LOPA, Organ Donation Awareness, and Cayden’s Legacy with Lori Steele & Maggie Fan | What’s What BR

In this episode of What’s What BR, host Brandon talks with returning guest Lori Steele from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) and new guest Maggie Fan about promoting organ, eye, and tissue donation through education and conversation before a crisis occurs. Lori recaps National Donate Life Month activities in April, including flag raisings, butterfly releases, campus outreach, and free presentations available through LOPA.org, and explains how most people register through the OMV heart symbol, as well as other registration options. Maggie shares the story of her son Caiden, how honoring his donor decision was overwhelming in the hospital, and how donation became part of her faith and grief journey. She describes meeting recipients, writing letters, and learning Caiden impacted 105 people across multiple states and countries, and highlights her book, “Beautifully Broken: Finding Beauty in the Struggle.”

00:00 Welcome and Guests

00:33 What LOPA Does

01:23 Signing Up to Donate

01:58 Covington Headquarters and Memorial Park

02:55 April Donation Month Highlights

05:19 Why Talking About Donation Matters

08:13 Maggie and Caiden Introduction

09:11 Caiden Story and Turning Point

11:24 Making the Decision in Crisis

14:11 Relatable Support Matters

14:54 Families Decide Under Pressure

15:41 DMV Talk To Dinner Table

17:30 Reaching People Repeatedly

18:25 Tools And Presentations

18:59 Registering And Legal Consent

20:35 Meeting Recipients And Healing

22:56 Book And Legacy Impact

25:13 Aftercare And Honor Walks

28:46 LOPA Team And Statewide Stats

30:10 Closing Thanks And Next Steps