Kidney Transplant Patient and Family Resources

At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we know the challenges families face while caring for a child with serious kidney problems. Whether your child needs dialysis, is waiting for a donor kidney or has received a transplant, we’re here for you. We offer a range of supportive patient and family services for each step of this kidney transplant journey.

Support for Kidney Transplant Recipients and Their Families

Kidney transplants are complex. And navigating the process may feel overwhelming. We want you to have confidence in the decisions you make about your child’s care. Our specialists ensure you have the necessary support and information, so you can stress less and focus more on your family.

Transplant nurse coordinators

Our transplant nurse coordinators provide your family with ongoing guidance and support. These specialists answer questions, coordinate and deliver expert medical care, and connect you to appropriate resources before, during and after transplantation.

Dialysis nurses

Our dialysis nurses provide high-level care for children receiving hemodialysis at our outpatient dialysis unit. Our nurses also teach families how to perform a type of at-home dialysis called peritoneal dialysis. A member of our dialysis team is available 24/7 to address your questions and concerns. Learn more about dialysis treatments.

Social workers

Our experienced clinical social workers help families cope with the stress of a life-changing situation. This team addresses mental health needs, schooling, transportation, lodging and more. See how our Social Work Program can help your family.

Dietitians

Our renal dietitians specialize in helping children with kidney conditions grow and thrive. They provide customized nutrition and dietary recommendations based on your child’s specific needs.

Child Life specialists

Child Life specialists know how to connect with children. They use age-appropriate language to help your child understand their diagnosis and what to expect throughout the kidney transplant process. They also teach coping strategies to help your child manage stressful medical procedures and situations. This team supports your child’s social and emotional needs. Learn more about our Child Life Program.

Educational services and teachers

Children who get outpatient hemodialysis and hospitalized children can miss a lot of school. Our school for patients helps your child stay current on their schoolwork. Teachers and teacher assistants from the Carlson Home Hospital School in the Los Angeles Unified School District provide these educational services.

We also hold kidney transplant clinics on select Saturdays for college students and young adults. This service ensures young adults don’t fall behind in their college studies or miss work.

Financial assistance

The costs of caring for a sick child can put a financial strain on your family, even when you have health insurance. Our financial services team ensures your family has affordable access to CHLA’s world-class care. We have the knowledge and resources to ease the stress of this financial burden. Find out how to get financial assistance.

Support groups

Connecting with others who share the same health concerns and challenges can help your child and you cope better. Our support groups connect pediatric kidney transplant recipients with others their age. We can also connect you with families who share similar experiences.

Children who have kidney cancer may also participate in our programs for survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer. These programs provide comprehensive clinical care and ongoing support for survivors of all types of childhood cancers. Learn more about our Survivorship and Supportive Care for children with cancer.

Kidney Transplant Care at Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Our expert surgeons perform all types of pediatric kidney transplants. Learn more about the leading-edge care available to your family at our Kidney Transplant Program.

Contact us

The Kidney Transplant Program at CHLA welcomes new patients, referrals and second opinions. Please contact us to make an appointment.