The Gifted Life: Organ, Tissue and Eye Donation Podcast
Improve your knowledge about organ, tissue and eye donation as your hosts Lori Steele, Nila Schwab, and Joey Boudreaux have entertaining and informative conversations about donation. We address donation in the news, myths about donation, what's new in the community, new technologies, special guest interviews and much more.
Episodes
From Prayer to Lasting Legacy: Erin Mitchell Crawford and Honoring Hayes
Show Notes: Author Erin Mitchell Crawford shares her journey through loss following the death of her nine-year-old son, Hayes. Erin discusses her book, Held: 30 Days of Prayer Through Grief, which originated from her own raw prayers and reflections during her darkest moments. The conversation explores how faith provides a foundation when navigating heartbreak and emphasizes that grief, while perso
The Tin Woman - A Journey of Second Chances and Connection
Show Notes: Join us as actor Larry Hyatt discusses The Tin Woman, a play based on a true story about Joy, a heart transplant recipient struggling with her second chance who seeks closure from her donor's grieving parents. The play powerfully explores themes of grief, acceptance, second chances, and connection, highlighting organ donation and recovery. Our Mental Health Moment asks "Who Are You?" t
Small Heroes, Mighty Legacies
Show Notes: In this episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Christian Bergeron about his daughter and donor hero, Elleanor "Ella" Claire Bergeron. Christian and his family created the Elleanor Claire Memorial Foundation. Discover how the Foundation aims to comfort donor families through dedicated memorial sites within all 64 of Louisiana's parishes. The sites honor Ella and all children wh
50 Peaks, One Kidney: Dr. Matthew Harmody’s "Ascending America"
Show Notes: We sit down with retired physician, Dr. Matthew Harmody, whose life took on new purpose after becoming a living kidney donor in 2017. What began as a personal decision to give the gift of life has grown into a powerful mission of advocacy, and his advocacy has reached new heights, literally. Dr. Harmody, alongside four fellow living donors, set out to climb the highest peak in every U.
Two Lives, One Kidney: A Living Kidney Donor and Her Recipient
Show Notes: In this episode, we celebrate generosity and the impact of stepping forward to give the gift of life to a stranger. Andrea Childers, a living kidney donor, and Jennifer Davis, her transplant recipient, join us to reflect on the journey that saved Jennifer's life. Andrea's confidence in giving the gift of life set in motion a life-changing path for both of them. Together, they open up a
Donation Advocate Shares his Story
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we share a 30-year journey rooted in service as we highlight the extraordinary impact of longtime donation advocate and LOPA Board Member David Puckett. David reflects on his family’s transplant journey with his daughter, Lauren, a journey that led him to become her living kidney donor for her first lifesaving transplant. That selfless gift,
Donation Advocate Shares his Story
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we share a 30-year journey rooted in service as we highlight the extraordinary impact of longtime donation advocate and LOPA Board Member David Puckett. David reflects on his family’s transplant journey with his daughter, Lauren, a journey that led him to become her living kidney donor for her first lifesaving transplant. That selfless gift,
Clayton Sparks' Legacy
Show Notes: We welcome Beth Sparks, mother of donor hero Clayton Sparks, to share more about her son whose legacy continues to touch so many lives. Clayton, became an organ donor at the age of 24, and was the inspiration for the children’s book Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark, written by Abby Gray, the wife of Clayton’s liver recipient. Beth reflects on Clayton’s vibrant personality, his compassion
Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we welcome Abby Gray, author of Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark and Impatiently Waiting for Miracles. In January 2017, Abby began writing as a therapeutic outlet while she and her husband, Reid, faced serious health challenges. Four years later, their lives changed forever when Reid received a liver transplant through a directed donation from
Jeri Gill | Ms. Senior World Louisiana and Living Kidney Donor
Show Notes: On this episode we shine a spotlight on an incredible woman whose story combines generosity and advocacy with a touch of pageant sparkle. Jeri Gill, an altruistic living kidney donor, was recently crowned 2025 Ms. Senior World Louisiana in the 60’s age category. Jeri's platform is organ donation, and she uses her voice to champion the gift of donation. Don’t miss Jeri’s inspiring journ
Miss Louisiana's Teen Virginia Kirkpatrick
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast we welcome Miss Louisiana’s Teen 2025, Virginia Kirkpatrick. 17 year old Virginia is an impressive leader on every level, but what really stood out is her Community Service Initiative to educate and encourage registration as an organ and tissue donor, “Life After Mine: Your Choice, Their Chance. Virginia shares her journey to the crown and why
Beautifully Broken with Maggie Fanara
Show Notes: On this episode, we sit down with donor mom and author Maggie Fanara, whose debut book is titled Beautifully Broken. Maggie opens up about the lies she once believed about herself, and how God met her in the depths of abuse, heartbreak, and loss to rewrite her story. Maggie invites us into her journey of healing and purpose where she discusses what it means to break toxic cycles and sp
Liver Transplants for Patients With Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer
Show Notes: In this episode, we spotlight a groundbreaking advancement in transplantation offering new hope to patients with stage 4 colorectal cancer. At Northwestern Medicine, surgeons successfully split a donor's liver to save two lives. One portion of the donor's liver went for a traditional waitlist recipient, and the other portion, for a patient with advanced colorectal cancer. This approach
A Mascot and Advocate for Donation
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we sit down with Robert Boudwin who's a man known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off the court as the Houston Rockets’ beloved mascot “Clutch the Rocket Bear”. However, Robert’s story goes far beyond entertainment. He’s also a passionate Donate Life advocate with a personal journey of hope and healing. Our conversation is full
A Quest for a Lung
Show Notes: We’re joined by Ron Chapman — lung transplant recipient, author, and passionate advocate for those awaiting a second chance at life. In a powerful conversation, Ron shares his deeply personal story of resilience, fear, hope, and gratitude. Through his heartfelt discussion with our hosts and his inspiring book, A Quest for a Lung, Ron offers guidance and encouragement to anyone on the t
A Soldier’s Second Chance
Show Notes: For our milestone 250th episode, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Louis Smith, an Army veteran and heart transplant recipient, alongside Dr. Benjamin Bryner, a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital who saved more than just his life. After serving in the military, Smith’s heart function declined to just 10 percent, leaving him in urgent need of a transplant. Withi
Miracle Man
Show Notes: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Todd and Carrie Hensel. Todd underwent a two day surgery which included a seven-organ transplant, during which he died five times. Fate had other plans and organ donation gave Todd a second chance at life. Now, Todd and Carrie live on a peaceful ranch and we discuss their newly released book, “My Miracle Man – The Deaths and Life of a Seven-Or
444 Miles and 4 Women Raise Awareness for Living Donation
Show Notes: In September of 2024, 4 women kidney donors, over 4 days, biked 444 miles to promote living organ donation. We’re excited to have Diane Mills, one of the four women behind the event, join us to share the story of how it all began and the incredible success it achieved. She’ll talk about the supportive people they encountered along the journey and how they were able to demonstrate that
Deputy Saves Lives Through Organ Donation
Show Notes: On this episode, we welcome Deputy Kim Bergeron of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, an extraordinary individual who serves, protects and saves lives. Deputy Bergeron shares her inspiring story as a living kidney donor to her high school friend, and her recent experience as a stem cell donor. Discover her journey and the profound impact of giving the gift of life through living
Honoring a Donor Through Endurance
Show Notes: We welcome Angie Mikkelson, a heart transplant recipient who’s galloping into her second chance at life. Angie shares her incredible journey from living with a lifelong heart defect to receiving the lifesaving gift of a heart at 25 years old. She shares how the generosity of her donor hero inspired her to push the boundaries of endurance, leading her to embrace an active lifestyle fill
A Kidney Life
Show Notes: In this episode, we explore the journey of living with kidney disease. We talk to Pesh Patel, who has transformed a life altering diagnosis into his mission. Pesh shares his personal story and how he founded A Kidney Life, which includes a podcast, Talk Kidney to Me. This podcast is dedicated to raising awareness for those living with kidney disease and it’s a resource for kidney disea
Medical Breakthrough - Awake Kidney Transplant
Show Notes: Dr. Satish Nadig with Northwestern Medicine and kidney transplant recipient, John Nicholas, join us to share details about a medical breakthrough in kidney transplantation. The AWAKE Kidney Program (Accelerated Surgery Without General Anesthesia in Kidney Transplantation) is a new approach in kidney transplantation, and in John's case, the 28-year-old was discharged less than 24 hours
Donation Advocate and Miss Florida 2024, Casana Fink
Show Notes: We welcome Casana Fink, an advocate for organ and tissue donation, nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, author, Miss Tampa and at the release of this episode, the current Miss Florida, who will be competing in the Miss America competition next year. As the daughter of a liver recipient, Casana has dedicated over a decade to educate others about the importance of organ and tissue donation.
Safe Schools
Show Notes: In this community partnership episode, we dive into the topic of school safety and gain important insights from Louisiana Center for Safe Schools Director, Trevis Thompson. Trevis explores the strategies, practices and programs that support school communities and their safety partners. Learn how communities can use these programs to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and
It Was a Christmas Miracle: A Pediatric Nurse Donated Her Kidney to a Teen
Show Notes: Join us for an inspiring episode as we chat with nurse Lori Vaughn and teen Lauren Swanson. Lauren’s battle with a rare disease led to her needing a kidney transplant. One day, Lori stumbled upon a social media plea for a living donor for Lauren. Even though she had no direct connection to Lauren, Lori felt led to see if she was a match. Hear all about how their incredible story of alt
Transplant Games of America Film Festival
Show Notes: We are getting you ready for the 2024 Transplant Games of America and TGA's inaugural Film Festival in Birmingham by welcoming previous guests Bill Ryan and Robert Horsey. Bill is President and CEO of the Transplant Games of America, and Robert is the Writer and Executive Producer of Gifted: The Docuseries. They catch us up by sharing their connections to the donation and transplantati
Four Time Kidney Recipient, Mark Fenrich
Show Notes: We sit down with Mark Fenrich, who's faced a lifelong battle with kidney disease, undergoing a remarkable journey with a total of four kidney transplants from four different members of his family. Mark's inspiring story has captivated national media, and showcases the incredible impact of living kidney donation. Following our conversation with Mark, we answer one of your questions abou
The Houston Gamer - A Thankful Recipient
Show Notes: In this episode, we’re joined by The Houston Gamer, Willie Jefferson, who's an avid gamer, popular YouTube vlogger, journalist, minister, and a grateful kidney recipient. Willie shares his journey with our hosts by detailing his illness, insights into his dialysis treatments and his life saving transplant. He reveals the reason behind naming his new donor kidney "Miracle." In our Menta
Inspiring Change Through Loss
Show Notes: In this pivotal episode, Kelli McQuesten, a Community Outreach Coordinator at Lifeline of Ohio, channels her personal tragedy into a powerful call for change. She tragically lost her husband, Matthew, due to not receiving a heart transplant in time. Motivated by her family's heart-wrenching experience of waiting in vain for a life-saving organ donation and the subsequent loss of her ch
Fais Do-Donate
Show Notes: We are discussing the Fais Do-Donate, an upcoming fundraiser to benefit the LOPA Foundation aimed at celebrating the gift of life on a Louisiana Saturday night. Wendy Lipsey, a LOPA Foundation Board Member and grateful transplant recipient, joins our podcast to share her transplantation journey and shed light on the activities lined up for the Fais Do-Donate which will be held April 27
Gifted: The Docuseries
Show Notes: Presenting "Gifted: The Docuseries," a compelling and uplifting exploration of organ donation and transplantation. Delve into the genesis of this inspirational series with author and filmmaker, Robert Horsey, as we journey alongside donor mom Jody Miller. Through Jody's poignant experience, we witness how her daughter, Heather, became a life-saving hero through the gift of donation. Di
From Loss to Law: The Legacy of Aliye Ringe
Show Notes: Leah Veck, grandmother to the donor hero Aliye Ringe, transformed her grief into action by delivering impassioned testimony before a Louisiana Legislative Committee. Thanks to Leah's tireless advocacy, Aliye's Law HB 289 was enacted in July 2023, guaranteeing that all Louisiana high school students receive education on organ, tissue, eye, and bone marrow donation. Discover the profound
Fire Safety with Ashley Rodrigue
Show Notes: We partner with Ashley Rodrigue, the Public Affairs Director for the State Fire Marshal's Office, to share life-saving fire safety tips. Learn about Louisiana's new carbon monoxide law, the Operation Save-A-Life program, and crucial measures to ensure your home and family are safe. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss tips for prioritizing mental health and using tools such as those
Unwrapping Grief
Show Notes: Dive into the exploration of grief with Patricia Cameron, an author and donor wife, who shares her journey after her husband's sudden passing at 45. In her book, Grief Unwrapped, Patricia confronts the burning question many face in the wake of loss: "Can I find joy again?" Discover her empowering insights on transitioning from mere survival to “thrive-al” mode. Plus, in our Mental Heal
A Grateful Recipient
Show Notes: Join us as we warmly welcome Tony Lucero, an avid listener and grateful liver recipient, to share his remarkable transplantation journey. Tony's powerful story sheds light on the many faceted connections made in the organ donation process. Our mental health moment takes a reflective turn as we discuss the importance of slowing down in a world that often seems to move at an overwhelming
SODA: Student Organ Donation Advocates
Show Notes: In this podcast episode, we delve into the impactful work of Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA National), an organization empowering students to drive organ donation advocacy on their high school or college campuses. Program Director, Nicole Nidea, provides an insightful update on SODA's outreach initiatives since our previous discussions in episodes 119 and 198. Join us as we exp
Brain Donation for Alzheimer's Research
Show Notes: Dr. Crystal Glover and Ryan Johnson of The Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (RADC), join us to discuss the importance of brain donation in understanding and treating Alzheimer's disease. Brain donation provides a definite diagnosis for families to help identify any hereditary issues and risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It also supports research about the ca
Wyatt's Wish
Show Notes: A listener turns into a guest on The Gifted Life Podcast. Pam Dworetz-Sofarelli wrote Wyatt's Wish, inspired by the gift of donation. Her book is geared towards young children with family and friends who are journeying through the organ donation process. Learn how Pam utilizes gentle storytelling to lead Wyatt to a very unexpected life lesson in loss and compassion. In our Mental Healt
Infant Safe Sleep
Show Notes: In this episode, we talk about infants and how to ensure a safe sleep environment. Chris Knoblauch, Director of Education/Community Outreach with St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office, and Sara Dickenson, Maternal Child Health Coordinator Supervisor with the Bureau of Family Health, join us to give valuable but simple tips for learning about safe sleep for infants, featuring Partners for
Mazie's Mission
Show Notes: Heather Broussard, a mother on a mission, is dedicated to spreading awareness about water safety in the wake of the tragic loss of her 17-month-old daughter, Mazie. Transforming their family's heartbreak into a beacon of hope, they founded Mazie's Mission, an organization committed to promoting water safety. Heather not only recounts her personal journey but also emphasizes the importa
Ava's Wish
Show Notes: We have a big bunch of friends in the studio to talk about Ava's Wish, a new book available now. The book is an inspired guide to help children understand the gift of organ and tissue donation. This book was written in honor of Ava Grace, who, following kindergarten graduation, became a "helper angel" at just 6-years-old and saved lives. Ava's family along with the authors and collabor
ATV Safety
Show Notes: Community partners, Kristen Sanderson with the Louisiana Office of Public Health and Chris Knoblauch with the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office, join us in the studio to share important tips for maintaining safety while operating an ATV/UTV. Learn the ins and outs of the equipment and safety precautions families can take when enjoying these popular outdoor recreational vehicles, alon
17 Again, A Story of Life After Life
Show Notes: Have you ever wondered how many people's lives can change in a matter of minutes? That's the guiding question for the book 17 Again, A Story of Life After Life, which is inspired by real-life events that occurred 30 years ago. At 17, Andrea Boullt, became a donor saving 6 lives following a tragic accident. Now, her sister and the book's author, Lisa Boullt, joins the podcast to discuss
Bone Marrow Research
Show Notes: We welcome back Kevin Caldwell from Ossium Health, who was previously featured on episode #114, to reveal groundbreaking developments in the realm of bone marrow research and transplantation. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into Ossium's cutting-edge research, showcasing remarkable advancements in the preservation of bone marrow over extended periods, and explore the profound implicat
The Gift - Organ Donation Through a Child's Eyes
Show Notes: Children are naturally curious, and they have a unique ability to empathize and understand complex concepts when presented in a clear and simple manner. In this episode, we welcome Madeline Pawloski, author of The Gift: A Children's Book About "The Gift" of Organ Donation. Madeline delicately introduces the topic in a kid-friendly way that focuses on the generosity of organ donation. T
A Heart Recipient Shares His Story
Show Notes: This episode’s guest is heart recipient, Ryan Gallet, who hails from the heart of Cajun Country. Ryan, who is 48 years old, had a massive heart attack at the age of 30 due to a 100% blockage. About 3 years later, Ryan learned his heart only had 10% function and he needed a new heart to live. Now, he shares his story to inspire more people to register to give the gift of life. In our Me
NRP-DCD A New Process for Saving Lives - Part 2
Show Notes: As we continue our conversation with Dr. Anji Wall, Abdominal Transplant Surgeon and Bioethicist at Baylor, Scott and White Health in Dallas, we delve into the legal and ethical aspects of Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP), a revolutionary advancement in organ recovery and transplantation. One of the critical issues surrounding NRP is the definition of death. As medical technology
NRP-DCD A New Process for Saving Lives
Show Notes: Welcome to a special two-part series on Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP)! We have a true pioneer and expert in the field of transplantation joining us. Dr. Anji Wall, Abdominal Transplant Surgeon and Bioethicist at Baylor, Scott and White Health in Dallas, will be sharing with us the groundbreaking advancements in organ recovery and transplantation through the use of NRP in donors
Traumatic Loss Support Program
Show Notes: We welcome Dr. Ray Tucker, with the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center to discuss the Traumatic Loss Support Program and how its structure helps support families going through a sudden loss such as suicide. Learn key details about the program, statistics and gain takeaways to apply to your own life. Then in our Mental Health Moment we offer tips for coping when new things are happe
Learning About Biliary Atresia
Show Notes: We welcome Analy Navarro, a mom who gave life twice. Analy's daughter was born with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease that affects 1 in every 12,000 infants worldwide. Analy's act of donation, along with her children's book, Mighty Me, showcases her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. She continues to promote hope, education and research for Biliary A
Writing to Express Grief
Show Notes: Writing can be a powerful tool for expressing intense emotions, including grief. Whether it's through journaling, letters, or other forms of written communication, putting our thoughts and feelings into words can provide solace and support during the grieving process. In the context of organ and tissue donation, writing can play a significant role in facilitating communication between
Take Good Care App
Show Notes: Experiencing a health crisis is a daunting journey filled with uncertainties. Lisa Bradshaw personally encountered this challenge when she received a cancer diagnosis. She faced it once again while providing care for her husband, Wesley, during his illness and subsequent lung transplant. Lisa's invaluable knowledge and firsthand experience are now shared through the Take Good Care App
Gun Safety
Show Notes: Saving lives and educating the public about preventable deaths is part of our podcast’s mission. In this episode, we partner with our friends from the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office and the Louisiana Office of Public Health to talk about gun safety. Chris Knoblauch and Kristen Sanderson join us in the studio to talk about practical preventative measures to keep firearms safe, and
The Decision to Donate - We Hadn't Talked About it Before
Show Notes: How does a family make a decision about donation, when their loved one's wishes about being a donor are unknown? Our guest, Jessica Andrade, shares the details of her family's intense discussions about making the decision to donate, and how her younger brother was able to save the lives of 4 people and hundreds with his tissue, skin and valves. Hear this powerful story, and learn about
World's First HIV Heart Transplant - Part 2
Show Notes: In the second episode in our 2 part series, we continue our conversation about the world's first HIV+ heart transplant. Recipient, Miriam Nieves, who along with her husband, Julio, share the intimate details of her journey through her illness. Hear more about the transplant that made history and how it brought Miriam full circle with the opportunity to meet her donor's family. In our M
World's First HIV Heart Transplant - Part 1
Show Notes: In November of 2022, a groundbreaking HIV+ heart transplant was announced at Montefiore Medical Center. LOPA was the first OPO in the world to recover an HIV+ heart for transplant. The heart was recovered from a Louisiana donor hero, Brittany Newton, and transported to New York. In this first episode of a two part series, Dr. Omar Saeed, Cardiovascular Disease and Transplant Surgeon fo
The RescYou Group
Show Notes: We talk to donor mom, Reecie Gilmore, who turned her experience with the loss of her young son into a mission to help others. Learn about The RescYou Group, the mission, their community and the services offered to grieving families. In our mental health moment, we chat about how to maintain balance in your mental health journey by using the 4-legged stool method, and honor hero Kaisen
The Organ Trail - 2023
Show Notes: We reconnect with previous guests on episodes 160 and 169, Mark and Lynn Scotch, whose chance meeting during a leisure trip to Louisiana, saved another man's life through the living kidney donor voucher program. You don't want to miss the updates to their remarkable saga and learn where The Organ Trail has taken this inspiring couple now. Then we chat about different stages of change,
The Insider's Guide to Living Donation
Show Notes: Have you considered giving the greatest gift, the gift of life? We are joined by authors and advocates, Elizabeth Crais, who's a kidney recipient, and Carol Offen, who has donated a kidney to her son. These two ladies have merged forces to help educate through their own life experiences with both kidney disease and living donation. In our mental health moment, we learn tips for being c
Saying Yes to Bone Marrow Donation
Show Notes: A California prosecutor is using his personal story to encourage more people to register as marrow donors. Charlie Huang joins the podcast to talk about how his diagnosis led him to hope, healing and finally, advocacy. Learn about the new law he helped pass to make marrow donation as easy as registering as an organ, tissue and eye donor at California OMVs. In our mental health moment,
The Authors of DeLivered
Show Notes: High school sweethearts, Lisa and Reid Barker, are authors of the book DeLivered. They join us to share their unique path and how organ donation has made an incredible impact on their lives, through the precious gift of life from a donor hero, and through living donation. In our mental health moment we chat about taking intentional steps in life and self reflection, then, honor hero Co
Medical Mysteries with a Mission
Show Notes: When a person allows passion to take the lead in their career, life thrives for professionals and the people they serve. Amy S. Peele, a nurse since 1974, discovered her passion for organ donation and transplantation when she kicked off her career as a transplant coordinator. Now, following a 35 year career in transplantation, Amy found a new vehicle for enthusiasm - storytelling. Her
Inspiring Others Through the Gift of Life
Show Notes: Following a near death experience and subsequent heart and kidney transplant, Shana Pereira is sharing insights she gained to inspire others to have a better relationship with crisis. Hear how her remarkable story unfolds and how her holiday miracle, through the gift of life, has changed her life and in turn, is inspiring others. We take a moment for mental health to learn tips for lis
Protecting the Gift of Organ Donation: CareDX Explains AiKidney™
Show Notes: CareDX is using artificial intelligence to help with the timely assessment of the likelihood of rejection in kidney transplant patients. AiKidney helps clinicians to predict kidney failure before it occurs and allows the medical team to make adjustments to reduce the risk of rejection. This fascinating technology is taking transplant care to the next level. Nila teaches us about decisi
Transplantation in Multiethnic Communities
Show Notes: Individuals from multiethnic communities make up the majority of the transplant waitlist in the United States. We welcome two guests to chat about how they are working together towards eradicating multiethnic bias in transplantation. Dr. John Goss, professor and chief of the Division of Abdominal Transplantation at Baylor College of Medicine, and kidney recipient, Eric Figueroa, share
The Full Circle of Organ Donation
Show Notes: It’s our 200th episode!!! To celebrate, we invited donor mom, Angie Calamari, and kidney recipient, Brooke Shapre, to the studio to take us on a donation journey that leads us full circle right back to LOPA in an unexpected way. Libbie Harrison, one of LOPA’s Family Support Coordinators, joins in and sets the framework for how this unique story unfolded. Then we chat about how to use s
Drowning Prevention
Show Notes: A staggering statistic, children from 1 to 4 years of age are at the highest risk for drowning. Drowning prevention is a year-round essential education for all people, adults and parents alike. We welcome Chris Knoblauch with the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office and Kristen Sanderson, Injury Prevention Manager, with the Louisiana Department of Health to discuss valuable and necessar
Growing With Grief
Show Notes: Grieving is the process of rebuilding following a loss. In this episode we connect with donor mom and author, Autumn Jackson, to hear her story, and learn about her tips for growing with grief. She provides those who are grieving with resources, and she shares her newest outreach efforts through SODA, Student Organ Donation Advocates, at the upcoming Rose Parade. What is schema? We def
LiveOnNY
Show Notes: There are currently 57 Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO) throughout the United States. In a lively conversation, we connect with passionate President and CEO of LiveOnNY, Leonard Achan, to learn about how the gift of life has changed the trajectory of his career. Hear how his OPO is saving and healing lives in the Empire State, and propelling forward to share how special the gift o
DOVE Transplant and Living Donation
Show Notes: On this episode we learn about an organization facilitating the process of living donation for veterans in need of a transplant and hear from one of the program's altruistic living donors. Veteran and living donor, Lindsay Gutierrez, first tells us how she connected with DOVE Transplant founder, Sharyn Kreitzer who also recently donated her kidney. Sharyn shares the important work her
Heartfelt Help Foundation
Show Notes: The organ transplant recovery process is a crucial time for recipients. Denise Redeker with Heartfelt Help Foundation joins us to share her experience following a heart transplant, and the importance of clean, safe and accessible temporary housing during transplant rehabilitation. Hear how the foundation works to alleviate what is often a financial burden for heart transplant candidate
Conversations with Multiethnic Families about Donation
Show Notes: August is National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, and in this episode we connect with Chavon Trahan, a Tissue Family Advocate with LOPA. Chavon walks us through how she personally connects with multiethnic families to explain the opportunity to give the gift of donation, and how she addresses families' concerns about common myths. Then we discuss ways to recognize that it might be
Kindred Spirits
Show Notes: We welcome Tara Storch with Taylor’s Gift Foundation, who's a previous guest from episode 43 of The Gifted Life. She re-joins The Gifted Life to talk about Taylor's Gift Kindred Hearts Program and how it is creating a space so that no donor's family ever grieves alone and welcomes them to participate as long as services are needed. In our moment for mental health we offer tips for buil
Gray's Army Foundation
Show Notes: Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the #1 leading cause of death in student athletes. Michelle Temple is donor mom to hero Grayson Temple and started Gray’s Army Foundation in honor of her son. The foundation has passed legislation as a way to help prevent sudden cardiac arrest in children and young adults. They also focus on education, providing student CPR training and AEDs to schools in need
MediGo's Innovative Healthcare Technology
Show Notes: MediGO brings together forward-thinking and caring leaders that share a desire to use technology to digitally transform and revolutionize the organ donation and transplantation process to save lives. Scott Plank, CEO and co-founder of MediGo, shares how the company got started, the uniqueness of the donation/transplantation supply chain and how MediGo is addressing those challenges by
One Donor Mom's Adoption Story
Show Notes: Donor mom, Melanie Marcel, joins the podcast to talk about both the power of adoption and the miraculous power of donation. Hear how Melanie's multifaceted story about her son and hero, Connor, has continued to make an incredible impact on her family's life in ways she didn't anticipate. Then we discuss tips for regulating emotions in our mental health moment, and honor hero Connor Mar
An Important Conversation about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Show Notes: In episode 189, we welcome members from our internal Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee to facilitate an important conversation. Sheron, Cheryl and Sid discuss how LOPA's multicultural outreach has evolved throughout the years, and what steps are being put into action to ensure continued and exponential growth. The panel also welcomes heart recipient Keenan Shields, who shares h
Pig to Human Kidney Transplant - The Parsons' Project Part 2
Show Notes: This is part 2 of a series, and we encourage you to listen to part 1, episode 187. We are joined by Dr. Jayme Locke, the lead transplant surgeon for the pig to human kidney transplant at UAB, and Drew Shunk, the director of clinical services at Legacy of Hope. Dr. Locke explains why pigs are a good choice for xenotransplantation, the technology that made it possible, and shares what in
Pig to Human Kidney Transplant - The Parsons' Project Part 1
Show Notes: Xenotransplantation is the process of transplanting organs or tissues from one species to another. In this episode, we talk with Alan Spriggs, the Program Manager of Authorization Development from Legacy of Hope, about how he and his team worked with the family of Jim Parsons to present a unique research opportunity with the potential to save thousands of lives. Jim was the first perso
Louisiana's Lt. Governor, Billy Nungesser
Show Notes: Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser, joins us to share how a trip to the Rose Bowl Parade inspired him to register as an organ, tissue and eye donor and to encourage every Louisianian to register to save and heal lives. We discuss the gift of life and how it encompasses his passion for the state and its culture. Then learn about the origins and inherent connections found i
