school to become an RN so I can “give back” and care for others the way I was cared for.

Q: Why is it important to include patient voices in organ donation and transplant research?
A: Including the patient voice in research is important because it is the patients’ lives that will be impacted. People with lived experience can bring a unique perspective to the table, identify gaps in the healthcare system and highlight where change would be meaningful.

(Image: Naomi, far left, with her brother and sister)

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