In this powerful episode of Living Transplant, host Candice Coghlan sits down with Sasha, a social worker at Toronto General Hospital, to discuss the vital intersection of mental health, addiction recovery, and organ transplantation. Sasha shares her journey into social work, her experience supporting patients in the Alcohol Liver Disease Program, and how stigma can affect those living with alcohol-related liver disease.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of recovery, relapse prevention, financial barriers, and the emotional toll of transplant life — for both patients and families. Sasha emphasizes compassion, honesty, and the importance of recognizing addiction as a health condition, not a moral failing. Together, Candice and Sasha explore the meaning of resilience, the need for peer and mental health support, and the small acts of kindness that make a lasting impact in healthcare.

Key Takeaways

• Addiction is a health condition and should be treated with empathy and understanding.
• Mental health support is just as critical as physical care in the transplant process.
• Family and caregivers play an essential role in a patient’s recovery journey.
• Financial challenges and access to mental health care remain major barriers for many patients.
• Peer support networks are transformative but still lacking for liver transplant patients.
• Honesty and emotional validation are key tools for social workers supporting transplant patients.
• It’s okay to not feel okay — emotional lows are part of the transplant journey.

Resources & Links

Learn more about Living Organ Donation

Learn more about Living Liver Donation

Learn more about Mental Health supports available

Centre for Living Organ Donation on Instagram

Ajmera Transplant Centre on Instagram

About the Podcast

Each episode of Living Transplant shares real stories from transplant recipients, living donors, and healthcare experts. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply curious about organ donation, you’ll hear honest conversations about resilience, hope, and the life-changing power of organ transplantation.

About the Host

Candice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at UHN’s Ajmera Transplant Centre, a kidney transplant recipient, and a board member for the National Kidney Foundation.

Contact

Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at livingorgandonation@uhn.ca. Thanks for spending your time with us.

The views and opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Toronto General or University Health Network.