The Journey Continues

Jackie Burgess-Bishop, FACHE, who recently retired as CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, reflects on her path from studying biology at Northwestern to leading one of Illinois' most vital health organizations, the obstacles she faced as a woman in STEM, how patient education and access to care have changed over her career, and what she hopes people remember most about her seven years at NKFI. We also honor Dylan Richardson in our Donor Spotlight. Dylan was seven years old when he died from injuries sustained in a car crash in 2007. His parents, Dan and Lisa, made the decision to donate his organs — a choice that gave three people more time and made a superhero-loving little boy a hero in death.

WATCH: https://youtu.be/GBTqXHGNoto?si=n5M5whteJU-F17yj

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Ceira Ostberg is a cinematographer, editor, and grateful transplant recipient who learned her kidneys were failing after a trip to urgent care. She shares what it's like to be young, healthy, and suddenly facing kidney failure. Plus, we honor Jaime Acevedo-Lule, whose five donated organs and dozens of tissue gifts reached families across the country.

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSnXBm_HjEM

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What inspires someone to give the gift of life? This month, hosts Monica Fox and Sara Jane Charles sit down with renal transplant coordinator Anita Pakrasi, RN and living kidney donor Dan O'Connell for an inside look at the living donation process—and the powerful moment that moves someone to become a donor.

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0HwPWrJ9Hs&t=17s  

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She was a decorated gymnast, a Division I scholarship athlete, and a hero. Cyndi and Frank Grobmeier of The Maddog Strong Foundation share the inspiring story of their daughter Maddie "Maddog" Grobmeier — whose choice to become an organ donor saved and improved countless lives. Now, her legacy lives on through a foundation educating the next generation of donation advocates. Learn more about the Maddog Strong Foundation at maddogstrong.org

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YidFlJnPHtk&list=PLhpz9XnKppNdv5xp-sDw8DWb-duNJUIWA&index=1 

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One sunny morning. One bike ride. One unexpected goodbye… that would go on to save dozens of lives. This month on The Journey Continues,  Marion Shuck shares the deeply personal story of losing her husband Reggie and her decision now to become a living kidney donor for her brother. Plus the myths, the facts, and the truth about saying "yes."

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxlZTp5-KMw

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Co-host Monica Fox underwent her second kidney transplant in October 2025 and this time her kidney came from her very own daughter Olivia! Sara Jane Charles interviews the mother-daughter duo and The Journey Continues unveils its new format on CAN TV. 

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe3UaPyRXEnEbGamnjFuzNVCThZ4wv_YX  

FOLLOW: @nkfillinois, @cantvchicago, @monicafox99, @saryjanec

Nichole Jefferson’s life changed overnight when what she thought was the flu turned out to be kidney failure. In this episode, she shares her journey through dialysis, two kidney transplants, and the power of trusting her instincts when something didn’t feel right. Today, she is a national advocate using her experience to empower others to speak up, seek answers, and take an active role in their care. Hear how resilience, self-advocacy, and hope helped shape her path forward.

Mike Crowley has spent his career leading nonprofit organizations, but at 60 years old, he made a deeply personal decision that went beyond leadership. After visiting dialysis clinics and witnessing firsthand the daily reality of kidney failure, he chose to become a living kidney donor to someone he had never met.

In this episode, Mike shares what sparked that decision, what the donation process actually looks like, and how one act of generosity can create a ripple effect through paired kidney exchange. He opens up about the emotional journey, the recovery process, and the life-changing impact of the voucher program. Hear how one visit turned into a mission.

A life-changing diagnosis set Dr. Patrick Gee on a path that reshaped his purpose. In this episode, Patrick reflects on his kidney journey, the gaps in health literacy that fueled his advocacy, and how faith, perseverance, and lived experience transformed him from a patient into a powerful voice for health equity. His story is a reminder that advocacy begins when you choose to speak, not just for yourself, but for others who may not yet have the chance.

Christmas is a perfect time to share a story of life, love, and gratitude. This season of giving invites reflection on the impact one person can have on so many lives.

As we reshare this special episode on Organ Donation Awareness, we highlight the powerful story of organ donor hero Mario Cousins, as told by his mother, Emma O’Neal, and his grateful heart recipient, Pam Morris Walton. Their journeys remain connected through the gift of life, a reminder that organ donation creates lasting bonds that extend far beyond a single moment.