This Thing Called Life

This Thing Called Life

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This Thing Called Life episodes

  • EP 91: A Calling To Find A Kidney Donor For All In Need

    A Calling To Find A Kidney Donor For All In Need

     

    Darcy Gibson and Andy Johnson discuss the challenges faced by kidney transplant recipients and their families. In this episode they shared their experiences highlighting the importance of storytelling and education when raising awareness about kidney disease, emphasizing the impact of personal stories on building empathy and creating a sense of community. 



    Episode Highlights:

    • Andi Johnson introduces Darci Gibson and the non-profit organization “Off The List”.
  • “Off the List” aims to support individuals on the kidney transplant list and their families through their journey of waiting for a kidney and provide them with tools and resources to help them share their stories to find donors
  • Darci shares what motivated her to start this non-profit and the passion behind the project.
  • Darci tells us that her father needed a Kidney transplant, so she leveraged her background in Marketing to share her family story and get the word out about his need.
  • Andi shares the importance of taking action and control over one's health, particularly for those with kidney disease or type 2 diabetes.
  • Darci highlights the need for creating awareness and conversations around these conditions, as people often accept them as their fate without realizing they can take action to prevent or manage them.
  • Darci shares an "aha" moment about the number of young people calling for kidney transplants, highlighting the need for early education and resource sharing.
  • Darci offers encouragement to frustrated dialysis patients, emphasizing hope and support from others, including the possibility of finding a living donor.
  • Andi asks how many families are “Off The List” helping now, and Darcy shares that they are currently working with 80 families.
  • For those who want to contribute, the easiest way would be to go to their website https://getoffthelist.org/ 
  • There are programs through the National Kidney Registry where you can donate a kidney. It's called their advanced Donation Program, and you can designate up to five people in your family should they ever need an organ donation.

    •  



    3 Key Points:

    1. Darci Gibson tells us about their non-profit organization called ‘Off The List’ and shares how she was pushed into that journey by her own experiences.
  • She also highlights the importance of early education for the next generation to help prevent kidney disease and to have the strength to believe that they could still take steps to manage it.
  • Darci offers words of encouragement to a frustrated dialysis patient, emphasizing hope and support from others, including the possibility of finding a living donor.



    • Tweetable Quotes:

    • “... You have to share personal information. And that's hard to do, as humans, it's hard to ask people for help. And so I felt like there was a gap there that we could help fill and partner with the transplant centers and dialysis and nephrology to be able to just really dig in and personally with families through that and give them the tools.” - Darci Gibson
  • “We just want them to know that we're here.” - Darci Gibson
  • “And it's interesting how when I look back now, all of those things, was preparing me to do this. I mean, there was a reason and a purpose and that's why God was preparing me for this work.” - Darci Gibson




    • Resources:

    https://getoffthelist.org/

    https://lifepassiton.org/

    https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/

    https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH

    https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

    https://aopo.org/



    22 min
  • EP 90: A Wife's Incredible Gift Of Life For Her Husband

    In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi talks with Marty and Bonnie Garneret. Bonnie is not only Marty’s wife but also his kidney champion.  Marty and his wife have been married for 42 years this month, and he says that he married an angel without wings.  They share their special journey and you are not going to want to miss it!

    45 min
  • EP 89: April Is National Donate Life Month - Creating Awareness Of The Need To Register For Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

    Community Heroes is a special extension of This Thing Called Life’s podcast. In this series, we talk to community leaders, share important information about organ and tissue donation, and honor those who have been instrumental in saving lives through the gift of donation.  In this episode, we talk with Lincoln Ware from WDBZ the Buzz of Cincinnati talk station.

     

     

    Resources:

    https://lifepassiton.org/
    https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH
    Life Center Phone # 513-558-5555

    5 min
  • EP 87: Coach Darryn Chenault's Kidney Transplant Journey

    Coach Darryn Chenault's Kidney Transplant Journey

     

    It's April so it's time to celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved and healed others as organ eye and tissue donors. Today we introduce Coach Darryn Chenault, to share his Transplant Journey and discuss how he broke the cycle of not communicating about Kidney Disease in his family. 



    Episode Highlights:

    • Andi introduces Coach Darryn Chenault and how she heard his story on TV 
  • Darryn shares with us his love for being on the field coaching and how one day there was a change in how his body responded to high-energy activities.
  • Darryn explains how he thought it was a hereditary disease, ignoring the risk and thinking he was young and healthy.  Darryn eventually figured he would have to take meds like he had witnessed with his dad, but when he got COVID, it took his Kidney Issues from Stage 2 to Stage 5.
  • Darryn shares that since he was “That Guy” a police officer, a hero to his family, and someone who works out every morning, he didn’t want to feel like he was not in control.
  • Going through the struggles of his disease, Darryn had a hard time adjusting to not being “Out and about”, that’s when he decided that he needed a Kidney.
  • Darryn shared how he was saved by a friend who advertised to the community that he needed a kidney transplant.
  • Darryn’s nephew, Arryn, called and said he was a match and wanted to donate his kidney.
  • Darryn’s family encouraged him to receive this gift.
  • Andi and Darryn discuss the issue that Black families have with higher rates of kidney disease and diabetes, which can lead to the need for dialysis and transplants.
  • Darryn suggests a lack of education, on the topic, prevents black families from stepping up at the same rate to be living donors.
  • Darryn's actual birthday is April 9 but now he tells people that his new birthday is June 6, his Transplant Date, because he got more time.
  • Darryn and Arryn have a unique bond after sharing this kidney transplant experience, inspiring others at family gatherings.
  • Darryn extends gratitude for his ability to spend time with family and enjoy activities they couldn't do before, while also acknowledging the importance of self-care and education for transplant recipients.




    • 3 Key Points:

    1. Coach Darryn was always there for his players and the community, he was someone everyone looked up to. Being on the receiving side was an adjustment requiring him to have new routines and acceptance of the gift of life.
  • Coach Darryn shares his wonderful gift of receiving the Kidney Transplant from his nephew Arryn on June 6, and how their bond got even stronger and inspired other people in their family.
  • Darryn shares gratitude for being able to spend time with family and enjoy activities they couldn't do before, while also acknowledging the importance of self-care and education for transplant recipients.



    • Tweetable Quotes:

    • “ Because here I am thinking I'm the guy like I work out in the morning. Good kids are looking up to me. I'm a police officer. I'm a superhero to my kids and my family. so to speak. I just wanted to be that guy.” - Darryn Chenault
  • “And that's what I learned throughout this whole process that I needed to lean on my family.“ - Darryn Chenault
  • “I mean, it was it was a tough ride, but we did it.” - Darryn Chenault
  • “Black families have higher rates of kidney disease and diabetes, which many times lead to needing dialysis and a transplant yet we do not as a community… as a race, we don't step up at the same rate to be living donors as white people” - Andi Johnson
  • "We gotta open up our heart and let them help us." - Darryn Johnson




    • Resources:

    https://lifepassiton.org/

    https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/

    https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH

    https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

    https://aopo.org/



    32 min
  • EP 86: World Kidney Day Reminds Us How We Can Help Others In Need.

    Community Heroes is a special extension of This Thing Called Life’s podcast. In this series, we talk to community leaders, share important information about organ and tissue donation, and honor those who have been instrumental in saving lives through the gift of donation.  In this episode, we talk with Don Juan Fasho from 100.3 Cincy's R&B station.

     

     

    Resources:

    https://lifepassiton.org/
    https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH
    Life Center Phone # 513-558-5555

    5 min
  • EP 85: From Transplant to Triumph: A Nurse's Journey of Healing, Giving Back and Finding Love

    From Transplant to Triumph: A Nurse's Journey of Healing, Giving Back and Finding Love

     

    Today we introduce Asia Werner, a transplant recipient and nurse with UC Health. Tune in to hear Asia's incredible story of receiving her heart transplant as an infant, her decision to become a nurse, and her advice for young people who might have to go through an organ transplant journey. 

     

    Episode Highlights:

    • Andi introduces our guest, Asia Werner.
  • Asia shares that she received her heart transplant on her 1st birthday
  • Andi asks Asia how she felt after receiving media attention as she grew up
  • Asia tells us that when she received her heart, it was around Christmas, and that made her story more interesting to the public
  • Andi asks Asia about her nursing career decision
  • Asia's love of taking care of others and making people feel better
  • Asia worked with many spinal cord injury patients, which she sees as a sign of the universe guiding her toward this role.
  • Andi asks about Asia’s participation in the Transplant Games
  • The Transplant Games are the Olympics but for the transplant team, so recipients, donors, and even some medical professionals participate.
  • Asia tells us that everybody who participates in the games goes through the same situations and they can all relate to each other and agree that they shouldn’t take life for granted.
  • Andi asks Asia what her advice would be for young people going through the same situation as she did
  • Asia advises people who will go through the transplant journey that they can still do what normal people do but with caution.  The most important thing is to make sure that they maintain follow-up doctor visits for check-ups and listen to their doctor's recommendations
  • Asia reflects on her transplant experience, which provided her the freedom to pursue a normal life, and the importance of donors
  • Asia expresses gratitude to their donor's family, acknowledging their life-saving decision




    • 3 Key Points:

    1. Asia tells her amazing story about receiving her heart on her 1st birthday, which was close to Christmas, and how it got media attention
  • Asia explains what got her into nursing. She tells us that at first, she thought she wanted to be a doctor but when she witnessed the difference between the direct impact of patient care nurses provided, it made it more clear what her choice would be.
  • Asia shares her experience in the Transplant games and how the people participating relate to each other.



    • Tweetable Quotes:

    • “So it was really nice having somebody that I knew and was comfortable with because I was able to kind of open up a little more with him.” - Asia Werner
  • “I know what it's like to have good nurses and I know what kind of a difference a good nurse can make.” - Asia Werner
  • “Basically, it is the Olympics but for transplant people, so recipients, donors, and even some medical professionals are there.” - Asia Werner
  • “Everybody is kind of in a similar situation.  My theory is that everybody knows how precious life is there and they understand, kind of, just how precious it is and how they don't take life for granted. They don't use their life to be mean to people.” - Asia Werner




    • Resources:

    https://lifepassiton.org/

    https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/

    https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH

    https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

    https://aopo.org/



    26 min
  • EP 84: Mes de la Concientización del Riñón

    This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Julie Luebbers on La Mega.  The monthly interview will provide the Spanish Community with information about Life Center and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation.

    15 min
  • EP 83: Todos Podemos Ayudar

    This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Julie Luebbers on La Mega.  The monthly interview will provide the Spanish Community with information about Life Center and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation.

    12 min
  • EP 82: Heartbeat Chronicles - Pioneering Heart Transplant at Christ Hospital With Guest Terri and George Cecere

    Heartbeat Chronicles - Pioneering Heart Transplant at Christ Hospital With Guest Terri and George Cecere

     

    February is American Heart Month, where women are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. In today’s episode, we want to introduce you to George and Terri Cecere. Tune in and hear about their journey together managing heart disease and ultimately a heart transplant as Husband and Wife. 

     

    Episode Highlights:

    • Andi introduces George and Terri Cecere
  • George and Terri tell the story of how they met and Terri being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma early in their relationship
  • In 2002, Terri was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy at 43 years old
  • Terri found a cardiologist with experience in heart failure treatment, which helped manage her condition until the time she needed a heart transplant at age 62
  • Andi asks about the symptoms of Cardiomyopathy
  • Terri explains her symptoms and relates them to common heart failure 
  • Terri lived with cardiomyopathy for 17 years, receiving treatment and care from Dr. O'Brien and the advanced heart failure team
  • Her condition gradually worsened over time, leading to the recommendation of a heart transplant
  • Terri received a heart transplant at Christ Hospital Health Network, becoming the first recipient of the program
  • Andi asks Terri about how she feels about all the media attention
  • Terri shares her story and advocates for heart health awareness with the help of her husband George and Life Center
  • Terri expresses gratitude to the donor family for giving her the gift of life, acknowledging their difficult decision to donate
  • Terri also talks about how the reality of having to care for someone with heart disease is challenging and the gift George has been through this journey




    • 3 Key Points:

    1. Terri and George talk about how they thrived through 17 years of Heart Disease
  • They share their experiences for 17 years leading up to the heart transplant and express gratitude for how they were cared for by their doctor(s) and hospital
  • Terri now advocates for heart health awareness with the help of her husband George and Life Center

    •  

    Tweetable Quotes:

    • “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.” - Andi Johnson
  • “I decided I needed a cardiologist who had experience with heart failure in particular, because it makes a huge difference.” - Terri Cecere
  • “But I do think that intellectually we knew that at the end of the journey, the heart transplant was possible.” - George Cecere
  • “Since Terri's transplant, which was, you know, only about 15 months ago, they've completed 19 heart transplants, which is an astounding number considering you know, how new the program is.” - George Cecere
  • “And there's not a better person to have as your caregiver than George. I mean, he's, he was amazing.” - Terri Cecere




    • Resources:

    https://lifepassiton.org/

    https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/

    https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH

    https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

    https://aopo.org/



    56 min

About This Thing Called Life

From the publisher's feed

This Thing Called Life is a podcast dedicated to acts of giving, kindness, compassion, and humanity. Host Andi Johnson introduces you to powerful organ, tissue, and eye donation stories from…