Laurie McDonald Podcast
Title:
Laurie McDonald, Social Worker at UNC Transplant Center Makes a Difference
Jerry Cahill interviews Laurie McDonald, Transplant Social Worker at UNC Medical
Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Laurie works closely with the medical
team, patient, and family to make sure everything runs smoothly with the
transplant.
- Laurie is involved in lung, heart, liver, and kidney transplant social
work.
- Cystic Fibrosis disease progression is the reason for over 50% of lung
transplants at UNC.
- “Financial issues as well as re-locating and waiting for the transplant
are the biggest challenges for patient and family? states Laurie
- UNC Transplant Center offers support groups to patients and family that
is both educational and good forum for stress release.
- Laurie recommends setting up a “fundraising team? ASAP once you are
listed to help ease the financial burden of unexpected expenses.
- Laurie’s advice:
1. “Live everyday /minute of your life and don’t count on transplant to turn
your life around?
2. “Prepare Financially?
3. “Exercise – the surgery and recovery will go smoother?