Who We Are
Texas Transplant Network is a Texas-based non-profit empowering living organ donors to give the gift of life without worrying about the financial implications of such a vital decision.
What We Do
While the recipient’s insurance covers most, if not all, of the medical expenses related to the transplant, the living donor bears the burden of all the remaining costs.
Through The Bradley Freeland Fund, Texas Transplant Network reimburses donors for these ancillary expenses based on their willingness to give, not their income.
Donors can receive financial support for expenses such as:
- childcare or elder care
- pet care
- travel expenses such as meals, parking, or gas
- hotel/lodging
After all, anyone willing to selflessly give the gift of life should never be forced to choose between financial hardship and organ donation.
Why Texas Transplant Network?
Individuals with kidney disease face many obstacles but living organ donors can change everything for them:
- virtually eliminate donation list wait times, especially through directed donation
- provide a better-matched, healthy kidney with less chance of rejection
- give a longer-lasting kidney (compared to cadaver donation)
- offer the opportunity to better prepare for the transplant by choosing the timing of the surgery
Despite the crucial role living donors play in the life of those in need of a kidney, there are few financial resources to support their journey.
We at Texas Transplant Network understand both the need of the kidney recipient and the dilemma faced by donors.
That’s why our mission is to provide financial assistance to donors facing the often-overlooked expenses of organ donation, making the gift of life possible for more people in need.
How We Help
The GEARS of Texas Transplant Network work together with a purpose and are living donor-focused.
Grants through The Bradley Freeland Fund
Through The Bradley Freeland Fund, Texas Transplant Network offers grants to assist living donors with costs not covered by insurance.
Living donors can apply for reimbursement for expenses during the entire transplant process, from evaluation to recovery, such as:
- Travel expenses — transportation, food, and lodging
- Dependent care — expenses for the care of children, disabled adults, or elderly
- Pet care
- and more
Grants through The Bradley Freeland Fund
Through The Bradley Freeland Fund, Texas Transplant Network offers grants to assist living donors with costs not covered by insurance.
Living donors can apply for reimbursement for expenses during the entire transplant process, from evaluation to recovery, such as:
- Travel expenses — transportation, food, and lodging
- Dependent care — expenses for the care of children, disabled adults, or elderly
- Pet care
- and more
Education
There are often many bumps along the road to a successful transplant surgery. We offer education to living donors related to organ donation and how best to prepare for their life-giving operation.
Education
There are often many bumps along the road to a successful transplant surgery. We offer education to living donors related to organ donation and how best to prepare for their life-giving operation.
Awareness
According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, “more than 8,500 (85%) of the approximate 10,000 Texans awaiting a lifesaving transplant could be saved through living donation.”
Living organ donation is the single most important gift a person can ever give to a recipient in desperate need of life-saving treatment. While there are many resources available for organ recipients, there is little awareness around the donor’s process or needs.
Texas Transplant Network understands that the transplant surgery does not happen without the donor. Our programs are focused on supporting the donor and generating public awareness for the process.
We also provide awareness campaign assistance to recipients, helping their friends, families, and communities know their dire need.
Awareness
According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, “more than 8,500 (85%) of the approximate 10,000 Texans awaiting a lifesaving transplant could be saved through living donation.”
Living organ donation is the single most important gift a person can ever give to a recipient in desperate need of life-saving treatment. While there are many resources available for organ recipients, there is little awareness around the donor’s process or needs.
Texas Transplant Network understands that the transplant surgery does not happen without the donor. Our programs are focused on supporting the donor and generating public awareness for the process.
We also provide awareness campaign assistance to recipients, helping their friends, families, and communities know their dire need.
Readiness
Being prepared can dispel fears and uncertainties. With the help of the transplant team, we offer readiness training to prepare the donor and/or recipient.
Readiness
Being prepared can dispel fears and uncertainties. With the help of the transplant team, we offer readiness training to prepare the donor and/or recipient.
Apply for Support
At Texas Transplant Network, we place no financial requirements on living donors seeking assistance. Our grants are not income-based and have no economic restrictions. We want to empower YOU on your journey to give the gift of life.
Contribute
We cannot support our living organ donors without financial contributions from generous individuals like you. Donate directly to The Bradley Freeland Fund to help a living donor save someone’s life!
Our Board of Directors
President
Ryan is a stage 4 Metastatic Renal Cancer survivor as well as a thyroid cancer survivor. He lived on dialysis for three and a half years and ultimately had a successful kidney transplant on June 29, 2022. With a background in non-profit work, he established the Texas Transplant Network. He is married to Kim Pendergraft and lives in Kerrville, Texas.
Click here to read Ryan’s story.
President
Ryan is a stage 4 Metastatic Renal Cancer survivor as well as a thyroid cancer survivor. He lived on dialysis for three and a half years and ultimately had a successful kidney transplant on June 29, 2022. With a background in non-profit work, he established the Texas Transplant Network. He is married to Kim Pendergraft and lives in Kerrville, Texas.
Click here to read Ryan’s story.
Brad Freeland
Vice President
Brad is a living kidney donor, having given a kidney to Ryan Pendergraft on June 29, 2022. Brad is an entrepreneur, fishermen, hunter, father, and husband. He is passionate about helping and empowering others to become living organ donors.
Roy Pendergraft
Treasurer
Roy is retired after a career in coaching high school sports, teaching, mediation and non-profits. Roy is currently a polycystic kidney disease patient and is on dialysis while awaiting transplant.
David E. Roberts
Secretary
David is a regional representative for a large national non-profit trade association. He has been friends with Ryan for over 25 years and is an encourager, prayer warrior, and confidant who stood with Ryan during his health struggles.
Chase Pendergraft
Board Member
Chase is Ryan’s brother and is a first-hand witness to the lifesaving miracle of living organ transplant. Chase is the Executive Director for a non-profit trade association and brings his experience managing non-profits to the Texas Transplant Network board.
Contact Us
