Growing the Gift

By Transplant Families

The Growing the Gift podcast is all about pediatric transplant from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, patients, the clinical team and our community.

We know that being a transplant... more

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FAQs about Growing the Gift:

How many episodes does Growing the Gift have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.

Growing the Gift episodes:

August 01, 2025 How to Talk to Peers About Your Transplant

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "How to talk to your peers about your transplant - 2023 Pediatric Transplant Conference" from the 2023 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring Kirson Barnes, Donor & Sponsor Relations Coordinator - Transplants for Children, Eliot J. Lopez, PhD, MS, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University Children's Health, Carmelita Baza, mother of pediatric transplant recipient, Zachary Baza, pediatric transplant recipient, Iliana Bazan McGurn, LCSW, University Children's Health
Transplants for Children is a non-profit organization headquartered in the San Antonio area that assists and supports children and their families in dealing with the challenges of organ transplantation. The organization was founded in 1986 by the Sutton Family, themselves a transplant family, to improve the lives of children needing organ transplants by providing financial, emotional, and educational support. Transplants for Children has a dedicated team of professionals who ensure that every child and their family receives the best care possible during the transplant process. Their programs include TFC Families Connect, STARS Scholarship, College Success, Pediatric to Adult Care Transition (PACT) Support, and Family Emergency & CoPay assistance. The organization is committed to positively impacting the lives of children and families affected by organ transplantation. We are honored to have them with us to talk about speaking with your peers about your transplant.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.

...more
40min
July 04, 2025 Doctors with Transplants: Including Special Considerations for Women Part 2

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "Docs with transplants: Including considerations for women " from the 2024 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring Julie Bonn, MD (liver recipient), Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Silke Niederhaus, MD (kidney recipient), Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery
Kristen-Allyson Ramones, MD (lung recipient), Pediatric pulmonology fellow at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital
Sara Kathryn Smith, MD (liver recipient), Medical Director of Pediatric Liver Transplantation at Johns Hopkins University.
Hear from women who are transplant physicians who have lived experience in the world of transplant. Not only do they manage transplant patients but they are recipients themselves. They will address special considerations related to mental health, birth control, fertility and pregnancy.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.
...more
25min
June 06, 2025 Doctors with Transplants: Including Special Considerations for Women Part 1

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "Docs with transplants: Including considerations for women " from the 2024 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring Julie Bonn, MD (liver recipient), Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Silke Niederhaus, MD (kidney recipient), Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery
Kristen-Allyson Ramones, MD (lung recipient), Pediatric pulmonology fellow at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital
Sara Kathryn Smith, MD (liver recipient), Medical Director of Pediatric Liver Transplantation at Johns Hopkins University.
Hear from women who are transplant physicians who have lived experience in the world of transplant. Not only do they manage transplant patients but they are recipients themselves. They will address special considerations related to mental health, birth control, fertility and pregnancy.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.

...more
30min
May 02, 2025 How to Effectively Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "How to effectively transition from pediatric to adult care" from the 2022 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring
Dr. Bradley Warady, Pediatric Nephrologist at Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City
Dr. Nicolas Herrera, Nephrologist at the University of Kansas Health System
Jacob Carter, Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipient.
You may be frightened to think that your child will one day be expected to manage his or her own post-transplant care as an adult. This session will focus on the topic of transition to adult healthcare as a transplant patient ages out of pediatric care. This session is applicable to all hospitals and solid organ transplant types and will be used as an example. The distinction between the terms “transfer” and “transition” will be explained. The core elements of transition will also be identified. Drs. Warady and Herrera will then describe the components of their transition program, highlighting key aspects of the program at Children’s Mercy Hospital and how they correspond to the adult transplant program at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Finally, Jacob Carter will describe the challenges he faced prior to transition to adult care and how he overcame those challenges.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.

...more
1h 1min
April 04, 2025 Donor Story - Maddog Strong Foundation

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "Donor story - Maddog Strong Foundation" from the 2024 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring Cyndi & Frank Grobmeier, donor parents, and more.
Be inspired as you hear two loving parents share Maddie's story with us. And learn about the ways that a potential donor can begin to live a healthier lifestyle now in preparation for a future transplant for a loved one or friend.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.

...more
23min
March 07, 2025 Updates in Pediatric Kidney Transplant: Keeping Your Current Kidney(s) Longer, Alternatives to Deceased Donation, Controversies in Post-Transplant Testing and Helpful Resources for All Patients

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "Keeping Your Current Kidney(s) Longer, Alternatives to Deceased Donation, Controversies in Post-Transplant Testing and Helpful Resources for All Patients" from the 2024 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring Paul Grimm, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the Stanford Children's Health Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program.
Hear about what's new in the world of kidney transplant, such as how to keep your current kidney(s) longer, understanding alternatives to deceased donation, and hear about controversies in post-transplant testing. Also learn about patient-and-caregiver-generated resources to help with blood pressure control, understanding rejection and transition to adult care for pediatric kidney transplant patients.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.

...more
44min
February 07, 2025 Updates in Pediatric Heart Transplant: TEAMMATE Trial Updates

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "Keeping Your Current Kidney(s) Longer, Alternatives to Deceased Donation, Controversies in Post-Transplant Testing and Helpful Resources for All Patients" from the 2024 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring Paul Grimm, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the Stanford Children's Health Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program.
Hear about what's new in the world of kidney transplant, such as how to keep your current kidney(s) longer, understanding alternatives to deceased donation, and hear about controversies in post-transplant testing. Also learn about patient-and-caregiver-generated resources to help with blood pressure control, understanding rejection and transition to adult care for pediatric kidney transplant patients.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.

...more
33min
January 03, 2025 The Importance of Nutrition, Feeding Tubes and Transplant
Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "The Importance of Nutrition, Feeding Tubes and
Transplant" from the 2024 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring Sarah Hahn, MA, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Therapist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
Gastric tubes are often needed by many transplant recipients because they can have digestive problems after the surgery. Caregivers should also ask questions about why their child might need a gastric tube after all the other procedures they've been through. These tubes help them get the nutrition and medication they need, especially when they can't eat or drink normally right after the transplant. As a caregiver or recipient, it's important to learn how to take care of the tube properly. This means knowing how to feed, give medication, and keep the tube clean to avoid infections. It's also important to talk openly with the healthcare team about any concerns or problems. And when it's time, caregivers can advocate for their child by discussing with the healthcare team if and when the gastric tube can be removed. With the right knowledge and support, caregivers and recipients can handle the gastric tube well and help with a smooth recovery after the transplant.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.
...more
39min
December 06, 2024 The Value of Play Therapy for Younger Children
Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "The Value of Play Therapy for Younger Children" from the 2024 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring Kelsey Rogers, MS, LPC, LMFT, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist and Marriage and Family Therapist at Children's Medical Center of Dallas.
Learn effective strategies for supporting younger children in expressing their feelings during hospitalization and after a transplant through the use of play therapy. Children can relate to the emotions and challenges portrayed in the stories. This approach not only facilitates communication but also fosters empathy, resilience, and a sense of empowerment in young transplant recipients as they navigate their unique experiences and emotions.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.
...more
31min
November 01, 2024 What to Do if You Think Your Transplant Teen is Struggling
Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "What to do if you think your transplant teen is struggling" from the 2024 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring
Kristine McKenna, PhD, Pediatric psychologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
How do parents and caregivers know if transplant teens are having suicidal thoughts that can be accomplished by just stopping meds? It's crucial to provide a supportive and understanding environment for both the teen and their caregivers. If there are concerns about a transplant teen's well-being, it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and openness. Caregivers should actively listen to the teen's feelings and experiences, validating their emotions and providing reassurance that they are not alone in facing challenges. Seeking professional help from mental health professionals and transplant specialists is imperative in addressing any signs of suicidal ideation. Caregivers should be prepared to discuss treatment options and strategies for managing mental health concerns while also ensuring that the teen continues to adhere to their transplant medication regimen. Open communication, empathy, and seeking appropriate support are essential steps in helping transplant teens navigate difficult emotions and ensuring their overall well-being.
Intro/Outro music: "Parasail" by Moby. Used with permission.
The "Growing the Gift" podcast is about pediatric transplant recipients from the eyes of those who live it every day: caregivers, parents, the clinical team, and the community.
We know that being a transplant family comes with unique challenges, and we want to provide a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. In each episode, we will explore a different topic related to transplantation through interviews with experts and families like yours.
We hope this podcast will be a source of information and connection for you as you navigate your transplant journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and happy listening!
Look for Growing the Gift on Spotify, iTunes, and our very own webpage under podcasts.
...more
33min

FAQs about Growing the Gift:

How many episodes does Growing the Gift have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.