“I think of it as a support group in a magazine - full of laughs, truths, and loads of encouragement to keep pushing forward on those tough days. Please keep doing what you’re doing…for us!”

- John Buffington, heart transplant recipient

“Patients have raved about the beautiful images and stories that bring many to tears and fill them with hope. Bonus Days provides a glimpse into an amazing transplant community for those navigating this crazy rollercoaster journey.”

- Sarah R. Lieber, MD, MSCR, transplant hepatologist and clinical researcher, UT Southwestern

“Sharing Bonus Days with our transplant patients and their families has been profoundly meaningful. In moments of isolation and vulnerability, this magazine offers a vital escape and a sense of community that reaches far beyond the hospital walls. Watching a patient’s entire demeanor transform as they read is a beautiful testament to the power of these stories. 

For patients, it is a source of hope; for providers, it is a heartfelt reminder of the vibrant lives we are so privileged to help shape. The entire transplant team is deeply grateful for the dedicated work and heart put into making this magazine possible. Thank you for bringing such light and joy into our institution.'‘

-Sarah Riggio, MSN, RN, AGPC-NP, NYU

“Bonus Days has helped me feel connected to people who understand the complexities of receiving a transplant. It has encouraged me to think about what comes next while also helping me become comfortable with not having all the answers. Thank you for using your gifts to encourage others and highlight the many ways organ donation is changing the world.”

- Jennifer Laible, kidney transplant recipient

“Being sick so young was so isolating. I felt so different from my peers and it was hard to balance my “normal” life with my “sick” life. There was never much representation of sick people to look up to or relate to in my daily life. I would have loved to have this magazine growing up. The idea that Bonus Days is connecting and unifying so many in the transplant community is truly inspiring. I can not wait to see it grow.”

- Maddie Flickinger, liver transplant recipient

“While waiting at NYU for a donor heart, I was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. A member of the transplant evaluation team stopped by with an issue of Bonus Days, and I read every word. After many tears, I felt the trajectory of my day change. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and found a new sense of hope: I can do this. Thank you for creating such an incredible magazine.”

-Daniele Milmore, Heart transplant candidate

“I knew I would find hope within the pages of Bonus Days, but I wasn’t prepared for how deeply it would affect me. I didn’t want the issue to end. The stories, recipes, puzzles, and beautiful photography made me feel as though I was right there on every page. Thank you for sharing stories that can transform fear into dreams.”

- Melinda Braet

“Bonus Days is a beautifully crafted publication offering insight into the divergent paths that lead to transplantation.  The patient stories showcase the lives restored after receiving this precious gift of life.  Sharing those stories is essential in offering hope and community to those waiting for a transplant.  

We at Penn Medicine Transplant Institute provide issues of the magazine in our clinics and it is enthusiastically received! Thank you to Alison and Bonus Days!”

-Denise DuPont, University of Pennsylvania

“Bonus Days magazine has become a wonderful resource for our kidney and liver transplant patients. Many patients actively look for copies in the waiting room and often share positive feedback about how helpful and relatable the information is. It clearly resonates with our transplant population. 

Our staff also enjoys reading the magazine, as it offers valuable insight into the patient's perspective and reinforces a sense of empathy, purpose and the impact of their work.”

- Kara Ventura, PNP, FNP, DNP, Yale

“Alison, last night I shared this with my folks and we were all crying tears - Dad, 25 year kidney transplant recipient, wished this had been in print back then.”

-Vanessa, kidney transplant survivor

“I got your magazine today.  I am so excited.  It is beautiful and I am looking at it and the stories are so inspiring and wonderful.  I had an epiphany reading it about how I have wasted so much time being angry and I realized that my transplant wasn’t supposed to fix my life.  It was supposed to help me live it.  To be here.  To be alive.  I get to do the things that I want to do because of my transplant and I don’t know why it took me so long to realize that but your magazine showed me that.  Thank you for the hope and inspiration.”

-Mary - heart transplant survivor