Transplant Patient Assistance Fund benefits as Fund-a-Need recipient for 2015 Winter Ball

More than $200,000 raised to help transplant organ donors and recipients with financial need

At the seventh annual Winter Ball on Dec. 4, 2015, the UMass Memorial Transplant Patient Assistance Fund (TPAF) was the beneficiary of the Fund-a-Need, a special segment of the event’s live auction. Pledges of more than $200,000 were made that evening, making it (at the time) the highest amount raised for a Fund-a-Need recipient in the history of the event.

Because many transplant patients—both living donors and recipients—encounter financial hardships as a result of their illness or organ donation, TPAF was created to provide financial relief for those patients and their families in need to ensure stability and continuity of care. TPAF provides short-term assistance with expenses such as groceries, transportation, utilities, rent, unexpected car and appliance repairs, and medical equipment not covered by insurance. More than 150 individuals have been helped by this fund.

The UMass Memorial Transplant Program has grown considerably in the past several years—more than 580 transplants have been performed since 2010. It is one of the largest transplant programs in New England, with the best survival outcomes. With a singular focus on treating the patient as a whole person and featuring an integrated team of transplant specialists, UMass Memorial is the first choice for a second chance.

Support from Winter Ball participants ensured that future UMass Memorial transplant patients—recipients, donors and those awaiting transplants—and their families will be able to keep their focus getting and maintaining essential pre- and post-operative care.

Each year, a program, center or other important initiative at UMass Chan Medical School and/or UMass Memorial Medical Center is selected as a Fund-a-Need beneficiary.