The Gifted Life: Organ, Tissue and Eye Donation Podcast

Show Notes: In episode 189, we welcome members from our internal Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee to facilitate an important conversation. Sheron, Cheryl and Sid discuss how LOPA's multicultural outreach has evolved throughout the years, and what steps are being put into action to ensure continued and exponential growth. The panel also welcomes heart recipient Keenan Shields, who shares his perspective as someone who's directly affected and inspired by the gift of life. Then in our mental health moment we chat about changing your perception to manage stress and honor hero Jayden Ramirez.

Show Notes: This is part 2 of a series, and we encourage you to listen to part 1, episode 187. We are joined by Dr. Jayme Locke, the lead transplant surgeon for the pig to human kidney transplant at UAB, and Drew Shunk, the director of clinical services at Legacy of Hope. Dr. Locke explains why pigs are a good choice for xenotransplantation, the technology that made it possible, and shares what information they hoped to learn from the study. Drew shares how Legacy of Hope (the organ procurement agency) helped identify a good candidate for the study and supported the family throughout the process. Terria talks about setting compassionate boundaries during our moment for mental health, and we honor donor hero Elizabeth Gilmore.

Show Notes: Xenotransplantation is the process of transplanting organs or tissues from one species to another. In this episode, we talk with Alan Spriggs, the Program Manager of Authorization Development from Legacy of Hope, about how he and his team worked with the family of Jim Parsons to present a unique research opportunity with the potential to save thousands of lives. Jim was the first person to receive two genetically modified pig kidneys after he was declared brain dead. This is the first of a 2 part series about this fascinating study from UAB that has the potential to help end deaths on the waitlist, and the incredible man and family that made it possible. Nila talks about resilience, what it is and what it’s not. Our donor hero this episode is Javon Wiley.

Show Notes: Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser, joins us to share how a trip to the Rose Bowl Parade inspired him to register as an organ, tissue and eye donor and to encourage every Louisianian to register to save and heal lives. We discuss the gift of life and how it encompasses his passion for the state and its culture. Then learn about the origins and inherent connections found in storytelling, including tips for sharing your story, in our mental health moment. We answer a listener's question and honor hero, Ramsie Baumgardner.

Show Notes: In honor of Pediatric Transplant Week, two moms join the podcast and reveal both sides the gift of life and the incredible strength they see in each other. Melissa McQueen, with Transplant Families and a previous guest on episode 158, is joined by Sarah who's the mom of her son's donor hero. Sarah reflects on her family's choice to donate the gift of life following her son Wyatt's accident, and then these moms talk about the amazing journey to connecting with each other. In our mental health moment, learn about mindfulness, what it actually is and its benefits. We also answer one of your questions and honor hero Nicholas Lewis.

Show Notes: Just over 8 years ago, Hailey Steimel received the gift of life through a heart transplant. While she was waiting, she couldn't find many books relating to organ donation or heart disease, and she wanted to change that. Hailey shares her journey and talks about her new children's book, A Heart on Valentine's Day. Then we walk through suggestions for spring cleaning your mental health, answer your question, and honor hero Elliot Hardy.

Show Notes: One donor's family, Larry and Vivian Lefferts, join us to talk about connecting donor families through a virtual network. Hear how their personal journey through grief following the loss of their son drove them to help co-found the Donor Family Care Network and how families from throughout the nation can participate. We are joined by a new guest host for our mental health moment, Lisa Lirette-West. Hear her tips for pausing to think before you speak. Then we circle back with Larry and Vivian Lefferts to honor their son and hero, John Lefferts' gifts of life.

Show Notes: American Idol's Scott MacIntyre who is a two-time kidney transplant recipient and is best known as the blind pianist in season 8, has an amazing story of overcoming adversity. Scott thrives on using his story to encourage others to see the beauty in life and find hope in the midst of hardship. Hear his journey and about his latest passion projects including a new inspirational song and a podcast, Enduring Hope. In our mental health moment, we discuss the difficulty of being honest and we honor hero, Brenda Myers.

Show Notes: Join us as we hear all about the adventures and misadventures of the Cart family on their journey to see their hero, Ryan Cart, honored on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. From meeting Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, to almost falling down the Grand Canyon, they share moments of gratitude and awe with a healthy dose of humor. Sara shares tips for stressed out parents during our moment for metal health and we honor hero Christopher Thrasher.

Show Notes: Learn how the facts and stats of organ, tissue and eye donation are being shared in Illinois classrooms. We welcome Kelly Pataky, with the Teach LIFE Toolkit Program. She shares how the program was developed for high school students and how it could be adapted for a variety of classrooms everywhere. We take a moment for mental health to talk about tips for strengthening romantic relationships, answer a listener's question and honor hero Stephanie Barlow.