The Gifted Life: Organ, Tissue and Eye Donation Podcast

Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we sit down with Robert Boudwin who's a man known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off the court as the Houston Rockets' beloved mascot “Clutch the Rocket Bear”. However, Robert's story goes far beyond entertainment. He's also a passionate Donate Life advocate with a personal journey of hope and healing. Our conversation is full of energy, heart, and purpose as Robert shares what drives him, the impact of donation on his family, and how we can all be heroes in someone's story. Later in the episode, we explore how to find opportunities for growth while coping with loss in our Mental Health Moment, and we honor donor hero Michael Snider.

Show Notes: We're joined by Ron Chapman — lung transplant recipient, author, and passionate advocate for those awaiting a second chance at life. In a powerful conversation, Ron shares his deeply personal story of resilience, fear, hope, and gratitude. Through his heartfelt discussion with our hosts and his inspiring book, A Quest for a Lung, Ron offers guidance and encouragement to anyone on the transplant journey. In this episode's Mental Health Moment, we explore the power of resilience and share practical tips for overcoming life's toughest challenges. Finally, we pay tribute to donor hero Asher Chavers.

Show Notes: For our milestone 250th episode, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Louis Smith, an Army veteran and heart transplant recipient, alongside Dr. Benjamin Bryner, a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital who saved more than just his life. After serving in the military, Smith's heart function declined to just 10 percent, leaving him in urgent need of a transplant. Within two weeks, he received a new heart but before the surgery, he had one special request: to preserve the tattoo on his chest that honored his late father. Hear his incredible journey and the unwavering dedication of his medical team. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore how our thoughts shape our paths, share tips on redirecting and reflecting on them, and honor hero Celestino Ornelas.

Show Notes: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Todd and Carrie Hensel. Todd underwent a two day surgery which included a seven-organ transplant, during which he died five times. Fate had other plans and organ donation gave Todd a second chance at life. Now, Todd and Carrie live on a peaceful ranch and we discuss their newly released book, “My Miracle Man – The Deaths and Life of a Seven-Organ Transplant Recipient”, written by Carrie. The book highlights Todd's incredible story and the profound impact of love, faith, and resilience. In our Mental Health Moment we get curious about curiosity and then we honor a donor hero, Elleanor Bergeron.

Show Notes: In September of 2024, 4 women kidney donors, over 4 days, biked 444 miles to promote living organ donation. We're excited to have Diane Mills, one of the four women behind the event, join us to share the story of how it all began and the incredible success it achieved. She'll talk about the supportive people they encountered along the journey and how they were able to demonstrate that living donors can lead active, fulfilling lives after donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore the question: Are you in control? We'll share tips on how to ease the need to control outcomes and we honor donor hero Adah McCurley.

Show Notes: On this episode, we welcome Deputy Kim Bergeron of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, an extraordinary individual who serves, protects and saves lives. Deputy Bergeron shares her inspiring story as a living kidney donor to her high school friend, and her recent experience as a stem cell donor. Discover her journey and the profound impact of giving the gift of life through living donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we offer tips finding a place of forgiveness and then, honor hero Mason Kiley.

Show Notes: We welcome Angie Mikkelson, a heart transplant recipient who's galloping into her second chance at life. Angie shares her incredible journey from living with a lifelong heart defect to receiving the lifesaving gift of a heart at 25 years old. She shares how the generosity of her donor hero inspired her to push the boundaries of endurance, leading her to embrace an active lifestyle filled with horseback riding and running. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore the topic of “what ifs.” Hear practical tips for turning those “what ifs” into a source of motivation. And then, we honor hero Sean Smith.

Show Notes: In this episode, we explore the journey of living with kidney disease. We talk to Pesh Patel, who has transformed a life altering diagnosis into his mission. Pesh shares his personal story and how he founded A Kidney Life, which includes a podcast, Talk Kidney to Me. This podcast is dedicated to raising awareness for those living with kidney disease and it's a resource for kidney disease warriors and their families. During our Mental Health Moment, we discuss how to build healthy habits that can make a big impact on your life and we pay tribute to a donor hero, Van Drounett, Jr.

Show Notes: Dr. Satish Nadig with Northwestern Medicine and kidney transplant recipient, John Nicholas, join us to share details about a medical breakthrough in kidney transplantation. The AWAKE Kidney Program (Accelerated Surgery Without General Anesthesia in Kidney Transplantation) is a new approach in kidney transplantation, and in John's case, the 28-year-old was discharged less than 24 hours after surgery and continues to do well. We learn how the process was developed and how it could make kidney recipients' surgical recovery more manageable. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss how to thoughtfully evaluate emotions and then honor donor hero, Christine McKey.

Show Notes: We welcome Casana Fink, an advocate for organ and tissue donation, nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, author, Miss Tampa and at the release of this episode, the current Miss Florida, who will be competing in the Miss America competition next year. As the daughter of a liver recipient, Casana has dedicated over a decade to educate others about the importance of organ and tissue donation. At just 14 years old, she founded her nonprofit, Give to Live, which has served as a powerful platform to raise awareness. As Miss Florida, Casana is expanding her impact even further, using her platform to continue advocating for lifesaving organ and tissue donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss tips for embracing change to move forward and then honor hero Kristian Darden.

Show Notes: In this community partnership episode, we dive into the topic of school safety and gain important insights from Louisiana Center for Safe Schools Director, Trevis Thompson. Trevis explores the strategies, practices and programs that support school communities and their safety partners. Learn how communities can use these programs to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and grow in a secure setting. Then in our Mental Health Moment we discuss tips for supporting the unique ways each person grieves and then, honor donor hero Kimberly Hawkins.

Show Notes: Join us for an inspiring episode as we chat with nurse Lori Vaughn and teen Lauren Swanson. Lauren's battle with a rare disease led to her needing a kidney transplant. One day, Lori stumbled upon a social media plea for a living donor for Lauren. Even though she had no direct connection to Lauren, Lori felt led to see if she was a match. Hear all about how their incredible story of altruistic living kidney donation unfolded. Plus, we honor donor hero Wayne Gary.

Show Notes: We are getting you ready for the 2024 Transplant Games of America and TGA's inaugural Film Festival in Birmingham by welcoming previous guests Bill Ryan and Robert Horsey. Bill is President and CEO of the Transplant Games of America, and Robert is the Writer and Executive Producer of Gifted: The Docuseries. They catch us up by sharing their connections to the donation and transplantation community, and give us a sneak peek of the new TGA Film Festival event. In our Mental Health Moment, we HALT. Learn what the acronym stands for, and how to use it everyday to declare and acknowledge how you are feeling. Then, we honor donor hero, Keith Sonnier.

Show Notes: We sit down with Mark Fenrich, who's faced a lifelong battle with kidney disease, undergoing a remarkable journey with a total of four kidney transplants from four different members of his family. Mark's inspiring story has captivated national media, and showcases the incredible impact of living kidney donation. Following our conversation with Mark, we answer one of your questions about the organ donation process, and then we honor donor hero, Reina Hunter.

Show Notes: In this episode, we're joined by The Houston Gamer, Willie Jefferson, who's an avid gamer, popular YouTube vlogger, journalist, minister, and a grateful kidney recipient. Willie shares his journey with our hosts by detailing his illness, insights into his dialysis treatments and his life saving transplant. He reveals the reason behind naming his new donor kidney "Miracle." In our Mental Health Moment, we kick start a discussion about developing a vision for your life and where you want to go, and then round out the episode by honoring hero Jeremy Lewis.

Show Notes: In this pivotal episode, Kelli McQuesten, a Community Outreach Coordinator at Lifeline of Ohio, channels her personal tragedy into a powerful call for change. She tragically lost her husband, Matthew, due to not receiving a heart transplant in time. Motivated by her family's heart-wrenching experience of waiting in vain for a life-saving organ donation and the subsequent loss of her cherished husband and father of her children, Kelli is committed to closing the donation gap. She aims to educate and inspire more people to register as organ, tissue, and eye donors. Additionally, we answer one of your questions and pay tribute to hero Jessica Wheat.

Show Notes: We are discussing the Fais Do-Donate, an upcoming fundraiser to benefit the LOPA Foundation aimed at celebrating the gift of life on a Louisiana Saturday night. Wendy Lipsey, a LOPA Foundation Board Member and grateful transplant recipient, joins our podcast to share her transplantation journey and shed light on the activities lined up for the Fais Do-Donate which will be held April 27th, 2024. In our Mental Health Moment, we delve into tips for finding meaning in loss and we honor hero Jason Michael Williams.

Show Notes: Presenting "Gifted: The Docuseries," a compelling and uplifting exploration of organ donation and transplantation. Delve into the genesis of this inspirational series with author and filmmaker, Robert Horsey, as we journey alongside donor mom Jody Miller. Through Jody's poignant experience, we witness how her daughter, Heather, became a life-saving hero through the gift of donation. Discover exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the making of "Gifted: The Docuseries" and learn where you can experience its screenings. Additionally, in our Mental Health Moment, we tackle cognitive distortion and share practical tips for fostering a positive mindset. Lastly, we pay tribute to hero Kevin Pounds. Join us for an enriching and impactful experience.

Show Notes: Leah Veck, grandmother to the donor hero Aliye Ringe, transformed her grief into action by delivering impassioned testimony before a Louisiana Legislative Committee. Thanks to Leah's tireless advocacy, Aliye's Law HB 289 was enacted in July 2023, guaranteeing that all Louisiana high school students receive education on organ, tissue, eye, and bone marrow donation. Discover the profound impact of Aliye's Law and how Leah and Aliye's legacy continues to save lives through education. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore strategies for releasing the grip of control in various situations, and pay tribute to hero Shannon Langley.

Show Notes: We partner with Ashley Rodrigue, the Public Affairs Director for the State Fire Marshal's Office, to share life-saving fire safety tips. Learn about Louisiana's new carbon monoxide law, the Operation Save-A-Life program, and crucial measures to ensure your home and family are safe. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss tips for prioritizing mental health and using tools such as those found at Mental Health America. Then, we honor hero Daniel Rees.

Show Notes: Dive into the exploration of grief with Patricia Cameron, an author and donor wife, who shares her journey after her husband's sudden passing at 45. In her book, Grief Unwrapped, Patricia confronts the burning question many face in the wake of loss: "Can I find joy again?" Discover her empowering insights on transitioning from mere survival to “thrive-al” mode. Plus, in our Mental Health Moment, we discuss the importance of self-compassion and breaking free from negative self-assessments, and then honor hero Caleb Easterling.

Show Notes: Join us as we warmly welcome Tony Lucero, an avid listener and grateful liver recipient, to share his remarkable transplantation journey. Tony's powerful story sheds light on the many faceted connections made in the organ donation process. Our mental health moment takes a reflective turn as we discuss the importance of slowing down in a world that often seems to move at an overwhelming pace and reconnecting with the things that really matter, and we honor hero Brooke Richard.

Show Notes: In this podcast episode, we delve into the impactful work of Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA National), an organization empowering students to drive organ donation advocacy on their high school or college campuses. Program Director, Nicole Nidea, provides an insightful update on SODA's outreach initiatives since our previous discussions in episodes 119 and 198. Join us as we explore the transformative possibilities that arise when students take the lead in fostering awareness and action. Additionally, in our Mental Health Moment, we engage in a reflective discussion on the universal question we often ask ourselves. The episode concludes with a heartfelt tribute to donor hero, Chad Griffin.

Show Notes: Dr. Crystal Glover and Ryan Johnson of The Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (RADC), join us to discuss the importance of brain donation in understanding and treating Alzheimer's disease. Brain donation provides a definite diagnosis for families to help identify any hereditary issues and risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It also supports research about the cause, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, and a range of other common chronic conditions of aging. In our Mental Health Moment, Nila's son makes a request for shoes. Hear how this shoe shopping scenario forced her to examine her own approach to giving an opinion, and then, we honor hero William Lee Morris.

Show Notes: A listener turns into a guest on The Gifted Life Podcast. Pam Dworetz-Sofarelli wrote Wyatt's Wish, inspired by the gift of donation. Her book is geared towards young children with family and friends who are journeying through the organ donation process. Learn how Pam utilizes gentle storytelling to lead Wyatt to a very unexpected life lesson in loss and compassion. In our Mental Health Moment, we talk about small incremental changes in our lives that can make a big positive difference and we honor hero Issac Luquette.

Show Notes: In this episode, we talk about infants and how to ensure a safe sleep environment. Chris Knoblauch, Director of Education/Community Outreach with St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office, and Sara Dickenson, Maternal Child Health Coordinator Supervisor with the Bureau of Family Health, join us to give valuable but simple tips for learning about safe sleep for infants, featuring Partners for Family Health and the Cribs for Kids program. We take a moment for mental health and discuss ways to mindfully slow down, simplify and focus on what's best for yourself. We honor hero Gene Fontenot.

Show Notes: Heather Broussard, a mother on a mission, is dedicated to spreading awareness about water safety in the wake of the tragic loss of her 17-month-old daughter, Mazie. Transforming their family's heartbreak into a beacon of hope, they founded Mazie's Mission, an organization committed to promoting water safety. Heather not only recounts her personal journey but also emphasizes the importance of parents with young children having early discussions about the gift of donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we provide guidance on allowing oneself the space to cry, then pay tribute to the heroic spirit of Mazie Broussard.

Show Notes: We have a big bunch of friends in the studio to talk about Ava's Wish, a new book available now. The book is an inspired guide to help children understand the gift of organ and tissue donation. This book was written in honor of Ava Grace, who, following kindergarten graduation, became a "helper angel" at just 6-years-old and saved lives. Ava's family along with the authors and collaborators share the journey of crafting this very special message to help children understand the gift of life. In our mental health moment, we discuss techniques for intentional breath work and we honor Ava Grace Branstetter.

Show Notes: Community partners, Kristen Sanderson with the Louisiana Office of Public Health and Chris Knoblauch with the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office, join us in the studio to share important tips for maintaining safety while operating an ATV/UTV. Learn the ins and outs of the equipment and safety precautions families can take when enjoying these popular outdoor recreational vehicles, along with the information about the laws governing their use. Then special guest, LOPA's Celeste Montz, joins us for our Mental Health Moment for a discussion about the significance of gestures of kindness, and we also pay tribute to hero Skyler Delaney.

Show Notes: Have you ever wondered how many people's lives can change in a matter of minutes? That's the guiding question for the book 17 Again, A Story of Life After Life, which is inspired by real-life events that occurred 30 years ago. At 17, Andrea Boullt, became a donor saving 6 lives following a tragic accident. Now, her sister and the book's author, Lisa Boullt, joins the podcast to discuss her sister and how Andrea's gifts of life all those years ago have inspired her to write this very special tribute and drive advocacy for donation. The episode also addresses important questions about registering as a donor and pays homage to Andrea Boullt.

Show Notes: We welcome back Kevin Caldwell from Ossium Health, who was previously featured on episode #114, to reveal groundbreaking developments in the realm of bone marrow research and transplantation. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into Ossium's cutting-edge research, showcasing remarkable advancements in the preservation of bone marrow over extended periods, and explore the profound implications for both transplantation procedures and revolutionary cancer treatments. Additionally, in our Mental Health Moment, we explore the concept of congruence, providing insights on aligning words with actions. We wrap up this episode by paying tribute to donor hero, Michael Wattler. Tune in for an episode that promises to inform, inspire, and uplift.

Show Notes: Children are naturally curious, and they have a unique ability to empathize and understand complex concepts when presented in a clear and simple manner. In this episode, we welcome Madeline Pawloski, author of The Gift: A Children's Book About "The Gift" of Organ Donation. Madeline delicately introduces the topic in a kid-friendly way that focuses on the generosity of organ donation. Then in our mental health moment we chat about tips for creating genuine connections and honor hero, Christopher Emling.

Show Notes: This episode's guest is heart recipient, Ryan Gallet, who hails from the heart of Cajun Country. Ryan, who is 48 years old, had a massive heart attack at the age of 30 due to a 100% blockage. About 3 years later, Ryan learned his heart only had 10% function and he needed a new heart to live. Now, he shares his story to inspire more people to register to give the gift of life. In our Mental Health Moment, we talk about how grief can manifest in unexpected ways, and then honor hero, Tony Clark.

Show Notes: As we continue our conversation with Dr. Anji Wall, Abdominal Transplant Surgeon and Bioethicist at Baylor, Scott and White Health in Dallas, we delve into the legal and ethical aspects of Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP), a revolutionary advancement in organ recovery and transplantation. One of the critical issues surrounding NRP is the definition of death. As medical technology advances, our understanding of when a person can be declared deceased for organ donation purposes becomes more complex. Dr. Wall discusses how medical professionals and ethicists are working to ensure that the criteria for determining death are clear and ethically sound as well as explaining the ethical implications for not utilizing techniques with proven improved outcomes for patients. In our Mental Health Moment we discuss about how to support someone who's grieving, and honor hero Natasha Kraus.

Show Notes: Welcome to a special two-part series on Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP)! We have a true pioneer and expert in the field of transplantation joining us. Dr. Anji Wall, Abdominal Transplant Surgeon and Bioethicist at Baylor, Scott and White Health in Dallas, will be sharing with us the groundbreaking advancements in organ recovery and transplantation through the use of NRP in donors after circulatory death (DCD). This revolutionary process has been making incredible strides in saving more lives nationwide. Not only does it offer hope for patients in need of organ transplants, but it also provides additional clarity and solace to the families of donors during their time of loss. We are excited to have Dr. Wall here to shed light on this fascinating topic. In our Mental Health Moment we chat about the differences between emotions and feelings, and honor hero Amjad Ottallah.

Show Notes: We welcome Dr. Ray Tucker, with the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center to discuss the Traumatic Loss Support Program and how its structure helps support families going through a sudden loss such as suicide. Learn key details about the program, statistics and gain takeaways to apply to your own life. Then in our Mental Health Moment we offer tips for coping when new things are happening in our lives, and honor hero Joshua Holcomb.

Show Notes: We welcome Analy Navarro, a mom who gave life twice. Analy's daughter was born with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease that affects 1 in every 12,000 infants worldwide. Analy's act of donation, along with her children's book, Mighty Me, showcases her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. She continues to promote hope, education and research for Biliary Atresia through the organization BA Hero. We chat about the power of delivering words of encouragement and honor hero Reed Hebert. Plus, check out our new spinoff podcast geared for healthcare professionals, Connected by Life.

Show Notes: Writing can be a powerful tool for expressing intense emotions, including grief. Whether it's through journaling, letters, or other forms of written communication, putting our thoughts and feelings into words can provide solace and support during the grieving process. In the context of organ and tissue donation, writing can play a significant role in facilitating communication between donor families and recipients. We honor hero, Cinnamon Jordan, in this episode.

Show Notes: Experiencing a health crisis is a daunting journey filled with uncertainties. Lisa Bradshaw personally encountered this challenge when she received a cancer diagnosis. She faced it once again while providing care for her husband, Wesley, during his illness and subsequent lung transplant. Lisa's invaluable knowledge and firsthand experience are now shared through the Take Good Care App and Podcast, aiming to assist others in making well-informed decisions and potentially improving their outcomes. Don't miss the opportunity to delve deeper into Lisa's story on episodes 134 and 157 of The Gifted Life Podcast. In this episode, Nila discusses the importance of establishing healthy boundaries during our mental health moment. Blade Wayne Hunt is honored as our hero in this episode.

Show Notes: Saving lives and educating the public about preventable deaths is part of our podcast's mission. In this episode, we partner with our friends from the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office and the Louisiana Office of Public Health to talk about gun safety. Chris Knoblauch and Kristen Sanderson join us in the studio to talk about practical preventative measures to keep firearms safe, and share two important links: besmartforkids.org/louisiana and projectchildsafe.org. In our mental health moment, we chat about the 4th leg in the 4-legged stool method for self care, and we honor hero Tony Medley.

Show Notes: How does a family make a decision about donation, when their loved one's wishes about being a donor are unknown? Our guest, Jessica Andrade, shares the details of her family's intense discussions about making the decision to donate, and how her younger brother was able to save the lives of 4 people and hundreds with his tissue, skin and valves. Hear this powerful story, and learn about how Jessica now advocates for donation discussions to honor her brother's gifts of life. We chat about another leg in the 4-legged stool self care model, physical activity. Learn about how it can support healthy habits and mental health. Our hero segment features Jessica honoring her brother and hero, Alphonso Weston.

Show Notes: In the second episode in our 2 part series, we continue our conversation about the world's first HIV+ heart transplant. Recipient, Miriam Nieves, who along with her husband, Julio, share the intimate details of her journey through her illness. Hear more about the transplant that made history and how it brought Miriam full circle with the opportunity to meet her donor's family. In our Mental Health Moment, we offer tips for balancing your to-do list. This episode's featured donor is Miriam's hero, Brittany Newton, who we honor with words from her sister.

Show Notes: In November of 2022, a groundbreaking HIV+ heart transplant was announced at Montefiore Medical Center. LOPA was the first OPO in the world to recover an HIV+ heart for transplant. The heart was recovered from a Louisiana donor hero, Brittany Newton, and transported to New York. In this first episode of a two part series, Dr. Omar Saeed, Cardiovascular Disease and Transplant Surgeon for heart recipient, Miriam Nieves, joins us to talk about how everything fell into place to save Miriam's life, and make transplantation history. In our Mental Health Moment, we offer tips for identifying your personal support system and then honor hero Christopher Bergeron.

Show Notes: We talk to donor mom, Reecie Gilmore, who turned her experience with the loss of her young son into a mission to help others. Learn about The RescYou Group, the mission, their community and the services offered to grieving families. In our mental health moment, we chat about how to maintain balance in your mental health journey by using the 4-legged stool method, and honor hero Kaisen Martinez.

Show Notes: We reconnect with previous guests on episodes 160 and 169, Mark and Lynn Scotch, whose chance meeting during a leisure trip to Louisiana, saved another man's life through the living kidney donor voucher program. You don't want to miss the updates to their remarkable saga and learn where The Organ Trail has taken this inspiring couple now. Then we chat about different stages of change, and honor hero Keith Savoie.

Show Notes: Have you considered giving the greatest gift, the gift of life? We are joined by authors and advocates, Elizabeth Crais, who's a kidney recipient, and Carol Offen, who has donated a kidney to her son. These two ladies have merged forces to help educate through their own life experiences with both kidney disease and living donation. In our mental health moment, we learn tips for being conscious of pausing to wonder, and how that wonder can improve both mental and physical health, and honor hero Alex Migliore.

Show Notes: A California prosecutor is using his personal story to encourage more people to register as marrow donors. Charlie Huang joins the podcast to talk about how his diagnosis led him to hope, healing and finally, advocacy. Learn about the new law he helped pass to make marrow donation as easy as registering as an organ, tissue and eye donor at California OMVs. In our mental health moment, learn what tools are essential to have in your own mental health toolbox. Plus, we honor hero Sawyer Ridgeway.

Show Notes: High school sweethearts, Lisa and Reid Barker, are authors of the book DeLivered. They join us to share their unique path and how organ donation has made an incredible impact on their lives, through the precious gift of life from a donor hero, and through living donation. In our mental health moment we chat about taking intentional steps in life and self reflection, then, honor hero Courtney Ray Sterling.

Show Notes: When a person allows passion to take the lead in their career, life thrives for professionals and the people they serve. Amy S. Peele, a nurse since 1974, discovered her passion for organ donation and transplantation when she kicked off her career as a transplant coordinator. Now, following a 35 year career in transplantation, Amy found a new vehicle for enthusiasm - storytelling. Her books combine her love for comedy, improv and writing, with her expertise in transplantation, to entertain and accurately educate about the power of donation. Then in our mental health moment we chat about mapping out your personal core values to develop a framework for living by them, and we honor hero Jerry Winn.

Show Notes: Following a near death experience and subsequent heart and kidney transplant, Shana Pereira is sharing insights she gained to inspire others to have a better relationship with crisis. Hear how her remarkable story unfolds and how her holiday miracle, through the gift of life, has changed her life and in turn, is inspiring others. We take a moment for mental health to learn tips for listening to truly connect with others, and honor hero Mitchell Aswell.

Show Notes: CareDX is using artificial intelligence to help with the timely assessment of the likelihood of rejection in kidney transplant patients. AiKidney helps clinicians to predict kidney failure before it occurs and allows the medical team to make adjustments to reduce the risk of rejection. This fascinating technology is taking transplant care to the next level. Nila teaches us about decision fatigue and tips to help prevent it. We honor donor hero, Elizabeth Gray.