Let's Talk Hope

In this heartfelt episode, host Marion Shuck sits down with Laura Keenan, a nurse and donor wife, to explore the profound experiences of love, loss, and healing through organ and tissue donation. Laura shares her journey with her late husband Jeremiah, their shared advocacy for donation, and how his legacy continues to inspire her work. From navigating grief to becoming an advocate for the Gift of Hope, Laura's story is one of resilience, service, and community. Whether you're a donor family, recipient, or simply curious about the impact of organ donation, this episode offers inspiration and insight into the life-saving power of giving. 

All major religions in the U.S. support organ donation and view it as the ultimate act of love and generosity. For many people, faith plays an important role in the decision to register as a donor. In celebration of Gift of Hope's Faith and Hope Month, we are rebroadcasting this episode with Michael Zedek, Rabbi Emeritus of Emanuel Congregation, who shares what Judaism teaches about organ and tissue donation.For more information, check out: https://giftofhope.org/faithandhope/

In this episode, we explore disparities in kidney transplant access, focusing on the underserved and minority communities. With over 90,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant in the U.S., and a significant portion coming from marginalized backgrounds, the barriers to equitable access are both complex and urgent.Join us as Dr. Keith Melancon, a distinguished general surgeon and former Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Director at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, discusses the social determinants of health that influence diagnosis and treatment, the impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare access, and the political and cultural factors affecting organ donation and transplantation.Learn about the importance of early diagnosis, the consequences of limited access to care, and the need for increased awareness and advocacy in minority communities, plus what steps can be taken to address these disparities and ensure a fairer healthcare system where everyone has an equal opportunity for life-saving treatments.Guest: Dr. Keith Melancon, Professor of Surgery and Director of George Washington University Transplant Institute

In this inspiring episode of Let's Talk Hope, Marion Shuck sits down with Robert Chelsea, the first Black person and the oldest patient to receive a full face transplant. Robert shares his story of survival, resilience, and hope after a devastating car accident caused by a drunk driver left him with severe burns over 60% of his body. He reflects on the life-changing decision to undergo a 16-hour surgery, the challenges faced during recovery, and the pioneering efforts of a diverse team of medical professionals at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Robert's experience is not just about physical transformation—it's a testament to human perseverance, the importance of organ and tissue donation in minority communities, and the power of faith in overcoming life's toughest obstacles. Tune in to hear Robert's inspiring journey and learn about the mission of the Robert Chelsea Foundation to support burn survivors and promote donor awareness.

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Dillon, Manager of Donation and Family Advocates at Gift of Hope. Emily shares her experiences working on the front lines of donation, where she helps families find hope and meaning on the most challenging day of their lives. We explore the delicate balance of offering organ donation as a gift, the importance of collaboration with hospital care teams and the deep cultural sensitivities required to support families from all walks of life. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the emotional and logistical intricacies of organ donation, highlighting the compassionate work done by Emily and her team. Whether you're familiar with the topic or new to it, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of the impact organ donation can have on both donor families and recipients.Guest: Emily Dillon, Manager of Donation and Family Advocates

In this episode, Marion sits down with Mark and Lynn Scotch, avid bikers and remarkable living donors. Mark and Lynn share their inspiring journey from meeting in high school and raising a family to making the life-changing decision to donate their kidneys. They talk through the moment that sparked their decision and the profound impact of becoming living donors.Learn about the critical need for living donors, the statistics behind organ donation, and the misconceptions surrounding organ donation. Discover the important role of the National Kidney Registry Voucher Program in their donation process and how it has made a significant difference in organ donation.Listen as they discuss the unexpected encounter that led Mark to donate his kidney and the ease of becoming a living donor, emphasizing the minimal impact on donors' lives. Hear about Mark's post-donation bike ride and the creation of the "Organ Trail."  Join us for an episode filled with compassion, awareness, and the extraordinary story of two ordinary people making an extraordinary impact.Guests: Mark and Lynn Scotch, Living Kidney Donors. 

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Vicki Walker, a donor mom, who shares her journey of organ and tissue donation. Vicki recounts the tragic loss of her daughter, Nikki, to a drowning accident in 2015 and how it led her to become an advocate for donor families. Remarkably, Vicki was able to perform directed donation, with Nikki's heart going to her best friend's sister, Tanisha. Vicki insisted on Tanisha accepting the heart, allowing her to hear Nikki's heartbeat again.Vicki and Marion talk about the emotions of being part of a donor family, the importance of registering as an organ donor and having conversations about your decision with your family. Vicki discusses her work on public service announcements for Gift of Hope, extending the lives Nikki saved by raising awareness about organ and tissue donation and helping to dispel myths and misconceptions about organ donation, particularly within black and brown communities.

In this heartfelt episode, join us as we sit down with Lisa Dotson, a Gift of Hope Community Outreach Program Lead and a cherished friend, as she shares her journey of love, loss, and resilience. Lisa opens up about her late husband, Dan, their serendipitous meeting, and their 31 beautiful years together. She recounts how Dan's courageous battle with cancer taught her invaluable life lessons and how his continued support during his illness prepared her for life after his passing.Lisa shares a touching anecdote about the senses, reflecting on which would be the hardest to lose. For her, it would be vision. Lisa dispels the myth that individuals with cancer cannot be donors, revealing that while certain organs and tissues may be ruled out, her husband Dan was able to donate his corneas, giving the gift of sight to two people.She delves into the impact of her work in the field of organ and tissue donation, especially after becoming a donor wife herself. Through her story, Lisa offers a unique perspective on grief, finding purpose, and the importance of living fully despite unimaginable loss. Lisa's journey is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the enduring legacy of those we've loved and lost.

Delve into the critical intersection of health equity and organ donation with our esteemed guest, Iheoma Okeke Banks. With a background in clinical psychology and focus on advocating equitable healthcare, Iheoma has dedicated her career to ensuring that every individual has access to fair and compassionate medical care.Join us as Iheoma shares her journey from working in adoption, where she focused on finding forever homes for medically fragile children, to her current role at Gift of Hope. Iheoma spearheads initiatives to foster trust and understanding between hospitals and communities, particularly within the African American community where historical mistrust of healthcare institutions persists.Discover the vital role of hospital development in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and donation organizations. Iheoma sheds light on the collaborative and empathetic efforts needed to ensure that hospitals are equipped to support families through every step of the donation journey, from initial conversations to organ recovery.Guest: Iheoma Okeke Banks - Manager, Hospital & Partner Relations

In this episode, Dr. Kelley Hitchman, who works behind the scenes to successfully pair patients with living donors, shares her insights into the world of organ donation. Through her involvement in a three-way paired exchange program and her co-founding of a donor advocacy group for athletes, she emphasizes the importance of dispelling myths and normalizing living donation. Dr. Hitchman discusses the concept of domino donation (a procedure in which an organ is removed from one transplant candidate and immediately transplanted into a second patient, with the first patient receiving a new organ from a deceased donor) and addresses the misconception that living donation leads to physical limitations. Her message underscores the need to confront fear and embrace the opportunity to save lives through living donation, advocating for a society where organ donation is viewed as a normal and selfless act.

Hear the journey of a Syreeta, a mother who found solace and purpose amidst unimaginable tragedy. In 2017, her son, Jalen, was tragically killed by a senseless act of violence, leaving her shattered. Amid her grief, Syreeta discovered hope through organ donation.Explore her story of loss and the transformative power of organ donation. Despite the heartache of losing her son, Syreeta found comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lives he saved. Jalen also lives on through his son, who tells everyone about how his dad is a hero.Through her work with Gift of Hope, Syreeta has become an advocate for debunking myths surrounding donation and supporting other donor families on their journey to healing.

Born with congenital heart disease, Kameryn Raspberry never let it hold her back. From her earliest procedures as an infant to her transplant at age 12, Kameryn's spirit, and her desire for a normal childhood, were supported by her parents' love. Hear Kameryn's story, including the pivotal moment on April 4, 2018, when doctors discussed her slim chances of receiving a donor heart. Against all odds, a timely call changed everything. Receiving her new heart, Kameryn embraced life anew, rediscovering the joys of childhood activities, and simply walking and eating with joy. Yet, Kameryn's journey continued post-transplant, marked by battles with lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), enduring cancer three times and becoming diabetic due to medication side effects. Through it all, Kameryn's spirit shines, sharing her story of courage, hope and the transformative power of her transplant.

Imagine receiving a life-changing call from a friend—a call that offers the promise of renewed health. Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Monica Fox, a survivor of kidney disease and recipient of a life-saving transplant whose battle embodies the profound essence of friendship and resilience.In late 2013, Monica's life took a dramatic turn when she fell ill at work, eventually leading to kidney failure and a coma. Listen as Monica shares her remarkable story, from the depths of illness to the triumph of receiving a directed deceased donor transplant---a life-saving gift from her friend. Along the way, she sheds light on the staggering statistics surrounding organ donation, including the over 100,000 people currently awaiting transplants, with 60% of them being people of color.Through Monica's journey, we witness the transformative power of friendship, hope and the profound impact of organ donation.

Join us on a journey into the remarkable life of Elijah, a 17-year-old whose passion for music and gardening left an indelible mark. Hear Melissa, Elijah's mother, as she unveils his story, exploring his love for marching band, gardening and kindness.Amidst Elijah's musical pursuits, his connection to nature flourished, starting with sunflowers—a symbol of resilience and love. For Melissa and her husband, these sunflowers embody Elijah's enduring spirit and boundless compassion.In the wake of tragedy, organ donation became a source of solace for Melissa, ensuring Elijah's legacy would live on. As a Gift of Hope ambassador, Melissa now champions organ donation awareness, honoring Elijah's memory and spreading hope.#SunflowersEverywhere

In this episode, we're diving into an important and often misunderstood topic: directed donation and paired exchange donations. These procedures involve matching willing donors with compatible recipients, facilitating organ transplants among individuals who may not be compatible with their intended recipients. Join us as we sit down with John Babbitt, whose unwavering positivity shines through as he shares his firsthand experience with paired exchanges and sheds light on the myths and misconceptions surrounding organ and tissue donation, particularly within multicultural communities. Faith also plays a significant role in this conversation. While we respect that faith is deeply personal, we explore its connection to the donation process and how it shapes individuals' decisions. John's journey serves as a beacon of hope, especially for men of color who may be hesitant about donation.Tune in as we navigate through the complexities of donation, challenge common misconceptions, and strive to foster greater understanding and inclusivity in the donation community. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey.

Diagnosed with a rare autoimmune kidney disease at just 22 years old, Jennifer has since undergone four kidney transplants. Now, she uses her platform as Board Chair of the National Kidney Foundation in Minnesota, Donate Life America volunteer and author of Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope to advocate for organ donation and kidney disease prevention. Listen to Jennifer's remarkable journey on this episode of Let's Talk Hope.

Ieesha Johnson entered the organ procurement industry more than 15 years ago as a Hospital Services Coordinator and has been supporting the multicultural aspect of organ and tissue donation since. Hear how Ieesha, now the Director of Community Outreach at Infinite Legacy and President of the Association of Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT), has made it her life's work to educate and build trust within multicultural and underserved communities and empower a new generation of leaders in the industry.

Finding out her mother was a registered organ donor upon her passing was no surprise to Taylor, “she would give whatever she could.” Months later, her partner would need a stem cell transplant. “You just have to have compassion and that passion to help somebody,” she says reflecting on the gift of donation. Listen to the full story on this episode of let's talk hope.

The holiday season may be a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one. Renata Krzyston, manager of Gift of Hope's Donor Family Services and a donor family herself, shares different ways you can honor the memory of your loved one during the holidays, and the ongoing support her team offers donor families during the most critical times.

“On Christmas Eve, I got a letter from a tissue recipient...he would not be able to walk again without her," says Jaquel as she talks about her daughter DeNae, a young athlete who left a legacy as an organ & tissue donor. Listen to Jaquel's story of navigating loss and finding hope and healing on this episode of Let's Talk Hope.

Kidney disease is one of the leading causes for kidney failure and the need for transplant, and is especially prevalent in communities of color. State Senator Mattie Hunter and Nephrologist Dr. Kalyani Perumal—who both witnessed family members struggling with kidney disease—are members of the Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force. Creating a positive culture around disease prevention is at the forefront of their work to bring awareness and education to African American and Latino communities.

“When I found out that no one in this country believed that an impact could be made and that we could change minds, I took it to heart.” On this episode of Let's Talk Hope, Jack Lynch, former Senior Advisor at Gift of Hope, reflects on his triumphant 35-year career in the field of organ & tissue donation, and how “getting into good trouble” led him to changing the public perception of donation.  

For two-and-a-half years Alicia Stewart wasn't able to work or take care of her son. She was undergoing kidney dialysis due to complications caused by Type 1 diabetes. This double transplant recipient shares how she overcame her own misconceptions about donation to become an organ & tissue donation advocate, and her experience connecting with her donor's family.

The most inspiring conversations of 2022 are brought together for one powerful episode. Hear from transplant recipients and families of organ & tissue donors about their life changing experiences with donation. Stay tuned for a new season of Let's Talk Hope starting on October 25, 2023.

Christine Ho received the call one day that any wife dreads: Her husband was in an accident.  Hear what happens next as Chicago Police Officer Jonathan Ho ultimately saves lives, through the family's experience with organ and tissue donation.

Police officer Mark wondered if he'd ever be able to roller skate again. He'd waited for a liver transplant for nearly a decade. With less than three days left to live Mark received a life-saving donation. Now, he reflects on his journey to health and shares his story to help spread awareness about organ donation among minority communities. 

When Police Officer Tommy Butts needed a kidney transplant, his wife Sarah took to social media to find a donor. It didn't come in time for Tommy. But Sarah's outreach motivated a state trooper hundreds of miles away to become a donor. She inspired one person—now she wants to inspire 100. Sarah shares what it was like through Tommy's diagnosis and dialysis, the wait, his death, his own organ & tissue donation, and what gets her out of bed every morning: the chance to encourage someone to say yes to donation.

“I'm not gonna live the rest of my life like this.” Debilitating back pain plagued Chicago CEO Tiffany Mathis for years, until spinal surgery using a donor's bone tissue. She talks about how she took charge of her care to get there, the challenges facing Black and Brown communities, and the need to talk more about organ and tissue donation. 

When Police Officer Tommy Butts needed a kidney transplant, his wife Sarah took to social media to find a donor. It didn't come in time for Tommy. But Sarah's outreach motivated a state trooper hundreds of miles away to become a donor. She inspired one person—now she wants to inspire 100. Sarah shares what it was like through Tommy's diagnosis and dialysis, the wait, his death, his own organ & tissue donation, and what gets her out of bed every morning: the chance to encourage someone to say yes to donation.

A minor car accident forced Daru Smith to get an in-depth medical exam. The exam uncovered critical health problems that ultimately led to an almost unbelievable situation: Daru needed a new heart, a new kidney and a new liver.

When it comes to grief, everyone follows their own timeline. After years of grieving their son's loss following a tragic accident, John Beach found solace in attending the 2022 Transplant Games in San Diego. On this episode, listen to John and Joy Beach talk about the meaning that organ & tissue donation brought to their lives after their son John became a donor, their path to healing and the wisdom they share with others about coping with loss.

“My dad was a real practical guy. He wanted to be as useful and helpful as he could.” When Tish's father died from dementia, his brain was donated for science. Since then, Tish and her sister have worked to educate people about brain donation and to simplify the process.  

Police officer Mark wondered if he'd ever be able to roller skate again. He'd waited for a liver transplant for nearly a decade. With less than three days left to live Mark received a life-saving donation. Now, he reflects on his journey to health and shares his story to help spread awareness about organ donation among minority communities. 

Rocío Muñoz tenía una enfermedad renal tan grave que en pocos años acumuló 76 visitas a la sala de emergencias y 13 cirugías. Su situación se volvió tan severa que la unica esperanza para ella era recibir un trasplante de riñon. Una Navidad recibieron una llamada diciendo que habian encontrado un riñon compatible, y ella y su esposo Gerardo Huerta se fueron al hospital, llenos de esperanza y al mismo tiempo incrédulos. Al cabo un helicóptero trajo esa segunda oportunidad de vida que Rocío tanto necesitaba, y de no haber sido por un donante de organos, ellos no estarían aquí para dar las gracias y contar su historia.  Rocío Muñoz developed kidney disease so severe that in just a few years she had 76 emergency room visits and 13 surgeries. Her only hope was a kidney transplant. One Christmas she received a call saying they had found a donor. She and her husband Gerardo Huerta went to the hospital full of hope and disbelief. Finally, a helicopter brought that second chance at life that Rocío needed, and if it hadn't been for an organ donor, they wouldn't be here to say thank you and share their story.

A former bodybuilder, Phil Hanks is a grateful recipient of six transplanted organs. He has lived through cancer, hepatitis C, diabetes and kidney failure. Phil credits his faith, his wife, and his organ donors for this second chance at life. Listen to Phil's story, and his perspective on taking care of yourself and having hope, on Let's Talk Hope. 

Cuando Miguel López murió de un aneurisma cerebral a los 42 años, su esposa y sus dos hijas se enteraron de la oportunidad de donar órganos y tejidos y pensaron que no habría mejor manera de honrar la vida de Miguel y su generosidad. Escuche a Patty López compartir la historia de su padre en este episodio de Hablemos de la esperanza.   After 42-year-old Miguel Lopez died from a brain aneurysm, his wife and two daughters learned about the opportunity for organ and tissue donation. They couldn't think of better way to honor Miguel's life and his giving nature. Listen to Patty Lopez share her father's story on this episode of Let's Talk Hope.

“I could feel my heart beating in my chest again.” After receiving a heart and kidney transplant, Harry now spreads hope to people facing health problems like he once did. Listen to Harry tell his story, and the advice he gives others about staying healthy.

Paul Cardall was born with half of a heart and given only a year to live. Today, he is a transplant recipient and Dove Award-winning pianist known by audiences around the world. Paul began playing piano to heal himself, but the story of his heart transplant, his donor and the way he inspires others is as moving as the songs he writes.

It was only a cough. When Pastor Joseph Kyles saw a doctor about his cough, he was shocked to learn that he would need a double lung transplant. He was fortunate. The call came in time with news that a lung donor was available to save his life. Today, Pastor Kyles' donated lungs are like treasures that help him enrich the church and community he serves.

After spinal surgery, John Kachanuk learned that donated tissue was the key to his new pain-free life. Now he's on a mission to honor his donors and advocate for tissue donation. Hear John describe how, for him, tissue donation was not just life-enhancing—it's been life-changing.

Dr. Yvetta Hall was a giver, but had concerns about organ & tissue donation. When she passed away, her wife Shawna was asked to authorize donation on her behalf.  Shawna talks about the decision she made, and why she's become a passionate advocate for donation in minority communities.

After her baby Riley died at 3 months old, Autumn and her family chose organ donation to help heal others. What they didn't expect was how much Riley's life-giving legacy would heal them. 

Christine Ho received the call one day that any wife dreads: Her husband was in an accident.  Hear what happens next as Chicago Police Officer Jonathan Ho ultimately saves lives, through the family's experience with organ and tissue donation.

After Laurie Lee's dad was saved by a liver transplant, she chose to donate her kidney to a stranger. She wanted to repay the gift that her family was given and set off a chain of donations that saved six people waiting for transplants. From Laurie's perspective, it was a beautiful way to honor the organ donor who saved her father's life.

After Kimberly Johnson received a lifesaving transplant, she wrote a letter to her donor's family. She heard back six months later What she learned about her donor amazed her.  What they share goes far beyond the kidney Kimberly received. You hear people say that life imitates art. In this case, life imitates science—the science of donation.

In this reshare episode of Let's Talk Hope, Marion Shuck interviews donor-recipient Laura Barajas about life on the waiting list.

Sometimes the difference between life and death hinges on knowing two things: how to get an organ or tissue transplant and how to pay for it. With language and cultural barriers, it's even more difficult. Two remarkable women are helping residents of our Latino communities navigate the barriers to get the care they need. These women, Catalina Ramos-Hernandez and Jennifer Aguilar, talk to host Marion Shuck about outreach in the Hispanic community and how the Illinois Transplant Fund helps them to literally save lives.

Making the decision to donate a loved one's organs is never easy, even when you work for an organ procurement organization. Shaun Martin, Director of Tissue Recovery at Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network had to make that decision when his son Matthew passed away in 2020 at the age of 15. The Martin family decided to give the the life enhancing gift of tissue an area of donation that isn't discussed often. 

Let's Talk Hope podcast host Marion Shuck was recently interviewed about her work with the organization by Monica Fox, podcast host of The Journey Continues. Through her work at Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Marion helped countless families make the powerful decision to donate their loved ones' tissue and organs. When her husband of 33 years, Reggie, suddenly passed away, she found herself making that same powerful decision.

Let's Talk Hope has put together a compilation of inspiring stories from our best podcast guests sharing their journey and connection to organ, eye and tissue donation.  

Drug addiction and depression is a debilitating illness and often bigger than the person suffering. Let's Talk Hope talks to Terri Roman, donor mom, about her daughter Julie and shares the struggles and triumph of her illness and how donation was able to rewrite the ending to Julie's story.