The LifePod
A specialised donor ICU aiming to double the transplant rate at Tygerberg Hospital. Officially opened on 4 June 2025.
A Journey from Vision to Reality
Conceptualisation
Under the inspiring leadership of Prof Elmin Steyn and Anja Meyer, the LifePod idea took shape: a dedicated ICU space at Tygerberg Hospital to bridge the gap in donor management.
Research Phase
Our team mapped out every detail, toured potential sites, and secured the perfect room within Tygerberg's walls.
Tri for Life Campaign
In partnership with the Health Foundation, we launched a Half Ironman challenge, aiming to help raise the R400 000 goal for the project.
Half Ironman Event
Save7 athletes conquered the Ironman 70.3 in Nelson Mandela Bay, turning sweat into life-saving impact.
Fundraising & Protocol Development
Over 14 months, we combined spreading the word through media appearances & promotional videos with rigorous standard operating procedure design, working hand-in-hand with Tygerberg staff and subject-matter experts.
Room Secured
With boxes moved and blueprints in hand, our dedicated space was officially claimed.
Renovations Complete
Tygerberg Engineering and RJ Mechanicals fitted essential oxygen and suction lines, transforming bare walls into a clinical haven.
Equipment Acquisition
Through meticulous negotiations, we outfitted the LifePod with the critical gear it needs to preserve donor organs.
Grand Opening
After 18 months of hard work, the LifePod officially opened at Tygerberg Hospital, where we unveiled it to the public and celebrated the incredible journey that brought us here.
Organ donors, once declared brain dead, must be kept on life-sustaining machines for 36 hours. However, beds in hospitals are scarce. That's why the LifePod ICU at Tygerberg Hospital is such a game-changer! #CarteBlanche
Carte Blanche ( @carteblanche.co.za ) 4 May 2025 at 19:48
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Funded by you
We are grateful to each and every one who has contributed to the project. Each and every donation will contribute towards making up to 100 organs available and saving 100 lives each year.