The Circle of Hope (COH) Transplant Support Program is designed to support those members of our community navigating not only LAM but the prospect of a lung transplant as well. Our program offers virtual support meetings, educational webinars with experts in the field, tissue donation education, and one-on-one guidance through peer mentoring.
To get started with our COH program, please click the button below and complete this short participation form:
Dan Dilling, MD – Circle of Hope Medical Director
Dan Dilling, MD, LAM Clinic Director at Loyola Medicine, serves as the Circle of Hope Medical Director. Dr. Dilling facilitates connections with transplant centers across the country, providing support and advice to patients and helping to educate patients on the transplant process. Dr. Dilling is also Professor of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and the medical director of the Lung Transplantation Program at Loyola.
Sharlene Dunn, Circle of Hope Transplant Support Program Manager
Sharlene Dunn, a LAM patient who received a lung transplant in 2010, is the Circle of Hope Transplant Support Program Manager. Sharlene finds and supports women with LAM who are seeking evaluation for transplant, coordinates mentor pairings, and facilitates the support group.
Click here to read Shar’s Blog, “Drawing a Circle of Hope” about her transplant experience.
View the recording of an outstanding educational program and group discussion presented by Dr. Daniel Dilling, COH Medical Director, and COH Participants Karen Kinsey, Lisa Catalano, and Karyn Schad.
Testimonials
Karen Kinsey, Patient
“The Circle of Hope” is a natural extension of The LAM Foundation’s well-honed LAM Liaison Program. These two programs offer support, guidance and understanding to Lammies by fellow Lammies, dedicated LAM researchers and The LAM Foundation.
The Circle of Hope Program has helped me face many of the uncertainties associated with lung transplantation. The post-transplant LAM mentors are remarkably knowledgeable resources, who offer guidance as well as abundant compassion and understanding. In addition, the COH Medical Director has been incredibly responsive and insightful. Before, I felt like I was the quarterback of all the decisions concerning my transplant. Now, I know I have several coaches that I can rely on.
I am grateful for the resources The LAM Foundation has committed to the COH Program. The assistance the COH Program has provided me has been invaluable. My hope is that one day, I will be able to give back to the COH Program.”
Zaria Benedict, Patient
“The opportunity to call a LAM sister after transplant is priceless! We understand each other in ways no one else can. I am forever grateful for my mentor! I got advice, information and encouragement I could not have gotten anywhere else. Truly priceless!
This was also an amazing opportunity to donate my old lungs for LAM research. Knowing that my lungs were used for LAM research at several centers gives me great joy and hope. What a blessing to give back and help find a cure!”
Karyn Schad, Mentor