Growing the Gift

By Transplant FamiliesParenting Kids & Family

Growing the Gift episodes

September 19Empowering Parents in the Era of Outbreaks
Empowering Parents in the Era of Outbreaks
In this episode of Growing the Gift, host Melissa McQueen sits down with Winston Ally, Director of Medical Affairs, and fellow transplant advocate Riki Graves to talk about a topic many families don't think about until it's suddenly in front of them: chickenpox exposure.
Winston opens up about the day his own daughter came home from daycare with a mysterious rash that stumped three pediatricians before a chickenpox diagnosis finally clicked, a reminder that even healthcare professionals can be caught off guard when herd immunity means fewer people have seen the virus firsthand.
Melissa shares her son Dylan's story: a transplant recipient whose exposure led to a week and a half hospital stay, missed first days of first grade, and the kind of fear that only a transplant parent truly understands. Riki then shares a very different outcome. When her daughter Juliana, transplanted as a newborn, was exposed in a crowded clinic waiting room, her care team acted quickly and she never developed the disease.
Together, the three of them explore:
Why chickenpox can pose serious risks for immunocompromised children, even when it's a mild childhood illness for others
How exposure can happen in everyday places like daycare, clinic waiting rooms, or time with family members who have shingles
The importance of calling your transplant team right away if you suspect exposure, rather than waiting to see how symptoms develop
What questions to ask your healthcare provider about options after a known or suspected exposure
How hospitals manage protocols and supply to protect immunocompromised patients
This episode also includes important safety information about VariZIG, a prescription product discussed as part of the conversation. Please see full prescribing information and speak with your healthcare provider for complete details specific to your situation.
Whether you're a transplant parent, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to better understand how to protect a vulnerable child, this conversation offers real stories, practical takeaways, and a reminder that you are your child's best advocate. When in doubt, call your care team.
Growing the Gift is brought to you by Transplant Families, a program of the Children's Organ Transplant Association, with this episode sponsored by Kamada.
36 min
August 21 Navigating Transplant: What the Transplant Families + COTA Merger Means for You (feat. Rick Lofgren, CEO of COTA)
Navigating Transplant: What the Transplant Families + COTA Merger Means for You (feat. Rick Lofgren, CEO of COTA)
Two organizations that have walked alongside transplant families for decades have joined forces, and in this special episode, Melissa McQueen sits down with Rick Lofgren, CEO of the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA), to explain exactly what that means for your family.
Transplant Families and COTA have been aligned in mission for years, and this merger brings more hands on deck, shared resources, and lower overhead, so more support goes directly to families, not back-office costs. Melissa and Rick answer the questions you've been asking: what changes, what stays the same, and how does this help families like yours.
In this conversation, you'll hear:
• How COTA helps families day to day, at no cost and with no fundraising fees.
• What's actually covered, and it's more than you'd think: co-payments, deductibles, medications, travel and lodging, household expenses, COBRA premiums, therapy, dental care, even post-transplant home cleaning.
• Who's eligible: any family with a transplant candidate or recipient age 21 or younger, plus more than 5,000 single-gene diagnoses, with no age limit. Once you're a COTA patient, you're a COTA patient for life.
• Why COTA funds go further than crowdfunding.
• More than 100 fundraising ideas your team can put to work, from golf outings and online stores to virtual 5Ks and social media challenges.
• Ways to get involved beyond fundraising: advocacy, education, research, and support.
Have questions or ideas for a future episode? Reach out to Melissa at [email protected] or [email protected], or contact Rick directly at [email protected].
Learn more and explore past episodes at transplantfamilies.org and youtube.com/transplantfamilies.
29 min
December 05, 2025 Mindfulness-Based Retreat for Mothers of Pediatric Transplant Recipients

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "Mindfulness-based retreat for mothers of pediatric recipients " from the 2023 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring
Samantha Anthony, PhD, MSW, RSW, Health Clinician Scientist, Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre, the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto)
Joanna Mitchell, mother to pediatric heart transplant recipient.
From the time of diagnosis, mothers are significantly more likely than any other family member to be the primary caregiver of a child with a heart transplant. Given that a mother’s ability to successfully cope with the demands of caregiving predicts positive social and health outcomes for the child, it is critical that maternal coping and wellbeing are supported. This presentation will highlight results from a two-day mindfulness-based retreat attended by 16 mothers of pediatric heart transplant recipients as an innovative intervention to improve maternal coping, quality of life, distress tolerance and reduce social isolation. Guided by the experiential expertise of Joanna Mitchell (Parent Partner), this presentation will emphasize the importance of patient- and family-centered care and the intersection of maternal wellbeing and child health outcomes within pediatric heart transplantation.
Intro music: "Reach for Success" by Purple Planet (purple-planet.com). Used with permission.
Outro music: "Fresh" by Emil Waldhauer (Notize), 2022. 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.

36 min
November 07, 2025 Caring for a Transplanted Child and the Effect on Siblings

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "Caring for a transplanted child and the effect on siblings" from the 2022 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring CC Cunningham, Executive Director for the Chris Klug Foundation (CKF).
Caring for a transplanted child can be a daunting task - both for the child and their siblings. While brothers and sisters may feel anger, resentment, or jealousy towards the new addition to the family, it's important to remember that they are going through just as big of a change as everyone else. By supporting one another, brothers and sisters can help make this difficult time a little bit easier for all of them. Families who have gone through this experience share what they've learned in this session. Join us to learn how to best support your recipient child's siblings and your transplanted loved one.
Intro music: Time Warp by Emil Waldhauer (Notize), 2022. Used with permission.
Outro music: Believe in Me by Emil Waldhauer (Notize), 2022. 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.

57 min
September 05, 2025 Eliminating CMV, EBV, BK as Post-Transplant Complications

Join us for this episode of "Growing the Gift." where we replay "Eliminating CMV, EBV, and BK as Post-Transplant Complications" from the 2023 Pediatric Transplant Conference, part of National Pediatric Transplant Week and National Donate Life Month featuring Taylor Heald-Sargent, MD, PhD, attending infectious disease specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Priya Verghese, MD, MPH, nephrologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
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.

32 min
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.

40 min
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.
25 min
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.

30 min
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.

1 hr 1 min
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.

23 min

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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.

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