Mailing Centre Dream Becomes Reality

When he passed away in 2003 at the age of 34 from complications related to heart transplant surgery, Matthew Mailing bequeathed one third of his estate to support LHSC's Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Matthew's gift became the catalyst for establishing a world-class facility in transplantation studies - a facility that, eight years after Matthew's passing, is now complete.

Take a virtual tour of the Mailing Centre

On October 26, 2010, physicians, researchers, educators and Hospital staff were joined by Minister of Health and Long Term Care Deb Matthews and donors from LHSF as the Matthew Mailing Centre for Translational Transplant Studies had its grand opening as part of the Lindros Legacy Research building. 

The Matthew Mailing Centre for Translational Transplant Studies is a joint venture between LHSC and Lawson Health Research Institute and is located on Level Four of the Lindros Legacy Research building at University Hospital. The state-of-the-art, $4.25 million Mailing Centre was funded through the support of the Mailing family, an annual golf event organized by Matthew's brother and friends as well as donations from corporations, health care providers and individuals in the community.

"The Mailing Centre is the first centre of its kind in Canada that focuses on transplantation research problems, built entirely by privately donated funds from many donors who believed in us and our mission," says Dr. Anthony Jevnikar, Medical Director of Kidney Transplantation and Co-Director of the Multi-Organ Transplant Program.

The 8,245-square-foot Mailing Centre will promote the accelerated translation of basic research in transplantation to improve patient care. The centre will strive to enhance the work of clinician-scientists and scientists who have a primary interest in transplantation, novel immunotherapy, tissue protection and advanced microsurgical techniques. Located directly beside LHSC's Multi-Organ Transplant Program, the opening of the Mailing Centre will define another landmark in London's distinguished history of leadership in transplantation.

"This state-of-the-art centre will contribute to advancements in research that will benefit the health and well-being of patients here in London and beyond," says Deb Matthews, Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

Standing as a shining example of what one person can inspire and what donors can achieve together, the centre will contribute to scientific breakthroughs in organ transplantation and benefit patients throughout Canada and around the world.

"I just feel that down the road, great things will be discovered. That's what this research centre is all about: to help people; to keep organs longer in better condition; to do research on anti-rejection drugs and also to do experimental work," says Matthew Mailing's mother, Carol.