The Unspoken

Meet the faces behind the CKF team. Program and Communications Director Anna Morgan-Palardy sits down with Executive Director Jessi Rochel, Program and Communications Coordinator Destiny Perez, and youth intern Octavia. They share what they love outside of work, from long-distance races and rescue cats to improv comedy, ducks and wedding planning.
Then each team member shares their "why": the personal connection to organ donation and transplant that brought them to this work. Their stories include a heart transplant recipient, a double-lung recipient and a liver transplant recipient. They also talk about what people of different ages are saying about donation and registering.
Whether you've followed CKF for years or are just getting to know us, this is a chance to meet the people behind the mission. If you're not yet a registered donor, consider saying yes.

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Join Anna as she sits down with the 2025 CKF Award Winners as they share their journeys in the transplant and donation community along with what inspired them to continue giving back and supporting others. 

We will also be announcing the 2026 CKF Award Winners! 

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Most people don’t realize that the upcoming 2026 Transplant Games in Denver will be the largest celebration of life in the world — and you can be part of it. When Mark McIntosh shares his journey from battling a rare blood cancer to receiving a life-saving kidney transplant, he reveals the extraordinary power of organ donation and the life-changing impact of community support.

This episode dives deep into the incredible story of resilience, hope, and giving back. Mark shares how a simple act — sharing your spare — saved his life and how the Transplant Games foster an inspiring environment where thousands come together to celebrate life, connect across communities, and promote organ donation awareness. He highlights the importance of trusting healthcare, Colorado’s pioneering transplant history, and the need to increase awareness among communities of color. 

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Welcome to Part 2 of the Duality of Gratitude & Grief. Anna is joined by Denzel, Mari, Monique, and Denise, the ED of The Heartfelt Help Foundation. 

This conversation delves into the complex emotional and financial challenges faced by families navigating the heart transplant journey. Through personal stories, the speakers share their experiences of trauma, guilt, and resilience, highlighting the ongoing struggles that persist long after the transplant. The discussion emphasizes the duality of gratitude and grief, as families learn to cope with the realities of living with chronic health issues while supporting their loved ones.

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We are kicking off season 2 of The Unspoken with Denise Redeker and three of her Pediatric Heart Transplant Patient Families. We are so thankful to Denzel, Mari, and Monique for being open and honest about their family's journey through and after a heart transplant. 

This conversation delves into the complex emotional and financial challenges faced by families navigating the heart transplant journey. Through personal stories, the speakers share their experiences of trauma, guilt, and resilience, highlighting the ongoing struggles that persist long after the transplant. The discussion emphasizes the duality of gratitude and grief, as families learn to cope with the realities of living with chronic health issues while supporting their loved ones.

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This episode explores the profound impact of eye donation, featuring heartfelt stories from donor families and insights from experts in the field. Anna is joined by donor family Leslie & Brad Vickers, as well as Staci from the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of eye donation compared to other organ donations, emphasizing the importance of early discussions about donation decisions. The episode also delves into the emotional journey of donor families and the life-changing effects on recipients.

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Join host Anna Morgan-Palardy as she sits down with CKF Executive Director Jessi Rochel and Chris Klug, founder of the Chris Klug Foundation, to explore his incredible journey from receiving a life-saving liver transplant to winning an Olympic bronze medal. In this episode, Chris shares his personal story of resilience, the mission of his foundation, and the impact of organ donation. Discover how Chris's passion for board sports and his commitment to giving back have inspired countless others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about second chances and the power of community. #LiveLifeGiveLife

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🎙In this episode of "The Unspoken," host Anna Morgan-Palardy dives into the transformative world of organ pumps with Dr. James Trotter from Intermountain Health. 🎙

⚡️Discover how this groundbreaking technology is revolutionizing the field of organ transplantation, increasing the number of successful transplants, and reducing wait times for patients. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of implementing organ pumps nationwide and the profound impact they have on both donors and recipients. Tune in to learn how these innovations are paving the way for a brighter future in transplant medicine.⚡️

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In this conversation, Anna Morgan-Palardy speaks with Michael Wells, team captain of Team Rocky Mountain, about the upcoming Transplant Games of America. They discuss the significance of the games, the emotional impact on participants, and the goals for Team Rocky Mountain. Michael shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of community engagement, and highlights inclusivity to Team Rocky Mountain. The conversation highlights the positive atmosphere of the games and encourages potential participants to get involved.

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In this episode of the Unspoken podcast, Anna Morgan-Palardy interviews Elaine Perlman, the executive director of Waitlist Zero, about the urgent need for kidney donations and the legislative efforts to pass the End Kidney Deaths Act. 

Elaine shares her personal journey into the world of organ donation, the challenges faced by living donors, and the potential impact of the proposed legislation, which aims to provide tax credits to altruistic kidney donors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and advocacy in addressing the kidney crisis in America.

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