Transplant is lonely,but we don't need to do it alone.
Organ transplant is one of the most beautiful medical processes available to us today.
Isolation is required post, and sometimes pre transplant, to keep the recipient healthy and germ free. Because of this, it can also be one of the loneliest times and the most susceptible of us to depression due to social isolation, our teens (12-20), are unprotected from the mental toll of loneliness in this pivotal space of healing.
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I know this first hand from my transplant (Heart, 2018), my son experienced it during his 3 week hospital stay when being prepared for his transplant (Heart, Waiting List) and when he asked for someone like him to connect with Transplant Teenz was created.
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Having someone that understands being a teen in today's world AND being a transplant teen is a small and important community that needs us to give them connection and community to thrive and heal together.
Dr. Brittany Clayborne
Featured
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Harvard University
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Centers for Disease Control
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Journal of Cardiac Failure
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Yale University
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Delta Air Lines
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National Organization of Rare Disorders
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American Heart Association
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United Network Of Organ Sharing
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WebMD
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TEDx Speaker
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Amazon 2 Time #1 Best Selling Author
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WebMD Advisor
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HSFA Patient Committee Chair
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AMAT Board of Directors
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Founder-Thrive Therapy
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2023 UNOS Community Advocate
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2023 Building the Cure Warrior Award
Micah Clayborne
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Southwest Transplant Alliance
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Donate Life Texas
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UTSW Medical School
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Amazon 2 Time #1 Best Selling Author
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American Heart Association
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Heart Transplant Waiting List
In Brittany's Words
"Isolation, not loneliness, defines what was hardest about my transplant journey. While surrounded by loved ones, I felt like the only one navigating this unique world of transplants, immunosuppression, and daily challenges specific to transplant patients."
As I received the devastating news that my only child would have to take this harrowing journey I jumped into go mode, not just as a mom, or a transplant recipient, but as a psychologist whose very research was founded on the importance of navigating this physical journey in a healthy mental space. there are countless amounts of research that reinforce the necessity of peer support and the support of community during a health crisis. during the covid 19 pandemic the suicide attempt rate of adolecents soared 600% citing depression and loneliness as the top factors.
As a person that specializes in critical illness I witness firsthand and have lived the withdrawl, isolation, loneliness and disconnect that comes with having a health condition that limits contact and community. just as I don’t want my son to experience those emotions, I don’t want any child to have to either.
My Name is Brittany Clayborne, MS, PsyD and I am asking you to partner with me in making sure that as teens are surviving transplant, they don’t have to survive loneliness as well.
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The Effects of Loneliness and Isolation
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Social isolation can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation in the body.
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Loneliness among heart failure patients is associated with a nearly 400% increased risk of death.
Loneliness is also associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.​
Poor social relationships are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease