In this deeply moving episode of The Living Transplant Podcast, host Candice Coghlan sits down with Mary, a liver transplant recipient whose story embodies courage, vulnerability, and self-advocacy.

Mary opens up about her struggles with addiction, mental health, and identity, sharing how her liver transplant became a turning point toward healing — both physically and emotionally. She discusses the often-overlooked connection between mental and physical health, the stigma surrounding addiction, and the life-changing power of receiving an accurate diagnosis after years of being misunderstood.

This honest and heartfelt conversation reminds us that healing doesn’t end with surgery — it continues with self-discovery, support, and breaking the silence around mental health.

Key Takeaways

• Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected — both deserve equal attention.
• Addiction and mental health struggles are health issues, not moral failings.
• Advocacy starts small: asking for help is an act of bravery, advocacy is crucial in navigating the healthcare system
• Receiving a transplant can awaken gratitude, but also complex emotions that deserve space and care.
• A proper diagnosis can completely change a person’s quality of life.
• Breaking the stigma around mental health begins with open, honest conversations.
• Community and compassion are powerful forces in recovery.
• Mental health challenges often go unseen and misunderstood.
• Organ donation is a life-changing gift that impacts families.
• Everyone struggles with something; it's important to talk about it.

Links and Resources

More information about living organ donation

More information about living liver transplantation

Centre for Living Organ Donation on Instagram

Ajmera Transplant Centre on Instagram

Canadian Mental Health Association

About Our Guest

Mary R. — Liver transplant recipient and mental health advocate.

Her story highlights resilience, hope, and the importance of treating the whole person, not just the body.

Connect with the Podcast or Learn more about Organ Donation

Click here for more information about living organ donation.

Click here for more information about living kidney transplantation. 

Click here for more information about Polycystic Kidney Disease. 

Ajmera Transplant Centre on Instagram

Each 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 Host

Candice 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 [email protected]. 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.