Project Hope is an organization founded and run by transplant recipients and aims to make peer support a robust and easily accessible resource for pediatric transplant recipients
BIOGRAPHY
Project Hope is a nonprofit organization founded and operated by a team of young adult transplant patients. Through their own lived experiences with transplantation and in collaboration with leading organizations, including the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT), and the STARZL network Transplant Advocate Partners (TAP), they have identified the lack of peer support as a critical gap in current standards.
Project Hope aims to fill this gap through the construction and administration of a transplant center-specific peer support group. During these sessions, patients will have the opportunity to engage with the chapter’s leadership team (older transplant patients + a trusted advisor), who will have access to various (Currently ~8) educational modules covering topics from “ what is transplant” to “telling your transplant story. Supported at the national level, individual chapters will have the discretion and latitude to customize the program to align with center practices and the needs of their patient populations. Project Hope aims to promote mental wellness, empower youth, and improve the quality of life for pediatric transplant patients.
It is common to experience isolation around your transplant journey. That's why Project Hope is working alongside medical professionals to bring peer support and tailor-made educational content to help children understand life after transplant. All of these materials are created by people who have undergone these experiences and are living out life after transplant. We see a future and wish no child has to go through their transplant journey alone. Instead doing it alongside the larger transplant community and peers who understand.
Project Hope works within the transplant centers to provide community and support to pediatric transplant recipients.
We currently have established a group with Georgetown University Hospital
OUR TEAM
Samson Wong
Samson is a liver transplant recipient. Diagnosed with biliary atresia and transplanted at 8 months old, he is now a Junior at Yale University studying Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry and pursuing a certificate (minor) in global health.Samson is interested in contributing to research-based advances that address needs within the transplant community and has previously worked with Cincinnati Children’s to model Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency using human liver organoids, helping further our understanding of the condition and potential non-transplant cures. Most recently, he has been working to address challenges associated with the ischemic storage of transplantable organs.
Outside of the Transplant community, he’s an avid musician, singing in and directing an acappella group, Pitches and Tones, and serving as a conductor with Dpops, a student-run pops orchestra.
Founder
Maddie Flickinger
Maddie is a liver transplant recipient. At the age of 12, Maddie was diagnosed with Budd-Chiari Syndrome and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. She underwent a TIPS procedure and lived for 5 years pre-transplant before ultimately receiving a liver transplant when she was 17. Maddie is now a senior at George Mason University, studying Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Her experience with the medical field has inspired her to pursue a career in research and medicine.
Maddie is a total dog lover and avid Pittsburgh sports fan. Growing up as a competitive swimmer, she still enjoys swimming from time to time. She loves sightseeing around the DC area, going on trips with her family, and taking long naps with her dogs.
Education Lead
Technology LeadAndrew Hartless
Andrew Hartless lives in Va working as a theater director. When he was 16 he received a pediatric liver transplant for autoimmune hepatitis at UVA. Having such a major surgery happening during a nationwide pandemic was a foundational moment for Andrew. Since the transplant he has gotten connected with other pediatric patients and gotten into patient advocacy. It was through those connections that he was connected with Project Hope.
He wants to give back to the transplant community that gave him so much through Project Hope. He has a pet border collie named Junebug who always keeps him busy. When not chasing his dog he love to cooking and Playing RPGS..
Sophie Hansen
Sophie is a two-time liver transplant recipient who grew up navigating the challenges of pediatric liver disease. Diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis and Crohn’s disease as a toddler, she received her first transplant at fifteen and her second at twenty-one. These experiences shaped her passion to support kids and families walking similar paths. She now works as a researcher in hepatology and pediatric organ transplantation.
At heart, Sophie is a self-proclaimed bird nerd, cat‑nap enthusiast, and wannabe doctor. She loves hiking, thrifting, and concerts. Her guiding philosophy: “To lead people, walk beside them” -Lao Tzu
Research Lead
Paulina Nieto
Paulina is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and proud Indiana University grad with a Master’s in Social Work. She's also a two-time heart transplant recipient, and her journey has inspired her passion for all things transplant advocacy and mental health. As a bilingual Mexican-American, she cares deeply about making sure everyone in the transplant community feels included, understood, and supported — because no one should ever feel alone on this journey.
Outside of work, you’ll probably find her drawing, painting, playing video games, staying active, or hanging out with her dog, Obi! Paulina loves anything that lets her be creative, playful, and connected to the world around her
Trainer and Developer