Introduction: Pediatric solid organ transplantation presents a unique set of challenges transitioning throughout childhood, developing into adolescence, and young adulthood. Peer support is an underutilized resource for addressing mental and emotional needs in chronic patients. Inspired by their lived experience, a team of young adult transplant recipients founded Project Hope, a nonprofit creating robust, accessible peer support resources for pediatric transplant recipients. 

Methods: Project Hope creates center-specific chapters for peer-led support. These chapters are structured around a transplant center advisor, who monitors meetings, mentors, and mentees. Pediatric transplant recipients are mentored by older adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients in a 1-1 or group setting. Educational modules are provided, covering topics such as “What is transplant” and “Telling Your Story”. Each chapter will have the latitude to customize the program to align with center practices and patient needs. 

Results: The initial cohort is utilizing a virtual, group model for chapter meetings. Mentorship groups run biweekly, while mentors meet weekly with the advisor for mentorship planning. The group settings have enabled a broader range of experiences to be shared, community formation, and shared health habit-building among mentors and mentees, however the feasibility for matched 1-1 mentorship requires further exploration. 

Conclusions: In collaboration with medical professionals and institutions, Project Hope aims to develop a programmatic method for a national network of peer-led resources in transplantation. The goal is to construct a strong AYA transplant network that empowers youth to navigate life after transplant, promotes mental wellness, and improves quality of life.