The Gifted Life: Organ, Tissue and Eye Donation Podcast

Show Notes: We welcome Casana Fink, an advocate for organ and tissue donation, nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, author, Miss Tampa and at the release of this episode, the current Miss Florida, who will be competing in the Miss America competition next year. As the daughter of a liver recipient, Casana has dedicated over a decade to educate others about the importance of organ and tissue donation. At just 14 years old, she founded her nonprofit, Give to Live, which has served as a powerful platform to raise awareness. As Miss Florida, Casana is expanding her impact even further, using her platform to continue advocating for lifesaving organ and tissue donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss tips for embracing change to move forward and then honor hero Kristian Darden.

Show Notes: In this community partnership episode, we dive into the topic of school safety and gain important insights from Louisiana Center for Safe Schools Director, Trevis Thompson. Trevis explores the strategies, practices and programs that support school communities and their safety partners. Learn how communities can use these programs to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and grow in a secure setting. Then in our Mental Health Moment we discuss tips for supporting the unique ways each person grieves and then, honor donor hero Kimberly Hawkins.

Show Notes: Join us for an inspiring episode as we chat with nurse Lori Vaughn and teen Lauren Swanson. Lauren’s battle with a rare disease led to her needing a kidney transplant. One day, Lori stumbled upon a social media plea for a living donor for Lauren. Even though she had no direct connection to Lauren, Lori felt led to see if she was a match. Hear all about how their incredible story of altruistic living kidney donation unfolded. Plus, we honor donor hero Wayne Gary.

Show Notes: We are getting you ready for the 2024 Transplant Games of America and TGA's inaugural Film Festival in Birmingham by welcoming previous guests Bill Ryan and Robert Horsey. Bill is President and CEO of the Transplant Games of America, and Robert is the Writer and Executive Producer of Gifted: The Docuseries. They catch us up by sharing their connections to the donation and transplantation community, and give us a sneak peek of the new TGA Film Festival event. In our Mental Health Moment, we HALT. Learn what the acronym stands for, and how to use it everyday to declare and acknowledge how you are feeling. Then, we honor donor hero, Keith Sonnier.

Show Notes: We sit down with Mark Fenrich, who's faced a lifelong battle with kidney disease, undergoing a remarkable journey with a total of four kidney transplants from four different members of his family. Mark's inspiring story has captivated national media, and showcases the incredible impact of living kidney donation. Following our conversation with Mark, we answer one of your questions about the organ donation process, and then we honor donor hero, Reina Hunter.

Show Notes: In this episode, we’re joined by The Houston Gamer, Willie Jefferson, who's an avid gamer, popular YouTube vlogger, journalist, minister, and a grateful kidney recipient. Willie shares his journey with our hosts by detailing his illness, insights into his dialysis treatments and his life saving transplant. He reveals the reason behind naming his new donor kidney "Miracle." In our Mental Health Moment, we kick start a discussion about developing a vision for your life and where you want to go, and then round out the episode by honoring hero Jeremy Lewis.

Show Notes: In this pivotal episode, Kelli McQuesten, a Community Outreach Coordinator at Lifeline of Ohio, channels her personal tragedy into a powerful call for change. She tragically lost her husband, Matthew, due to not receiving a heart transplant in time. Motivated by her family's heart-wrenching experience of waiting in vain for a life-saving organ donation and the subsequent loss of her cherished husband and father of her children, Kelli is committed to closing the donation gap. She aims to educate and inspire more people to register as organ, tissue, and eye donors. Additionally, we answer one of your questions and pay tribute to hero Jessica Wheat.

Show Notes: We are discussing the Fais Do-Donate, an upcoming fundraiser to benefit the LOPA Foundation aimed at celebrating the gift of life on a Louisiana Saturday night. Wendy Lipsey, a LOPA Foundation Board Member and grateful transplant recipient, joins our podcast to share her transplantation journey and shed light on the activities lined up for the Fais Do-Donate which will be held April 27th, 2024. In our Mental Health Moment, we delve into tips for finding meaning in loss and we honor hero Jason Michael Williams.

Show Notes: Presenting "Gifted: The Docuseries," a compelling and uplifting exploration of organ donation and transplantation. Delve into the genesis of this inspirational series with author and filmmaker, Robert Horsey, as we journey alongside donor mom Jody Miller. Through Jody's poignant experience, we witness how her daughter, Heather, became a life-saving hero through the gift of donation. Discover exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the making of "Gifted: The Docuseries" and learn where you can experience its screenings. Additionally, in our Mental Health Moment, we tackle cognitive distortion and share practical tips for fostering a positive mindset. Lastly, we pay tribute to hero Kevin Pounds. Join us for an enriching and impactful experience.

Show Notes: Leah Veck, grandmother to the donor hero Aliye Ringe, transformed her grief into action by delivering impassioned testimony before a Louisiana Legislative Committee. Thanks to Leah's tireless advocacy, Aliye's Law HB 289 was enacted in July 2023, guaranteeing that all Louisiana high school students receive education on organ, tissue, eye, and bone marrow donation. Discover the profound impact of Aliye's Law and how Leah and Aliye's legacy continues to save lives through education. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore strategies for releasing the grip of control in various situations, and pay tribute to hero Shannon Langley.