Finding 44

Larra reunites with Sam and Krissi to reflect on their connection through Andrew and the growth of Project 44, founded after Andrew’s 2016 passing to save lives through bone marrow transplants. Sam shares how grief shaped her life, including years in Indianapolis, moving to Texas, having two sons, and owning a CrossFit gym, while continuing to honor Andrew, including naming a son with Andrew as a middle name. 

They discuss feeling close to Andrew at Hinkle Fieldhouse, through stories from others, and whenever Project 44 receives a donor match notification. Sam and Krissi describe Butler’s lasting support, Project 44’s national media exposure, and a “10 Years of Impact Drive to Save” campaign tied to multiple basketball tournaments in Indianapolis, aiming for a major collegiate registry event via in-person activations, merch, workplace drives, and a mail-in swab option.

00:00 Reunion And Origins

01:29 After Andrew Passed

03:01 Life Rebuilt In Texas

05:29 Feeling Andrew Close

07:02 Matches And Ripple Effects

09:00 Stories Of Kindness

11:24 Butler Way Support

16:18 Final Four Full Circle

18:49 10 Years Impact Campaign

22:17 Pride And Next Decade

22:38 Media Spotlight Momentum

23:22 Cultural Shift Mission

24:01 Partnerships And Privacy

26:21 Indy Classic Stories

27:32 Championship Weekend Activations

29:36 Merch Reveal And Giveaways

32:30 How To Join The Registry

34:49 Next Decade Vision

37:05 Normalizing Donation Process

38:20 Spirit Animal Octopus

40:58 Gratitude And Sign Off

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Julie discusses how her lifelong passion for basketball led to an unplanned but enduring career in sports, including 25 years in college athletics, roles at the NCAA, and leadership as Horizon League commissioner before joining Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PSNE) in Indianapolis after being recruited by CEO Mel Raines. 

She reflects on growing opportunities for women in sports leadership, Indianapolis’ 2050 vision to become the epicenter of sport and the capital of women’s sports, and the importance of legacy initiatives like the WNBA All-Star–inspired We Are NEXT leadership cohort and the Fever Confidence program for high school girls. 

Julie recounts pivotal mentorship moments, Indianapolis’ collaborative hosting of the 2021 March Madness bubble, and PSNE community strategies including Drive and Dish with Gleaners, court resurfacing, youth basketball camps, accessible ticketing, and the new Fever license plate supporting the Fever Fund.

00:00 Welcome and Career Origins

02:59 From College Sports to Pacers

04:30 Women Leading in Indy

07:25 Event Legacy and We Are Next

10:08 Mentors and Pivotal Breaks

13:26 Indy Big Moments and 2050 Vision

18:06 PSNE Community Strategy

20:34 Programs Building Confidence

23:40 Ownership and Being a Fan

26:56 Accessible Tickets and Growing Fans

29:56 Making Causes Stick

34:35 Spirit Animal Elephant

37:00 Whats Next and Closing

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In this episode, Michael Kaltenmark, a Butler University graduate, shares the impact of his two-decade career at Butler, including his pivotal role in advancing the live mascot program and the creation of Project 44. He discusses the deeper connections and lifelong relationships he formed at Butler, which spurred his professional growth. 

Michael's narrative also includes his personal journey through a kidney transplant, highlighting the profound support from the Butler community. Furthermore, he delves into his significant contributions towards boosting the visibility and engagement of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). 

Throughout, Michael emphasizes the values of teamwork and service rooted in the Butler Way and details ongoing efforts to keep Indianapolis an attractive destination for major sporting events. The episode encapsulates the intertwining of sports, personal challenges, and community spirit.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:57 Michael's Journey at Butler University

04:19 The Birth of the Live Mascot Program

11:16 The Impact of Social Media and Personal Challenges

16:49 Project 44 and the Culture of Yes

25:25 Carrying Forward a Legacy

25:52 The Butler Way: A Philosophy for Life

27:17 Unforeseen Opportunities and Experiences

28:38 Achieving Milestones at IMS

32:54 Maintaining Year-Round Relevance

38:35 Indianapolis: A City of Sports and Community

44:08 The Spirit of the Bulldog

46:25 Celebrating 10 Years of Project 44

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In this inspiring conversation, leukemia survivor William Yank shares his remarkable journey from his initial diagnosis during college to his present-day remission. 

He details the challenges and treatments he faced, including CAR T-cell therapy and a stem cell transplant from his sister. William credits his optimism and resilience to his strong support system and acceptance of reality, supported by therapy. 

Reflecting on his lowest and highest points, he highlights the role of community and hope in his battle against cancer. William discusses his advocacy work with organizations like the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and his evolving career in public speaking. 

Emphasizing the power of hope and action, he expresses his passion for inspiring young adults to find and give hope. William's story underscores the importance of bone marrow and stem cell transplants, highlighting the impact of Project 44. Join William as he continues to share his message of hope and resilience, aiming to create a meaningful impact on others.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:20 William's Leukemia Journey Begins

01:36 Diagnosis and Initial Treatment

03:00 Relapses and Advanced Treatments

03:39 Finding Strength and Support

04:51 Highs and Lows of the Journey

06:56 The Second Relapse

07:54 Stem Cell Transplant Process

14:00 Sharing the Journey on Social Media

16:22 Public Speaking and Advocacy

21:33 Future Goals and Vision

27:20 Commemorating Milestones

28:21 Conclusion and Farewell

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Finding 44 was honored to talk with one of the most prominent champions of mental health, Colts owner and vice-chair, Kalen Jackson. This heartfelt and meaningful conversation centers around the journey and impact of the 'Kicking the Stigma' initiative. Kalen shares the significant strides made in mental health awareness, the importance of open conversations, and her personal experiences with anxiety.

The discussion highlights the cultural shift in how mental health is perceived, the need for continued efforts, and the initiative's strategic donations and collaborations. 

Kalen emphasizes the role of vulnerability and community support in breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues, along with the crucial role of proactive measures in addressing these challenges.

Learn more at https://kickingthestigma.org/

00:00 Introduction and Mission of Kicking the Stigma

02:07 Personal Struggles and Family Experiences

04:44 Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health Initiatives

08:11 National Campaign and Public Response

11:23 Mental Health in Sports and the NFL

23:29 Achievements and Future Goals

29:56 Community Involvement and Personal Stories

40:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Linda Reich, co-founder of kNot Today, joins us and talks about her journey from supporting her husband's NFL career to becoming a fierce advocate against child exploitation. 

Linda reveals the motivation behind starting kNot Today, driven by personal connections to victims of abuse. She discusses the impactful work they're doing, from prevention programs to innovative solutions like canine detection units. The conversation highlights the silent epidemic of child abuse, stressing the importance of community awareness, support, and collaboration among nonprofit organizations. 

Linda also shares her personal approaches to parenting and protecting children, offering resources and guidance available on kNotToday.org.

Throughout, Linda's passion and commitment to saving and improving children's lives shine brightly.

00:00 Catching Up with Linda: A Journey Back in Time

01:42 Balancing Careers and Family in the NFL

03:26 The Birth of Not Today: A Mission Against Child Exploitation

03:47 Personal Encounters with Child Exploitation

05:36 From Awareness to Action: Founding Not Today

06:27 Building a Foundation: Early Challenges and Successes

07:03 Prevention and Awareness: The Core of Not Today

09:04 Understanding the Reality of Child Exploitation

10:57 Navigating Difficult Conversations and Barriers

16:14 Innovative Approaches: Canine Detection Initiative

20:15 National Impact and Future Goals

23:51 Personal Reflections and Family Impact

25:03 Accessing Resources and Community Support

27:26 The Power of Teamwork and Collaboration

28:29 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

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Tony Hamilton, a proud Butler University alumnus, shares his incredible journey and connection to Project 44 as a bone marrow donor. Tony reflects on his deep ties to Butler, being part of a 'Butler family,' and recounts the harrowing experience of his wife's battle with lupus and subsequent health challenges soon after their graduation. 

This personal history of medical adversity and reliance on the generosity of others inspired Tony to join the bone marrow registry. He details the moving experience of donating marrow to a one-year-old leukemia patient, addressing common misconceptions about the process and underscoring the importance of donations. 

Tony's story is not just one of personal growth and commitment but also a testament to the life-changing impact of Project 44. We are so proud to be a part of Tony's story and are honored to share it on the podcast.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:09 Tony's Connection to Butler University

01:47 A Personal Medical Journey

04:46 The Impact of Generosity

06:25 Joining Project 44

10:49 The Donation Process

16:46 Post-Donation Reflections

24:33 Concluding Thoughts and Spirit Animal

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In this episode, 11-year NBA veteran Scot Pollard opens up about his life-saving heart transplant experience and how he is using his journey to impact others. 

Scot discusses the personal challenges he faced during his wife's battle with breast cancer and his own severe heart issues, which led to heart failure and, ultimately, a heart transplant. He shares the emotional ups and downs of his health journey while advocating for organ donation through the Pearls of Life Foundation. 

Scot also dispels common myths about organ donation and emphasizes the importance of being honest with healthcare providers. We focus on his transformation from an athlete with a strong competitive spirit to a passionate advocate for change, helping others through awareness and support for organ donation.

To learn more about Scot's charity, visit pearlsoflife.org.

00:00 Introduction to Scott Pollard's Journey

01:26 Scott's Wife's Breast Cancer Diagnosis

02:47 Scott's Heart Health Concerns

03:49 The Flu Shot Incident

05:29 Heart Failure and Ablations

08:58 Facing the Reality of a Heart Transplant

11:56 The Transplant Process Begins

15:29 Life After the Transplant

19:37 Advocating for Your Health

20:46 Navigating Medical Advice and Personal Choices

22:24 Coping with Loss and Finding Purpose

24:18 The Role of Anger in Athletic Drive

26:36 Founding Pearls of Life Charity

31:17 Dispelling Myths About Organ Donation

37:02 Meeting the Donor Family

39:55 Reflecting on Legacy and Spirit Animals

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In this episode of 'Finding 44,' Krissi and Larra chat with former professional athletes Jim Sorgi and Joey Vandever, who have found a new purpose post-retirement by launching ProTeam Tactical. 

ProTeam Tactical aims to provide elite sports performance-level care to first responders. Inspired by their personal experiences and family ties to the first responder community, Jim and Joey discuss the lack of adequate support services available and their journey to address these needs through both physical and mental health care. 

They highlight the holistic approach of ProTeam Tactical and the significance of the newly launched ProTeam Foundation, aimed at making these services accessible despite financial constraints. 

Jim and Joey touch on their personal transitions from sports to business, the overwhelming response from the first responder community, and the life-saving impact their services have already had.

Choosing to show up for others is what Finding 44 is all about, and Jim and Joey are great examples of using their platform to make a difference.

00:00 Introduction to Finding 44

00:19 Meet Jim Sorgi and Joey Vandever

00:42 The Inspiration Behind Pro Team Tactical

01:24 Jim and Joey's Transition from Sports to Business

02:08 Supporting First Responders: The Athletic Model

05:14 The Importance of Mental and Physical Health

15:18 The Foundation and Future Goals

18:02 Personal Stories and Influences

22:57 The Impact and Expansion of Pro Team Tactical

25:16 Challenges and Future of First Responder Support

36:44 How to Get Involved and Final Thoughts

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https://project44.org/

https://www.proteamtactical.com/

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In this episode of 'Finding 44', Larra and Krissi chat with Megan Connolly, a dynamic personality, former NFL team reporter, and current WWE host.

Megan discusses her instant friendship with co-host Larra and their shared passion for running. She recounts her incredible journey, from working with the New England Patriots to her surprising transition to WWE. Megan also shares her remarkable experience of donating a kidney, detailing the process and its emotional impact on her life. 

Additionally, she talks about juggling personal and professional aspirations, breaking marathon records post-donation, and her motivation to help others through organ donation.

If you are interested in kidney donation, visit Kidney.org

00:00 Introduction 

01:31 Megan and Lara's Friendship

03:40 Transition to WWE

05:25 WWE Experience and Challenges

09:20 Imposter Syndrome and Overcoming Doubts

17:51 Kidney Donation Journey

26:03 Understanding the Donor Process

27:07 Approval and Advanced Donation

27:58 The Chain Reaction of Kidney Donations

28:37 Margaret's Journey and Recovery

29:41 Reflections on the Donation Experience

35:21 Running After Donation

38:25 The Power of Community and Support

44:47 Final Thoughts and Future Goals

Discover More:

https://project44.org/

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