Gift of Life: Reflections from the First 25 Years of a Kidney Transplant Journey | Patient Stories, Organ Donation and Medical Experts

In this episode of the Living Transplant podcast, host Candice Coghlan turns the microphone on the show’s very own producer, Amy Schluter. Amy is a podcast host and producer, an entrepreneur, a mom of three and now a 25-year kidney transplant recipient. As we celebrate this incredible milestone of twenty-five years since her kidney transplant, Amy joins Candice for a heartfelt, funny, and deeply honest conversation about her unexpected diagnosis at 25, the life-changing gift from her sister, and what it’s like to build a full, vibrant life in the decades that follow. It’s a journey defined by resilience, creativity, and the joy of living life to the fullest.A transplant isn’t a cure, but there have been significant advances over the last 25 years. Amy takes us back to the year 2000, discussing the technological landscape of transplantation at the time and how laparoscopic surgery was a groundbreaking procedure for her donor, her sister Kelly. Candice and Amy discuss the evolution of transplant care, from the early days of "Timex watch" medication reminders to the modern era of health tech.Listeners will hear inspiring stories about Amy’s high-risk pregnancy with twins, the messy, emotional realities of recovery, including a memorable blender explosion and her hopes for the future, from organ cloning dreams to simply staying healthy to watch her kids grow. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, newly transplanted, or decades into your journey, a caregiver or a medical professional, this conversation offers inspiration, humour, and a unique perspective drawn from decades of lived transplant experience. It’s a powerful testament to the longevity and quality of life possible after transplantation.Key Takeaways:The 25-Year Milestone: Amy reflects on living longer with her transplant than without it.Pregnancy and Twins: A look at the rare and high-risk journey of carrying twins as a transplant recipient and the medical curiosity it sparked at St. Michael's Hospital.Technological Advancements: How transplant surgery and aftercare have evolved over the last two decades.Balancing Act: Insights on managing a career as a serial entrepreneur and podcast producer while prioritizing health and family.Mental Resilience: Overcoming the trauma of diagnosis and the importance of community support.Links and ResourcesChef Over Your Shoulder PodcastBespoke ProductionsKidney Foundation Peer SupportPregnancy & Kidney DiseaseTransplant Pregnancy RegistryConnect with the Podcast or Learn more about Organ DonationClick here for more information about living organ donation.Click here for more information about living kidney transplantation. Centre for Living Organ Donation on InstagramAjmera Transplant Centre on InstagramEach episode, we share patient stories about organ donation from transplant recipients and living donors, along with insights and education from leading medical experts. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, a donor, or simply curious about the world of organ transplantation, you’ll hear expert advice and inspiring journeys of hope, resilience, and second chances.About our HostCandice Coghlan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Centre for Living Organ Donation at the UHN Ajmera Transplant Centre. She is also a board member for the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. After she was diagnosed with kidney failure in her early 20s, she was on dialysis until receiving a transplant from her mother.Have questions? Comments? Ideas for an episode? Please reach out to the Centre for Living Organ Donation at [e-mail]. 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.