We have entertaining and informative conversations about organ, tissue and eye donation & transplantation. Over 114,000 people are currently waiting for a life saving transplant. Our goal is to raise awareness about the need for the life saving gifts of organ, tissue & eye donation. You can help. Register as a donor at registerme.org. Share this podcast with your family and friends. Share your inspiring stories with us info@thegiftedlife.org or give us a call at (504) 648-3477.
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Release Date: 12/06/2024

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 filled with horseback riding and running. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore the topic of “what ifs.” Hear practical tips for turning those “what ifs” into a source of motivation. And then, we honor hero Sean Smith.

Release Date: 11/01/2024

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 disease warriors and their families. During our Mental Health Moment, we discuss how to build healthy habits that can make a big impact on your life and we pay tribute to a donor hero, Van Drounett, Jr.

Release Date: 10/04/2024

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 after surgery and continues to do well. We learn how the process was developed and how it could make kidney recipients' surgical recovery more manageable. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss how to thoughtfully evaluate emotions and then honor donor hero, Christine McKey.

Release Date: 09/06/2024

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. At just 14 years old, she founded her nonprofit, Give to Live, which has served as a powerful platform to raise awareness. As Miss Florida, Casana is expanding her impact even further, using her platform to continue advocating for lifesaving organ and tissue donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss tips for embracing change to move forward and then honor hero Kristian Darden.

Release Date: 08/09/2024

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 grow in a secure setting. Then in our Mental Health Moment we discuss tips for supporting the unique ways each person grieves and then, honor donor hero Kimberly Hawkins.

Release Date: 07/05/2024

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 altruistic living kidney donation unfolded. Plus, we honor donor hero Wayne Gary.

Release Date: 06/07/2024

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 transplantation community, and give us a sneak peek of the new TGA Film Festival event. In our Mental Health Moment, we HALT. Learn what the acronym stands for, and how to use it everyday to declare and acknowledge how you are feeling. Then, we honor donor hero, Keith Sonnier.

Release Date: 05/17/2024

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 about the organ donation process, and then we honor donor hero, Reina Hunter.

Release Date: 05/03/2024

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 Mental Health Moment, we kick start a discussion about developing a vision for your life and where you want to go, and then round out the episode by honoring hero Jeremy Lewis.

Release Date: 04/19/2024

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 cherished husband and father of her children, Kelli is committed to closing the donation gap. She aims to educate and inspire more people to register as organ, tissue, and eye donors. Additionally, we answer one of your questions and pay tribute to hero Jessica Wheat.

Release Date: 04/05/2024

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 27th, 2024. In our Mental Health Moment, we delve into tips for finding meaning in loss and we honor hero Jason Michael Williams.

Release Date: 03/22/2024

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. Discover exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the making of "Gifted: The Docuseries" and learn where you can experience its screenings. Additionally, in our Mental Health Moment, we tackle cognitive distortion and share practical tips for fostering a positive mindset. Lastly, we pay tribute to hero Kevin Pounds. Join us for an enriching and impactful experience.

Release Date: 03/08/2024

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 impact of Aliye's Law and how Leah and Aliye's legacy continues to save lives through education. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore strategies for releasing the grip of control in various situations, and pay tribute to hero Shannon Langley.

Release Date: 02/23/2024

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 found at Mental Health America. Then, we honor hero Daniel Rees.

Release Date: 02/09/2024

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 Health Moment, we discuss the importance of self-compassion and breaking free from negative self-assessments, and then honor hero Caleb Easterling.

Release Date: 01/26/2024

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 pace and reconnecting with the things that really matter, and we honor hero Brooke Richard.

Release Date: 01/12/2024

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 explore the transformative possibilities that arise when students take the lead in fostering awareness and action. Additionally, in our Mental Health Moment, we engage in a reflective discussion on the universal question we often ask ourselves. The episode concludes with a heartfelt tribute to donor hero, Chad Griffin.