Let's Talk Hope

A minor car accident forced Daru Smith to get an in-depth medical exam. The exam uncovered critical health problems that ultimately led to an almost unbelievable situation: Daru needed a new heart, a new kidney and a new liver.

When it comes to grief, everyone follows their own timeline. After years of grieving their son’s loss following a tragic accident, John Beach found solace in attending the 2022 Transplant Games in San Diego. On this episode, listen to John and Joy Beach talk about the meaning that organ & tissue donation brought to their lives after their son John became a donor, their path to healing and the wisdom they share with others about coping with loss.

“My dad was a real practical guy. He wanted to be as useful and helpful as he could.” When Tish Hevel’s father died from dementia, his brain was donated for science. Since then, Tish and her sister have worked to educate people about brain donation and to simplify the process.  

Police officer Mark wondered if he’d ever be able to roller skate again. He’d waited for a liver transplant for nearly a decade. With less than three days left to live Mark received a life-saving donation. Now, he reflects on his journey to health and shares his story to help spread awareness about organ donation among minority communities. 

Rocío Muñoz tenía una enfermedad renal tan grave que en pocos años acumuló 76 visitas a la sala de emergencias y 13 cirugías. Su situación se volvió tan severa que la unica esperanza para ella era recibir un trasplante de riñon. Una Navidad recibieron una llamada diciendo que habian encontrado un riñon compatible, y ella y su esposo Gerardo Huerta se fueron al hospital, llenos de esperanza y al mismo tiempo incrédulos. Al cabo un helicóptero trajo esa segunda oportunidad de vida que Rocío tanto necesitaba, y de no haber sido por un donante de organos, ellos no estarían aquí para dar las gracias y contar su historia. 

Rocío Muñoz developed kidney disease so severe that in just a few years she had 76 emergency room visits and 13 surgeries. Her only hope was a kidney transplant. One Christmas she received a call saying they had found a donor. She and her husband Gerardo Huerta went to the hospital full of hope and disbelief. Finally, a helicopter brought that second chance at life that Rocío needed, and if it hadn't been for an organ donor, they wouldn't be here to say thank you and share their story.

A former bodybuilder, Phil Hanks is a grateful recipient of six transplanted organs. He has lived through cancer, hepatitis C, diabetes and kidney failure. Phil credits his faith, his wife, and his organ donors for this second chance at life. Listen to Phil's story, and his perspective on taking care of yourself and having hope, on Let’s Talk Hope. 

Cuando Miguel López murió de un aneurisma cerebral a los 42 años, su esposa y sus dos hijas se enteraron de la oportunidad de donar órganos y tejidos y pensaron que no habría mejor manera de honrar la vida de Miguel y su generosidad. Escuche a Patty López compartir la historia de su padre en este episodio de Hablemos de la esperanza.

After 42-year-old Miguel Lopez died from a brain aneurysm, his wife and two daughters learned about the opportunity for organ and tissue donation. They couldn't think of better way to honor Miguel's life and his giving nature. Listen to Patty Lopez share her father's story on this episode of Let's Talk Hope.

“I could feel my heart beating in my chest again.” After receiving a heart and kidney transplant, Harry now spreads hope to people facing health problems like he once did. Listen to Harry tell his story, and the advice he gives others about staying healthy.

Paul Cardall was born with half of a heart and given only a year to live. Today, he is a transplant recipient and Dove Award-winning pianist known by audiences around the world. Paul began playing piano to heal himself, but the story of his heart transplant, his donor and the way he inspires others is as moving as the songs he writes.

It was only a cough. When Pastor Joseph Kyles saw a doctor about his cough, he was shocked to learn that he would need a double lung transplant. He was fortunate. The call came in time with news that a lung donor was available to save his life. Today, Pastor Kyles’ donated lungs are like treasures that help him enrich the church and community he serves.