Let's Talk About Life

Each year, we dedicate a podcast episode to talk about grief and the holidays because supporting those who have suffered a loss at the end of the year is essential. Whether that loss is recent or years ago, it changes a family and how holidays are celebrated. Lifebanc expert on the subject, Elissa Berman, Manager of Bereavement Services, provides guidance and helpful information, and leading off the conversation is Marlene Shay, a donor mom who lost her son Adam on January 8, 2014.

Tammy Horvat was a vibrant, healthy wife, mom, and community member. She worked full-time as a manager and was always on the go when suddenly, she began to feel tired, then exhausted. In a few weeks, Tammy’s world was turned upside down when, shockingly, her husband found her unresponsive on the couch. Tammy was in liver and kidney failure.

Jack was only a young boy when he was told, “Daddy went to heaven.” He was also told that his dad had taken his own life. As we move through September, we must stop and learn more about the importance of Suicide Prevention Awareness. This is the time to raise awareness of this urgently significant crisis. The purpose of this observance is to shift the perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help. […]

Robert Horsey, RN, BSN, CPTC, CCTC, and CEO of Gifted Productions, has worked in organ procurement organizations and two transplant centers and is certified in donation and transplantation. Who better to share meaningful stories with to inspire, encourage, and educate the masses? Robert is also the author of the book Gifted and the producer of a docu-series of the same name, which tells real-life stories of the courage of donor families and those facing transplantation. Statistically, about 90% of the US population supports the idea of organ donation, but only 56% are registered donors in Ohio. We do know that when […]

Rodney is a professional musician, the former music director and keyboard player for the Spinners in the 1970s. He toured the world and still plays music in two bands. However, the music almost stopped when his kidneys failed due to COVID-19, and spending 14 days on a ventilator. Rodney shares his story and how he ended up coming to Cleveland to receive a lifesaving kidney transplant in April of this year.

To lose one family member is heartbreaking, but the loss of two at the same time is unimaginable. When Bob Reisinger’s daughter and granddaughter were killed in a terrible accident, the thought of moving forward was overwhelming. One of Bob’s friends invited him to attend the Gift of Life Walk & Run and it made an impact that Bob still feels today. Listen as Bob shares his reasons for participating in this unique event year after year.

This episode of “Let’s Talk About Life” is about celebrating! We are taking time to acknowledge a huge accomplishment, the tenth anniversary of the opening of Transplant House of Cleveland. If you’re unfamiliar with Transplant House of Cleveland, it’s a nonprofit organization providing affordable, temporary housing and a welcoming, supportive community to organ transplant patients and their families. This community is not just a group of people, but a network of support and understanding, making Transplant House of Cleveland a compassionate home-away-from-home. Elaine Turley, Executive Director, and Aaron Babcock, Manager of Communications and the Annual Fund, will discuss the beauty […]

Join us as we delve into Angela Voisard’s heart-wrenching story about her fourth child, Bella, a beautiful baby whose life took an unexpected turn after two months. An emergency visit to Akron Children’s Hospital brought to light the stark reality that Bella’s life was hanging by a thread. Don’t miss our enlightening conversation with Bella’s mom and her Pediatric Cardiologist from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Dr. Shahnawaz Amdani. We’ll discover the unique complexities of pediatric transplantation, Bella’s extraordinary journey, and the pressing issue of dwindling pediatric organ donors. This discussion could reshape your understanding of pediatric health issues and perhaps […]

As Father’s Day approached, we had a conversation with Ryan Dornon, a father who lost his almost two-year-old daughter, Kinsley. Ryan shared their unimaginable story and talked about his journey through the immense grief he feels. Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Bereavement Services Manager, provided insights and information on the grieving process and ways to recognize specific differences of grieving men.

The Kidney Foundation of Ohio has assisted hundreds of individuals burdened with kidney disease since the 1950s. It has an esteemed but surprising history and a direct connection to organ donation and patient assistance programs that put dollars in the hands of those who need help the most. Learn more about this “little organization that could” on this episode, featuring guests Kelly Dowling, Executive Director, and Jennifer Clegg, Client Services and Community Manager of the KFO.