A second chance at life through organ transplantation is an incredible gift – one that has become an effective treatment for end-stage organ failure. This has all been made possible with the intense dedication and hard work of scientists and clinicians over the past few decades. But transplant is not a cure. At least not yet.

Did you know?

• Over 5500 British Columbians are alive today because of an organ transplant, with 117 of these individuals being children   
• There are currently 700 people awaiting a life saving transplant in BC
• You are more likely to need a transplant than you are to be an organ donor
• The 5 year survival rate averages 62% for lung recipients, 84% for liver recipients and 86% for heart recipients. While survival rates for transplant recipients have improved dramatically over the years thanks to research, there is still a long way to go.

Source: BC Transplant and CIHI

Why research matters

British Columbia consistently produces some of the strongest clinical outcomes in the country, due in part to research focused on increasing the supply of organs available for transplant, reducing organ rejection, improving immunosuppressive drugs, and monitoring health outcomes for transplant recipients. You can help increase survival rates for transplant recipients by supporting organ donation and transplant research. Learn more about transplant challenges and advances