Let's Talk About Life

When Linda Liberator learned that her son Eric was in stage 5 kidney failure and would need a transplant, she knew exactly what she needed to do. Linda went to the University Hospital of Cleveland Transplant Institute and began being tested as a potential living donor. Image her delight when she was told she was a perfect match!  However, as Linda and Eric got farther in the process, it was determined that the match wasn’t so perfect after all. Listen as Linda shares the twists and turns of her journey to be a living kidney donor.

Many families have experienced a sudden and unexpected tragedy that results in their loved one becoming a donor. Although giving the gift of life and sight to others is a noble act, these families still feel their loss profoundly and forever. Our guest on this episode is Angie Gates-Stefan, the sister of Rob Gates, and she shares her family’s story and what she’s doing to remember, honor, and celebrate Rob twenty-two years after his passing.

April 28, 2010, was a typical day when 16-year-old Erin Ehrbar and her 13-year-old brother, Andrew, pulled out of the driveway on their way to school. Their car was struck in the side, and neither Erin nor Andrew survived. Listen as Lifebanc Donor Family Counsel member Laura DePiero discusses the complicated mix of grief and loss at a time when the world seems to be celebrating. She also shares how, over time, celebrations and traditions can take on new meaning when thinking of the ones we love who are no longer with us. Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Bereavement Services Program Manager, provides […]

National Eye Donation Awareness Month occurs every November as a reminder to give the gift of sight as a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor – but perhaps more importantly, to remind us all how precious vision is in our daily lives. Almost 20 million Americans – or 8% of the U.S. population – have visual impairments. Visual impairments, including blindness, are one of the leading causes of loss of independence among people aged 65 and older. We talk with individuals from Eversight, the nonprofit eye bank, to tell us about some projects they are working on to irradicate vision […]

Hospital scenes – where there is trauma, tragedy, and unexpected loss – are often chaotic and emotional. In times of shock and disbelief, individuals may feel numb and can have difficulty accepting that a loss has occurred or is occurring. In these very darkest moments, a gentle and calming presence is required. Enter a member of the hospital’s pastoral care team. On this episode of Let’s Talk About Life, we get a deeper insight into the vital role of the pastoral care team as they journey with families in trauma. Rev. Elizabeth Hewett, Director of Pastoral Care for University Hospital […]

Lifebanc covers 20 counties in Northeast Ohio, serves approximately 4.2 million individuals, and includes several large cities, including Cleveland. The depth of complexity is unimaginable when providing services to a population of this size. Especially ensuring citizens are safe and have access to housing, food, and healthcare. We know that organ donation and transplantation are a tiny fraction of what’s on the minds of those governing the City of Cleveland. However, with diabetes & hypertension ravaging communities, more individuals are ending up on dialysis and potentially on the organ transplant waiting list. Listen to a candid conversation with Edmund Wilson […]

Last week, we discussed the loss of a young man, Trenton Riggins-Walker. Trenton died by suicide. We continue the conversation with Bill Walker and Kolnita Riggins-Walker to learn how they put their grief into action by creating a safe space for other young people called Trent’s Room. Also, Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Manager of Bereavement Services, provides insight into grief resources for those left after a loved one completes suicide.

The unthinkable occurred when Bill and Kolnita Riggins-Walker’s son Trenton died by suicide. Trent had struggled with mental health issues, but his death still came as a shock. Listen to Part One of a poignant story as they take us on a journey of parenting an intelligent, talented, and unique young man, their devastating loss, and what organ, eye, and tissue donation has meant to them. Call 988 – the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Charlene Johnson-Boyd shares her story of being diagnosed with heart failure and told there was nothing more doctors could do because of her age. Charlene wouldn’t take no for an answer and was told of a transplant center that would include her in their program—a compelling journey and discussion about aging and transplantation.

Lifebanc is committed to supporting donor families long after losing a loved one. There are many programs and events available, a list of which can be found on our website under the “For Families” tab. However, a new and uniqueprogram centers around donor family members helping other donor families through the Peer Grief Companion Program.Listen as Elissa Berman, Bereavement Services Manager, and two donor wives, Nicole Allen Banks and Mary Berry, discuss the program and why it’suniquely powerful.