Podcasts about This Thing Called Life

Episode Title: Connected by Hope: How Sister Keli and Stephanie Bates Found Friendship Through Transplant Episode Description: What happens when two people who have walked through illness, uncertainty, and waiting find each other on the other side of survival? In this heartfelt episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson welcomes Sister Keli and Stephanie Bates, whose connection began through transplant but became something much deeper—a sisterhood built on understanding, resilience, and hope. Together, they share their individual journeys through kidney disease, dialysis, setbacks, and ultimately transplantation. Through moments of heartbreak, perseverance, and unexpected friendship, Stephanie and Sister Keli reflect on what it means to keep showing up, trust the process, and find purpose in giving back. Their stories are a powerful reminder that healing doesn't happen alone—and sometimes the people who understand us best are the ones who have walked a similar road. Episode Highlights Host Andi Johnson welcomes Stephanie Bates and Sister Keli, two women whose lives became connected through their shared transplant journeys and commitment to supporting others. Stephanie reflects on how her health journey began after a traumatic cesarean delivery in 1999 that caused damage to her kidney. Years later, after noticing swelling in her leg, Stephanie sought medical care and was diagnosed with stage three kidney disease, beginning a long season of monitoring and treatment. From 2003 to 2013, she managed her condition through regular nephrology care before eventually beginning dialysis as her disease progressed. Stephanie shares the difficult but determined process of becoming transplant eligible, including being encouraged to lose weight in order to qualify. Through dedication and support, she achieved her health goals and was officially added to the transplant list in 2018. In 2019, Stephanie received her first kidney transplant, but unexpected complications during the COVID era eventually led her to undergo a second transplant in 2024. Sister Keli shares her own experience of learning her kidneys had progressed into end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and initially struggling to fully accept the seriousness of the diagnosis. She reflects on a turning point when conversations and encouragement from people around her helped her recognize the urgency of beginning treatment. Sister Keli started with peritoneal dialysis, later transitioning to hemodialysis after complications and challenges with treatment. Her journey included major life changes—including divorce and the eventual loss of a limb due to complications connected to inadequate dialysis treatment. Despite those setbacks, she remained committed to her health and continued pursuing transplant eligibility. Stephanie and Sister Keli describe meeting through a community connection event and immediately sensing a familiar understanding between them. What started as an invitation to volunteer quickly developed into a meaningful friendship rooted in shared experience. Both women speak openly about how transplant and dialysis journeys can feel isolating—and how finding someone who truly understands can change everything. They reflect on the emotional complexity of receiving a transplant call: excitement, disbelief, fear, gratitude, and awareness that another family experienced loss. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical realities of transplant while emphasizing the importance of hope, advocacy, and community support. Stephanie and Sister Keli encourage listeners to stay committed to treatment plans, ask questions, lean on others, and remember that healing often happens in connection with community. Key Takeaways: 1. Healing Is More Than Medical—It's Relational Recovery isn't only about procedures and appointments. Community, connection, and shared understanding can become powerful parts of the healing journey. 2. Small Decisions Can Create New Possibilities From staying committed to dialysis to making lifestyle changes for transplant eligibility, each step forward can open the door to life-changing opportunities. 3. Hope and Gratitude Can Coexist With Hardship Transplant journeys carry both joy and grief. Receiving a second chance at life often comes with deep appreciation for donors and renewed purpose moving forward. Tweetable Quotes “You have to be in a certain BMI to receive a transplant. The doctor connected me with weight loss people, we got a weight loss plan together, and I dropped that weight. Then less than six months after I dropped that weight, I was listed.” Stephanie Bates “I feel like the Lord started sending people to talk to me. You get a call from somebody that you haven't heard from in a while, and they have a message for you. And so these people over the weekend started talking to me, and I said, "Oh no,”  I said, "This is serious.” And so I reported, and they put me on peritoneal dialysis.” Sister Keli “This is why I'm here now, speaking out to people and letting them know, take your treatments seriously, don't cut off your treatments, don't skip your treatments, because the after effect of that? Sometimes you can't even come back from it.” Sister Keli “I'm like, something is familiar about her. And then I come to find her birthdays around my birthday, we just were familiar and able to link, but more than that, she understood where I had been, and I understood where she had been, and that was something I didn't have with any of my other friends.” Sister Keli “It (bond they share) creates a sense of like, “So there is someone who knows exactly what I'm going through.” Now our stories are not entirely the same. We've been through the same types of situations, the waiting process, “Is the kidney ever coming in?”, all the procedures, and all the testing. It feels daunting, it feels overwhelming.” Stephanie Bates Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

EP 148: The Gift of Life: Inside Pediatric Transplants with Dr. Mo Saying “yes” to organ, eye, and tissue donation can change everything. In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Dr. Monique “Dr. Mo” Goldschmidt from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center shares her passion for pediatric transplantation and the journey that brought her to Cincinnati. She reflects on the emotional connections she builds with her young patients and their families, and the extraordinary collaboration among care teams that makes successful outcomes possible. This episode is a moving reminder of the power of compassion, teamwork, and the gift of life.   Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Episode Title: One Voice for Life: Imam Hossam Musa on Faith, Service & Organ Donation Episode Description: In this episode of This Thing Called Life, we sit down with Imam Hossam Musa, spiritual leader at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, for a thoughtful conversation about faith, service, and community leadership. Imam Musa shares insight into the role of an Imam, the importance of interfaith collaboration, and how faith communities can come together with one voice to support life-saving education and compassionate decision-making around organ, tissue, and eye donation. The partnership with Network for Hope has helped dispel misinformation surrounding donations while allowing Imam Hossam Musa to provide spiritual guidance and comfort to individuals and families navigating these difficult moments. This conversation is a powerful reminder that compassion, education, and unity across faith traditions can help bring hope and healing to communities throughout Network for Hope and beyond. Episode Highlights Host Andi Johnson welcomes Imam Hossam Musa, spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, for a conversation centered on faith, service, and community impact. Imam Musa explains the role of an Imam, sharing that his responsibilities extend far beyond leading prayers to include officiating weddings, counseling families, visiting hospital patients, conducting funerals, resolving disputes, and serving as a spiritual guide for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He reflects on his journey into religious leadership, crediting his path to faith, family influence, and what he believes was God's plan for his life. Imam Musa shares how he memorized the Holy Quran at a young age and later pursued advanced studies in Islamic sciences while also earning a degree in computer science. He discusses how his original goal was simply to deepen his understanding of faith, but over time, his passion for serving others led him into full-time ministry. Andi highlights Imam Musa's partnership with Network for Hope, recognizing his efforts to educate the Muslim community about organ, tissue, and eye donation. Imam Musa explains the importance of replacing fear and misinformation with accurate education and compassionate dialogue grounded in Islamic teachings. He describes several educational programs developed in collaboration with Network for Hope, where community members were able to ask questions openly and better understand both the donation process and its religious considerations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural and religious values throughout the donation journey while ensuring families receive clear and trustworthy information. Imam Musa shares the Islamic perspective on death and the afterlife, explaining that conversations about death are encouraged within the faith because they inspire reflection, purpose, and preparation for life beyond this world. He notes that this openness can help individuals approach conversations around donation with greater understanding and acceptance. Andi and Imam Musa discuss the broader role faith leaders play in supporting communities—not only spiritually, but also socially and emotionally. Imam Musa speaks passionately about the importance of unity across communities and standing together against racism, injustice, poverty, homelessness, and other societal challenges. He highlights the shared responsibility of both faith and non-faith leaders to work collaboratively toward the well-being of the greater community. The conversation also touches on mental health support within the Islamic Center, where a team of professionals and community members help individuals navigate emotional and psychological challenges with compassion and care. The episode concludes with Andi expressing gratitude for Imam Musa's leadership, educational efforts, and commitment to bringing clarity, compassion, and hope to conversations surrounding organ donation. Key Takeaways Education Helps Replace Fear With Understanding Open, honest conversations grounded in compassion and accurate information can help dispel misconceptions surrounding organ donation across all communities. Faith and Service Go Hand in Hand Imam Musa's leadership demonstrates how faith communities can play a vital role in supporting individuals spiritually, emotionally, and practically during difficult moments. Unity Creates Stronger Communities Whether addressing organ donation, mental health, or social injustice, meaningful change happens when people work together with empathy, respect, and shared purpose. Tweetable Quotes “An Imam leads the Muslim community religiously. I serve as the Imam of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati in West Chester, Ohio. We have a beautiful community and a beautiful mosque, which you have visited, and we've had the honor of hosting you and your fellow colleagues there many times, and we look forward to many more times in the future. “ Imam Hossam Musa “I visit patients in hospitals, I give talks on-site and off-site. I give sermons, give lectures, and answer people's many questions, whether they're Muslim or non-Muslim. People have questions about faith or seek advice, and I try to be accessible to everyone.” Imam Hossam Musa “I firmly believe that God Almighty planned my journey for me, and I'm incredibly grateful for that. I love what I do. I sincerely and deeply love what I do, and am humbled and honored to do so, and that doesn't tire me.” Imam Hossam Musa “Around 13 or so, I was blessed to complete the memorization of the entire Holy Quran by heart.” Imam Hossam Musa “There are millions of Muslims who have memorized the entire Holy Quran by heart, from cover to cover. That's approximately 600 pages of text, and many men and women who have memorized the Holy Quran at various ages, mostly youngsters who start early and memorize the Holy Quran somewhere in their mid-teens.” Imam Hossam Musa “God plans, and his plans are the best plans, so eventually, after some time, I became a full-time imam for about 15 years now.” Imam Hossam Musa “First of all, I'm honored to assist and contribute in any small way towards this greater goal of raising awareness and spreading beneficial and useful knowledge in place of assumptions and misconceptions.” Imam Hossam Musa “I felt that my community needed that same knowledge, and that's why we've done, I think, around four or more programs in collaboration with (Legacy) Life Center, which later became Network for Hope, to sit with our community members, present to them the religious perspective and the process, and then answer the many questions they have, and put their concerns at ease.” Imam Hossam Musa “We actually are recommended to talk more often about death, because it helps us rectify the areas in our lives that need to be rectified for us to be better prepared for the inevitable time of leaving this world, for us, when we meet our creator, that He's pleased with us.” Imam Hossam Musa “So I feel like you know there are a lot of aha moments, but overall I feel that this work needs to be spread and awareness needs to be broadly shared and raised because if we don't have a proper legal option for organ and tissue donations, then the improper and illegal options will thrive.” Imam Hossam Musa “Muslim I am also a human being, and myself and my Muslim community live as a part of a larger community and and we all must live happily and peacefully side by side, and matters that harm any part of us or any particular community or sub community, we all need to stand together as a matter of principle when it comes to combating any type of racism or supremacy or injustice, poverty, homelessness, whatever you may, we may be facing as challenges as a larger and greater society.” Imam Hossam Musa Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

EP 144: When Everything Changes Overnight: Corie Blount on Fighting for His Son, CJ Episode Description: On this episode of This Thing Called Life, former University of Cincinnati standout and 11-year NBA veteran Corie Blount shares a deeply personal story far beyond the game. His 25-year-old son, CJ, went from a simple headache and fatigue to a life-altering diagnosis: dangerously high blood pressure and severe kidney disease. With no family history, the news came out of nowhere. Now on dialysis, CJ is waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant as Corie and their family begin the emotional journey of seeing who might be a match. This conversation is about more than basketball, it's about fatherhood, resilience, and what it means to show up when everything shifts in an instant. Corie also reflects on life after the NBA—from co-hosting Legends Unplugged with Terry Nelson to his work on the Bob Huggins documentary. It's an honest, powerful look at how quickly life can change and the strength it takes to fight for the people you love.   Episode Highlights Host Andi Johnson welcomes former NBA player Corie Blount, whose connection to both the University of Cincinnati and the organ donation community brings depth and perspective to the conversation. Corie reflects on his basketball journey—from his time at the University of Cincinnati to an 11-year NBA career playing alongside legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and Scottie Pippen. He shares his deep connection to Cincinnati, describing it as home and a place that continues to shape his life beyond basketball. The conversation shifts as Corie opens up about his son CJ's sudden health crisis, which began with what seemed like minor symptoms—headaches and fatigue—but quickly escalated. After being taken to the emergency room, CJ was diagnosed with extremely high blood pressure and severe kidney failure, leaving the family in shock. Corie candidly describes the emotional impact of the diagnosis and the steep learning curve his family faced in understanding kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant options. CJ is now undergoing dialysis treatments while awaiting a kidney transplant, and Corie shares how the family has rallied together to support him physically and emotionally. Despite the challenges, CJ continues to show strength, positivity, and resilience, even after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in business. Corie emphasizes the importance of being present as a family, recalling how loved ones stayed by CJ's side in the hospital to ensure he never felt alone. He shares his willingness to become a donor himself and speaks about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle—both for donors and recipients. The episode highlights the importance of organ donation awareness, particularly the need for more people to consider living donation. Andi explains how simple it is to begin the donor testing process, often starting with a basic mouth swab. The conversation introduces the concept of paired kidney exchange, where donors who are not a direct match can still help save lives through a matching network. Corie expresses gratitude for organizations like Network for Hope, which help educate families and guide them through the transplant journey. Beyond his family's story, Corie shares updates on his life after basketball, including his podcast “Legends Unplugged” and involvement in the Bob Huggins documentary. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action—encouraging listeners to get informed, consider donation, and support families navigating similar challenges. Key Takeaways Health Crises Can Happen Without Warning CJ's story is a reminder that serious health conditions can develop unexpectedly, even without a known family history—making awareness and regular checkups essential. Support Systems Make All the Difference In moments of crisis, the presence of family, community, and trusted organizations provides strength, stability, and hope. Organ Donation Saves Lives—and Starts With Awareness From simple testing to paired exchanges, understanding the donation process can open doors to life-saving opportunities for those in need. Tweetable Quotes “I have an indebtedness of gratitude to the city and the university, and that's why I'm still here, and this is home now.” Corie Blount “ It's more of a learning curve for me, and then just trying to make sure that let him know he's loved and that we're supporting him. He's never alone. Whenever he was at the hospital, our whole family was there sleeping on the couches and on the floors and everything, just to show our support. We're supporting it now through this; it's just a learning curve.” Corie Blount “I appreciate what you guys did with the program, that you guys have to bring awareness to his situation, and it kind of educated me also.” Corie Blount “I never even knew you could live with one kidney, right when you met someone saying that they needed a kidney, like, 'Man, if I get my kidney up. How am I going to live? How is my life going to be moving forward?'  But the good thing that I've learned is that you have to treat your body right, no matter what.” Corie Blount “And it's important also to say that to be tested to be a living kidney donor, it's actually a very simple process, and it starts with a mouth swab. They send you a Q tip, it's a longer Q tip, and they do a mouth swab, and that's how the process starts.” Andi Johnson “It's hard for someone that you know, being of such a young age, you know, I think too, though it is helpful that he is young and doing the dialysis versus being older.” Corie Blount “Well, our hope and prayer is that you are the match, and if not, it's someone else in the family or but I would, I would not be surprised if there aren't people just knocking down the door to see if they would be a match for CJ.” Andi Johnson “Interesting fact about the living kidney donation process is that even if you're not a match for CJ, or if anyone else wants to be tested, and they're not a match for CJ, but they can still be a donor. Then there's this program. It's called the Paired Kidney exchange. So then you, for example, would donate to someone else that you were a match for, and then someone else who was a match for CJ would then donate for him.” Andi Johnson “Man, this is phenomenal that I don't know how we would have been able to deal with what we deal with. And fortunately, organizations like yourselves are stepping up and getting people to understand what's going on, and it's definitely needed.” Corie Blount Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

EP 142: Living Proof: How A Transplant at 7 months Sparked a Life of Impact     Episode Summary Haley Williamson's life began with a fight—and it turned into a mission. In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Haley shares her experience of receiving a liver transplant as an infant and how that second chance shaped her path. Now at 27 years old and working with Network for Hope, she connects with communities, spreading awareness and encouraging others through her story. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and making every day count. Episode Highlights Host Andi Johnson welcomes Haley Williamson, a liver transplant recipient whose journey began at just seven months old. Haley shares that she was diagnosed with biliary atresia shortly after birth, leading her family to quickly explore transplant options, including the possibility of her mother becoming a living donor. Although her mother was approved to donate, Haley ultimately received a liver from a deceased donor. She reflects on growing up post-transplant and how, despite taking daily medication, she has been able to live a largely healthy and active life. Andi and Haley discuss a common misconception—that transplant recipients immediately return to “normal”—while acknowledging that every journey is different and often includes ongoing challenges. Haley shares how her early medical experiences influenced her career path, leading her to roles in healthcare and eventually to Network for Hope, where she now works in community outreach and education. She opens up about the emotional challenges of body image, particularly growing up with a visible surgical scar, and how her mother supported her in building confidence and self-acceptance. Haley reflects on the maturity she developed over time, including navigating social situations—such as college environments—while making choices aligned with her health. She expresses deep gratitude for both her mother's willingness to donate and the selfless gift from her donor's family, recognizing the duality of loss and life in transplantation. During an internship, Haley had the opportunity to mentor patients awaiting transplants, offering encouragement and perspective from someone who has lived through the experience. Andi highlights Haley's gift for breaking down complex topics around organ donation, making them more approachable for individuals who may feel hesitant or unsure. Haley shares how education helps dispel fear, noting that many people become more open to donation once they truly understand the process. Beyond her advocacy work, Haley shares glimpses of her personal life—including her love for concerts (especially One Direction and Taylor Swift) and her recent interest in tennis and pickleball. The episode closes with Andi recognizing Haley as living proof of the impact of organ donation and celebrating her role in spreading hope and awareness. Key Takeaways A Second Chance Can Become a Life of Purpose Haley's journey shows that transplantation is not just about survival—it can inspire a life dedicated to helping and uplifting others. Education Reduces Fear and Builds Trust Many misconceptions about organ donation come from a lack of understanding. Honest conversations and real stories can change perspectives and encourage action. Resilience Is Built Over Time—With Support From navigating body image to making health-conscious decisions, Haley's story highlights the importance of family support, self-acceptance, and personal growth. Tweetable Quotes “I think it is really a testament to how much medicine has improved since then, because now we have a ton of transplant centers near us, so that's great.” Haley Williamson “I've been very fortunate. I've lived a very normal life. I honestly don't think about it most of the time, unless it comes up, and then I'm able to share my story with people. But I know that's not the norm for everyone, so I hope, if nothing else, I can be a voice of hope for people who are awaiting a transplant, or their child's going through something, that there is good on the horizon, and you can live a normal life after a transplant.” Haley Williamson “So, Child Life is a program that they have in hospitals for kids. Okay, it's to help improve morale, but also to help things not seem so scary. And other examples are like putting a baby doll through an MRI, so kids know what to expect. They see that their dolls are going through it, so it's not that scary. And so I'm like, I really like this. I enjoy being in this environment.” Haley Williamson “I love getting to really break down organ donation to people. I've experienced a lot of hesitancy from people just in my day-to-day life. And so it can be scary going in to talk to people and thinking they're automatically going to say, No, I'm not interested, right? But as soon as you explain things to people, they're like, Oh, this is like, I had no idea. This is what was really going on.” Haley Williamson “My scar did not say the same size it was when I was a baby. It has stretched with me. It goes all the way across my stomach, and it's been like, that'd be hard. Yes, it's been like that my whole life. So, especially like in elementary school, for sure, other kids don't understand, right?” Haley Williamson Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

EP 141: Hope Springs Eternal this Donate Life Month   Episode Summary In this special episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson shines a light on Donate Life Month, observed each April—a time dedicated to honoring organ, tissue, and eye donors, celebrating transplant recipients, and raising awareness about the life-saving power of donation. Andi reflects on the profound impact of donation—not just as a medical process, but as a deeply human act of generosity that gives others a second chance at life. From the courage of donor families to the renewed hope experienced by recipients, this episode highlights the stories and purpose behind the mission of Network for Hope. Listeners will also learn simple yet meaningful ways to get involved, from registering as a donor to starting conversations that can ultimately save lives. This episode is both a tribute and a call to action—reminding us that hope is real, and it begins with a single decision. Episode Highlights Host Andi Johnson introduces the significance of Donate Life Month, observed each April to honor organ, tissue, and eye donation and the lives impacted by it. She shares why this month holds deep meaning for Network for Hope, as it recognizes the extraordinary courage of donors and their families who make life-saving decisions during incredibly difficult times. The episode celebrates transplant recipients, highlighting how donation provides not just survival—but more time, more milestones, and an improved quality of life. Andi emphasizes that Donate Life Month is a powerful reminder that hope is made possible through generosity. She outlines several ways individuals can show support, including wearing blue and green, as a visible sign of awareness and solidarity. Listeners are encouraged to share personal stories—their own or those of loved ones—to help humanize the impact of donation and inspire others. Andi highlights opportunities to get involved through local events, flag-raising ceremonies, and online engagement to help spread awareness within communities. She underscores the importance of registering as an organ donor and, just as importantly, having open conversations with family members about that decision. The episode reinforces the idea that normalizing conversations around donation is key—because informed, shared decisions are stronger and more likely to be honored. Andi closes with a message of gratitude and purpose, honoring the legacies of donors while inspiring listeners to help build a future where no one has to wait for a second chance at life. Key Takeaways Donation Is a Powerful Legacy of Life Every donor creates a ripple effect—impacting not just one life, but entire families and communities through the gift of a second chance. Awareness Starts With Conversation Talking openly about organ donation with your family ensures your wishes are known and helps normalize a life-saving decision. Small Actions Can Make a Life-Saving Difference From registering as a donor to wearing blue and green or sharing a story, simple actions can raise awareness and inspire others to take part. Tweetable Quotes “For us at network for hope, this month is deeply meaningful. It's about celebrating the heroes, donors and their families who made courageous decisions during incredibly difficult moments. It's about recognizing transplant recipients whose second chance means more time, more milestones, and a better quality of life.” Andi Johnson “You can wear blue and green to show your support. You can share a story. You can attend a local event, participate in a flag raising ceremony, or engage with us online to help spread awareness. You can register as an organ donor and talk with your family about your decision. Most importantly, you can help normalize the conversation, because donation starts with a decision, and decisions are stronger when they're informed and shared.” Andi Johnson Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

EP 140: "Strength in Every Generation: Orlando Brown Jr. on Family, Football, and Understanding Type 1 Diabetes"   Episode Summary Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Lineman Orlando Brown Jr. opens up about his family's powerful story of resilience and awareness in the face of Type 1 diabetes. After losing his father to diabetic ketoacidosis and supporting his brother through the same diagnosis, Orlando has turned his personal loss into a mission for generational health.  In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Orlando discusses how going through the process of genetic testing, prioritizing dietary choices, and educating his family on the disease has shaped their understanding of health—and why awareness, prevention, and advocacy matter for every family. Episode Highlights Host Andi Johnson welcomes Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Orlando Brown Jr. for a meaningful conversation about family, football, and health advocacy. Orlando shares his appreciation for being on the show and talks about continuing his journey with Cincinnati for two more seasons. He explains the story behind his signature fox tail, a tradition that began in college as a good luck charm and has since become part of his identity. Orlando reflects on his unique path to football, including how his father—former NFL player Orlando Brown Sr.—initially did not want him or his siblings to play sports because of the physical risks involved. He shares how, despite that hesitation, his love for football continued to grow, eventually leading him to begin playing in the eighth grade. Orlando talks about how his father later became one of his biggest supporters, helping him develop his game and encouraging his growth as an athlete. The conversation takes a deeper turn as Orlando opens up about his father's undiagnosed diabetes and the devastating impact it had on his family. He discusses how cultural beliefs, distrust of the medical system, and reliance on home remedies can sometimes delay diagnosis and treatment—especially in communities where medical mistrust has been passed down over time. Orlando also shares his family's experience with his brother's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and how that moment brought a new level of urgency and awareness to their lives. He emphasizes the importance of early detection, prevention, and education, especially for families who may be at greater risk. Orlando speaks candidly about the steps he now takes to protect his own health, including monitoring his body closely and making intentional lifestyle choices to avoid the same health challenges that affected his family. He shares how supporting his brother and others living with Type 1 diabetes deepened his understanding of the daily realities of the disease. Orlando highlights his advocacy work, including efforts to make insulin more affordable, raise awareness, and support research aimed at prevention and a cure. He discusses participating in preventive testing and trials, using his platform to encourage others to take action before health issues become crises. Orlando also opens up about the meaning behind several of his tattoos, including one honoring his father and another connected to his brother's diagnosis. He shares the story of one of his most meaningful tattoos—a portrait of his grandfather—and reflects on the powerful influence his grandfather had on his life and values. The episode also touches on Orlando's commitment to long-term wellness through nutrition. He explains why he hired a full-time nutritionist to help reduce inflammation, improve recovery, and better understand how food affects his body. He talks about preventative health practices, natural remedies, and the importance of using today's science and resources to avoid the chronic health issues many former athletes face later in life. Orlando closes by speaking about his role on the field, his love for protecting his quarterback, and the importance of being a consistent, vocal leader for his team. Key Takeaways Family health history matters more than many people realize. Orlando's story is a powerful reminder that understanding your family's medical history can help you make informed, life-saving decisions earlier. Awareness and early action can change outcomes. From genetic testing to prevention efforts, this episode underscores the importance of paying attention to warning signs and taking proactive steps before a health crisis occurs. Personal pain can become purposeful advocacy. Orlando has transformed his family's loss and challenges into a mission to educate others, support research, and use his platform to drive meaningful change. Tweetable Quotes “My football story is really unique. My so my dad played in the NFL for 13 years, and he didn't start playing till he was in 11th grade in high school, and his biggest thing for me and my siblings were he didn't want us playing sports.” Orlando Brown Jr. “I would always go to the practices. I kept up with it. So I've always had a real passion for the game of football, but he would not let me play. For him, football is a dark sport in a way, you know, and I've been fortunate in my path to get here, I was drafted, and I've had better opportunities than he did.” Orlando Brown Jr. “Southern black culture isn't, you know, the hospitals and doctors and medicine, it's more about remedies and, you know, things like that. That was my family. Distrust of the medical system.” Orlando Brown Jr. “ It's so important because, you know, as you said, experiencing it firsthand. You know, I always want to make sure that somebody can learn from my mistakes and or my family's mistakes. And that's so important. It's so important to be able to get ahead of it.” Orlando Brown Jr. “I've spent a lot of time, I feel like all over the US. I've gone to the Senate and talked about making insulin more affordable. I've gone to different children's Mercy hospitals across the US and work with them on finding a cure. I've completed the trial net, which is the preventive version of type one, just to make sure you don't have the antibodies.“ Orlando Brown Jr. “My nutritionist does this food test where she's able to tell you what food you can and can't eat that inflames your body.” Orlando Brown Jr.   Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

EP 138: "A Leap Of Faith, Chelsea's Altruistic Kidney Donation Journey"   Episode Summary Chelsea McNicholas, a Hospital Partnership Liaison with Network for Hope, joins This Thing Called Life to share how a social media post and her faith led her to become an altruistic kidney donor for a Child. Chelsea recounts starting the testing process after hearing about a friend's mother's need. Although she was not a match, it led her to another post about a child's need for a kidney, so she continued the testing. Ultimately, she was not needed because that child found a donor.  She walks us through her personal journey, the emotional and logistical realities of altruistic donation, and why community education about organ, tissue, and eye donation matters. Hear a personal, hopeful story that demystifies donation and inspires listeners to learn how they can help save lives. Episode Highlights Host Andi Johnson welcomes listeners and introduces guest Chelsea McNicholas, a dedicated advocate for organ donation and a valued member of the team at Network for Hope. Chelsea shares her professional background in healthcare and explains how becoming a mother helped inspire her decision to transition into her role with Network for Hope, where she could make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. As a Hospital Partnership Liaison, Chelsea explains that her work centers on building and maintaining strong relationships with hospital teams to ensure the organ donation process is handled with care, compassion, and efficiency. She describes the unique dual advocacy role she plays—supporting both hospital partners and the Network for Hope team throughout the donation process to ensure every step honors the donor and their family. Chelsea discusses her day-to-day responsibilities, which include hospital education, policy updates, compliance support, and continuous follow-up to strengthen collaboration between healthcare teams and the donation network. The conversation highlights how strong hospital partnerships are essential to ensuring successful donation outcomes and providing families with compassionate support during difficult moments. Chelsea shares some of the challenges of her role, particularly when unexpected issues arise within hospital systems. In those moments, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving become essential. She praises the leadership at Network for Hope for fostering a supportive culture that empowers team members to think innovatively and find solutions that best serve donors, recipients, and healthcare partners. Andi and Chelsea reflect on the fulfillment that comes from working alongside passionate colleagues who are united by a shared mission to save and improve lives through donation. The conversation also addresses the scrutiny and misinformation that can sometimes surround organ donation. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of transparency, education, and trust in maintaining strong relationships with hospitals and the public. They discuss the important role donation ambassadors play in sharing personal stories that build understanding and confidence in the donation process. Chelsea then shares her deeply personal journey as a living donor. Before working in the field, she had little direct connection to organ donation until she began seeing social media posts from former classmates searching for kidney donors. Moved by their stories, Chelsea began exploring the possibility of becoming a donor herself. She describes the emotional and physical process of testing and waiting to see if she would be a match. Faith played a central role in her decision, along with the encouragement and support she received from her family. Chelsea recounts the powerful moment she met Reed, the young man who would ultimately receive her kidney, and learned more about the health challenges he and his family had faced due to kidney failure. She reflects on the emotional experience of donation surgery and the immediate bond formed between her and Reed's family. Chelsea also discusses the recovery process for both herself and Reed, highlighting the strength, faith, and support systems that carried them through the journey. Today, Chelsea continues to stay connected with Reed and his family, witnessing firsthand the life-changing impact of living donation. She shares how the experience has shaped conversations with her own children, teaching them the importance of compassion, generosity, and helping others whenever possible. The episode concludes with Andi expressing deep admiration for Chelsea's courage, compassion, and dedication to the mission of organ donation—recognizing her as both an advocate and a source of hope for many families. Key Takeaways Organ Donation Is Built on Trust and Relationships Strong partnerships between hospitals, donation organizations, and families are essential to ensuring the donation process is handled with compassion, integrity, and respect. One Person's Courage Can Transform Multiple Lives Chelsea's decision to become a living kidney donor demonstrates how a single act of generosity can profoundly impact not only a recipient but their entire family. Personal Stories Inspire Awareness and Action Sharing real experiences helps break through misinformation and encourages others to learn more about organ donation and consider how they might make a difference. Tweetable Quotes “We are the glue that holds the process together. I believe that our team is kind of a dual advocate in the donation process. “ Chelsea McNicholas “When things go awry at a hospital, that is challenging because the work is not flawless. The work is never done, if you will. So there are always challenges that arise. “ Chelsea McNicholas “I think it leans back into that strong relationship and strong trust. So knowing the truth right, like we know the truth right, and we have strong relationships with our hospitals to the point where they trust us. We've built that culture of trust and connection with our partners.”  Chelsea McNicholas “So I think again, a great opportunity for me to be an advocate and to educate people in my circle, my husband, and my entire family, was incredibly supportive.” Chelsea McNicholas “I think when I can look back on my life, faith was the foundation through every step and every decision, maybe in the moment, not as easy to see, but now looking back, I can absolutely identify that.” Chelsea McNicholas “It's really wild to think that a part of me is living on and someone else, and that most days I completely forgot I even did it, because I am right back to where I was, you know, five months ago, prior to the surgery.” Chelsea McNicholas Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

EP 137: Reborn at 51: Jamie Mahaffey's Second Chance at Life   Episode Summary What does it mean to be reborn at 51?  In this powerful episode of This Thing Called Life, heart transplant recipient Jamie Mahaffey shares his extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and purpose. After undergoing a heart transplant, the former athlete, coach, and Athletic Director at North College Hill City Schools discovered a renewed calling to lead with greater intention. Becoming a John Maxwell Coach inspired him to launch his own company focused on helping others achieve their goals and elevate their lives. Jamie's story is a masterclass in perseverance, perspective, and personal leadership—proof that you don't match the energy around you… You set the standard.      Episode Highlights Host Andi Johnson welcomes Jamie Mahaffey and invites him to share the health crisis that changed everything. On November 11, Jamie became lightheaded at work and was rushed to UC Hospital, where doctors discovered a serious infection in his LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device). Facing two life-altering options—replace the LVAD or undergo a heart transplant at Vanderbilt University—Jamie chose the transplant after prayer, reflection, and encouragement from trusted advisors. While driving to Vanderbilt on January 17, Jamie was shocked by his defibrillator 42 times, a harrowing moment that underscored the urgency of his condition. Within days of being upgraded to Status Level One on the transplant list, a donor heart became available. Surgery was scheduled for January 21. Jamie remained in a coma until January 24. When he awoke, he was reunited with his wife Robin and their children in an emotional and life-defining moment. Robin's meticulous advocacy and unwavering presence became a critical part of Jamie's survival and recovery. Jamie reflects on the deep gratitude he feels for his donor—and the profound awareness that his second chance came through another family's loss. A letter from the donor's mother became a pivotal moment, inspiring Jamie to move forward boldly in launching his leadership company. Post-transplant recovery included the unexpected amputation of his leg—an emotional and physical challenge Jamie describes as even harder than the transplant itself. Through faith, family support, and resilience, Jamie developed a renewed vision for his life centered on impact and purpose. He shares his journey to becoming a certified John Maxwell Coach and his vision of speaking, writing, and helping others live beyond their potential. Jamie emphasizes living with integrity, leading intentionally, and choosing purpose over comfort. Key Takeaways Adversity Clarifies Purpose Life-threatening challenges often strip away distractions and reveal what truly matters. Jamie's second chance forced him to reevaluate his priorities and commit fully to purposeful leadership. Leadership Starts With Personal Responsibility You don't match the energy around you—you set the standard. Jamie's story demonstrates that leadership is not about position, but about the example you choose to live daily. Gratitude Changes Everything Understanding that his new heart came at a great cost reshaped Jamie's perspective. Gratitude became fuel for impact, reminding him to live in a way that honors both the gift and the giver. Tweetable Quotes “So I had two weeks of tests. Everything you can imagine. You know dentists, too. That's another thing, if you don't take care of your teeth, that's an affection of your heart. So those appointments are important, something that I didn't do regularly.” Jamie Mahaffey  “My defibrillator shocked me 42 times. And so the cardiologist came down, and he was like, Okay, we have to admit him. And so that's when I stayed there. And on January 18, the doctor came in that morning, and he said, You go from level three to level one a. Level one is where you need a transplant. “ Jamie Mahaffey  “I was in a coma for five days because my heart wasn't initiating with my body.” Jamie Mahaffey  “God was giving me another opportunity to listen to him. It was a time. I mean, I was just always busy. I was a head coach and won state titles and played college ball and played overseas, and I was always moving, but I was always looking after other people as a man. We are fathers, and we take care of our house, and I was an ad, and I was a coach, I was a mentor, so I'm looking after everybody else but myself. And it was a time he was saying, it's your turn.” Jamie Mahaffey  “I know there's a purpose for me to just keep having people to not live off their potential, but pursue their destiny. And so that's why I teach a lot of kids. A lot of people are still in life, living off potential but not pursuing their destiny. “ Jamie Mahaffey  “Maxwell certification was a stepping stone to a vision. I always heard about myself, about being a motivational speaker, about writing books, about having normal eyesight in life.” Jamie Mahaffey  Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title:  EP 133:  “Walking by Faith: Maria's Story of Survival and Purpose”

Title:  EP 131:  “Three Hearts, One Journey:  The Massie Family's Journey with Alport Syndrome”   

Title:  “The Ripple Effect: Maggie Luken's Journey of Loss, Love, and Life”  

Title:  "Meeting My Kidney Sister: Sarah Green-Moore's Story of Healing and Purpose"    

Title: "Legacy in Life and Loss: Adria Johnson on Her Son's Gift of Hope"  

Title: Twice Gifted: Beth Otto's Journey As a  2 Time Kidney Recipient  

Title: One Family, Three Transplant Journeys: Life with Alport Syndrome  

Episode Summary In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi Johnson interviews Means Cameron, a successful entrepreneur from Cincinnati and the founder of the clothing brand BlaCkOWned™ Outerwear. Means shares the inspiration behind launching BlaCkOWned™ Outerwear in 2011, influenced by his cultural experiences and the importance of representation. He discusses the significance of community ownership, legacy, and his personal connection to organ donation. Cameron highlights the impact of organ donors on his friends' lives, including a fraternity brother who received a kidney transplant. He also addresses common misconceptions about organ donation within the Black community, emphasizing the need for education, trust, and personal storytelling to make the topic more relatable. The discussion underscores the power of local narratives in raising awareness about organ donation and encourages open conversations within families and communities. Episode Highlights Origins of BlaCkOWned™ Outerwear: Means Cameron shares how the brand was born out of his desire to embrace identity, cultural heritage, and community pride. Meaning Behind the Brand Name: "BlaCkOWned™ wasn't just about a Black-owned business—it was about owning who we are as a people, our culture." Legacy and Impact: Means expresses his vision for his legacy: "Fostering Black creativity and dialogue, and showing people they have options." Connection to Organ Donation: Means discusses his personal experiences with organ donation, including friends and family members who have received transplants. He highlights the challenges of mistrust and misinformation about organ donation in the Black community. Addressing Misconceptions: Many individuals fear that becoming an organ donor could put their lives at risk in medical settings. In reality, only 1% of registered organ donors pass in a way that allows for organ donation, while thousands remain on transplant waiting lists. The Importance of Storytelling: Means emphasizes the need to humanize the organ donation process by sharing real-life experiences to build trust and awareness. Encouraging Open Dialogue: Andi asks Means how he would approach someone hesitant about organ donation. Means stresses the importance of respecting different perspectives while sharing personal experiences to help others make informed decisions. Final Reflections: Andi expresses gratitude for the meaningful discussion and appreciates Means' insights on business, legacy, and organ donation advocacy.   Key Takeaways: Means Cameron's journey as an entrepreneur reflects his deep commitment to identity, community, and legacy.  His personal experiences with organ donation have fueled his advocacy for increasing awareness and addressing misconceptions. Andi and Means then dig deeper into educating ourselves and others about how organ donation can help address mistrust and save lives and the importance of humanizing the organ donation process by sharing personal stories and the faces who make it more relatable and trustworthy. Tweetable Quotes:   “Cincinnati needed something for the culture, something that spoke to our culture, to give us something to be proud about, to speak about our heritage, and for not to just be in private rooms, but for us to be able to take it out into the world. “ - Means Cameron “So the idea of BlaCkOWned™ came out of me, wanting to have ownership of who I am and never losing it.” - Means Cameron “And so BlaCkOWned™ wasn't just about a black-owned business. It was about owning who we are as a people, our culture and the name black owned, just came to me. “ - Means Cameron “One of the most challenging things in our community is that we believe that if we become organ donors, that someone is going to take our organs if we ever are sick or in a doctor's bed and our life is on the line.” - Means Cameron “ I guess the best thing I can do for anyone that is on the fence is just to share with them my own experiences. “ - Means Cameron Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/

In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi Johnson sits down with Joel Chase, Vice President of Organ Services at Network for Hope, to discuss his role and how it has evolved following a recent merger. Joel shares insights into the integration of two smaller Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) into Network for Hope, the strategic changes that followed, and how he is leading a growing team. Joel walks through the organ donation process, from the initial referral to organ recovery, emphasizing the importance of supporting donor families, transplant recipients, and OPO staff who navigate these complex and life-changing moments. He also reflects on his career journey, the challenges of balancing leadership with personal life, and the impact of medical advancements on the field of organ donation.   Episode Highlights: Joel's Role & the Organ Donation Process: He oversees the entire donation process, from organ referral and evaluation to allocation and recovery. Navigating Growth Post-Merger: The transition from 32 full-time employees at Legacy Life Center to over 90 at Network for Hope has required new leadership strategies. Evolving Case Timelines: The duration of cases has expanded from 24 to over 50 hours, depending on testing and logistical challenges. What Drives Joel: He is motivated by mission-driven work, helping people, and witnessing his team's success. Biggest Leadership Challenge: Time management in an organization that never stops and balancing work with family life. Leadership Philosophy: Leading with openness, support, and grace while prioritizing an inclusive leadership style. Memorable Moments: Joel shares a powerful story of how a leader's critical decision helped save three lives, a defining learning experience in his career. Public Awareness: He encourages open conversations about organ donation with loved ones and addresses concerns from those hesitant to register. Key Takeaways: Leadership in Organ Donation: Joel shares insights into leading a non-profit OPO, managing growth, and the importance of learning through challenges ("failing forward"). The Organ Donation Process: Understanding how OPOs evaluate, allocate, and recover organs while collaborating with hospitals to ensure successful transplants. Encouraging Public Awareness: Addressing misconceptions about organ donation and why open conversations with family are essential. Tweetable Quotes:   “I've always been fascinated with medicine, so you get to kind of play nurse or doctor without necessarily having to have the license. So I thought that that was just a great, intriguing career.” - Joel Chase “We are there to help facilitate, to make donation happen in the best way possible, and in these 24 hour shifts that a lot of the team members are working and all the things that they're doing, it's very hard to expect perfection when a lot of staff want to do their best all the time, and it's just not possible. We're all humans, and we have to have some grace for each other too.” - Joel Chase “I think that we should learn from our experiences, whether they're good or bad. If we don't learn from them, then I think that's more of a failure. Otherwise, it's an opportunity to improve and do better the next time. So I definitely like that mindset, and it kind of ties into knowing that we're not perfect people, and I don't think we're ever going to have a perfect A to Z case” - Joel Chase “It's the OPOs job to evaluate the patient's medical record and their current clinical condition for organ donation potential. A lot of times that could mean that the patient ends up surviving their injury, and they go through the rehabilitation process” - Joel Chase Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/

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://registerme.org/ https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/

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 from 100.3 FM Cincy's R&B station in Cincinnati. Resources https://registerme.org/ https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/

Episode 106: The Donation Coordinator's Responsibility within the Donation Process of the Organ Procurement Organization, with Christienne King   During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson talks about the donation process from the OPO (Organ Procurement Organization) lens. This week, Andi is speaking with Christenne King. She is the Senior Donation Coordinator. She meets family in very difficult times. Tune in to hear about her experiences as it relates to the important process of organ donation.  Episode Highlights:  Many people believe that organ, eye, and tissue donation is just a service of the hospital but Andi shares how it is much bigger than that and requires the collaboration of many. Christenne has been with the Life Center for over 20 years and is currently the Senior Donation Coordinator. She explains her role as one of the individuals who handles the evaluation, medical management, organ placement, and logistics of the operating room for an organ donation. Andi asks Christenne to share what kind of training and background is required to do work as she does. Christenne shares her personal experience with organ donation about her sister, Adrienne King who had epilepsy and cerebral palsy. What does brain dead mean? Christenne shares facts that listeners may not be aware of. She explains the difference between that and a vegetative state or coma. Organ donation and the education around it have grown significantly over the years.  Christenne explains her connection to Network For Hope and how meaningful it has been to her on several levels. Christenne put herself to paramedic school and applied as an organ coordinator. Andi asks Christenne how she prepares for her day and meeting with families in desperate times.  What happens at the bedside to evaluate potential organ donation? Christenne shares that some cases have changed her forever and how it has been a blessing. What goes into supporting the families who are in contact with them? Andi talks about how COVID-19 caused many people to reflect and seek more meaningful jobs. Andi asks Christenne to share what a typical workday looks like for a donation coordinator.  Logistics and time frames are very important in the process; Christenne explains. A lot of communication is required for this job because of the many pieces that must come together. An average case lasts about 72 hours so that the right thing is accomplished with the donor. Christenne talks about when organ gifts are placed in other locations. The donation coordinators are very passionate about giving each individual the best preservation options. Have you thought about registering to be a donor? Find out more at https://lifepassiton.org/ 3 Key Points Christenne shares her personal experience with organ donation when her sister, Adrienne King passed away and saved several other lives. Organ donation happens through the collaboration of many. Andi and Christenne talk through the organ coordinator role and the piece it is in the overall process. Emotional taxation is high in the role that Christenne has. She talks about the challenges, and blessings, and how she perseveres through them.    Tweetable Quotes: “Organ, eye, and tissue donation does not happen without collaboration.” -Andi “There are intricacies of this life-giving, life-saving process.” -Andi “When someone has been deemed as potential to help someone through donation, a donation coordinator will be onsite for 24 hours/day through the end of the process.” -Christenne “For those who do not know, when a person is declared brain dead, it is a legal pronouncement of death, it is the time that will go on their death certificate.” -Christenne “My sister was one of only 39 organ donors in Cincinnati in 1992. It was so rare.” -Christenne “Donation can have such a  positive effect on those that are donor families. “ -Christenne “This role requires you to be strong and sensitive to the fact that a family is going through the worst possible time.” -Andi “We are intimately involved with the families in the room and with the donors in the room, it is difficult.” -Christenne “Other than being a parent, this job is the most rewarding thing I will do in my life.” -Christenne Resources Mentioned: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

A Transplant Surgeon's Journey To Help Others, with Dr Madison Cuffy During this episode of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Dr. Madison Cuffy, an Associate Professor at UC Health. Dr. Cuffy has built trust-filled relationships with his transplant patients throughout the years and loves nothing more than to see them live their lives to the fullest after getting their transplant.   Episode Highlights:  Dr. Cuffy started his medical journey back in 2002 which led to a multi-organ  transplant fellowship at New York Presbyterian. Growing up in Brooklyn, Dr. Cuffy was first introduced to Cincinnati by Talib Kweli and Hi Tek. As a 14-year-old, Dr. Cuffy became interested in medicine while volunteering in a hospital cleaning instruments. Even to this day, no one in Dr. Cuffy's family has experience in medicine, nor any clue what a transplant surgeon does. Dr. Cuffy was born in the Caribbean and grew up with his great aunt in New York. One of the most common misconceptions surrounding organ donation is that the medical community will let you die. After being in transplant and seeing how one can help create life during a time of despair, Dr. Cuffy became an organ donor. The medical community is not out to harm organ donors in order to harvest their organs, contrary to popular belief. According to the statistics, on average, 22 people die every day waiting on an organ transplant. While most of his focus is on kidney transplants, Dr. Cuffy does work with all transplant organs. There is an access problem for people who need a kidney transplant and are on dialysis. Dr. Cuffy facilitates living kidney donation as the best option to treat end-stage renal disease. Andi has noticed that people of color tend to shy away from sharing their donation needs with other people. Socioeconomic issues and disadvantages can make it more difficult for certain patients to share their stories. People who don't want to share their stories need a donor champion to do it for them. There are different forms of literacy, so Dr. Cuffy makes sure his patients know that there is no stupid question. It's important for patients to speak up about their questions to their doctor so that they don't get misinformation from another source. If your physician is too busy to answer your questions now or in the future, you may need to find a different provider. Dr. Cuffy feels rewarded by his job when he sees his patients experiencing life after their transplant. His grandmother's advice was “Always be yourself”, even when things get tough, this message helps Dr Cuffy get through hard days. Raised without his parents in Brooklyn, Dr. Cuffy knows first hand that you can do anything you set your mind to. Dr. Cuffy has always had an extra gear that has allowed him to outwork everyone around him. When he goes back to Brooklyn now, Dr. Cuffy gets a different kind of respect from the people he grew up with. Dr. Cuffy thoroughly enjoys going to J. Alexanders in Cincinnati because of the sheer amount of professional African Americans that go there. 3 Key Points: While volunteering at a hospital with the hopes of staying off the streets as a 15-year-old boy, Dr. Cuffy had the opportunity to watch a kidney transplant up close, and that's how he chose the transplant route. Unlike in other cities that have multiple transplant programs with different surgeons, Cincinnati has a single transplant program where the doctors act as one unit. Living donor kidneys last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, recipients don't have to wait on a list to get one, and the quality is usually very good. Resources: https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.uchealth.com/en/transplant Dr Madison Cuffy  

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, eye 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 from 100.3 FM Cincy's R&B station in Cincinnati. Resources https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

As we continue to explore the experiences of Black women from several religious backgrounds, this week I’m in dialogue with Dr. Pamela Ayo Yetunde, who shares her journey of becoming a practicing Buddhist. Dr. Yetunde is a pastoral counselor and the author of several books, including "Casting Indra's Net" and the forthcoming "Dearly Beloved: Prince, Spirituality, and This Thing Called Life." During our conversation today, we explore some of the basic principles of Buddhism, how Buddhism as a philosophy can inform our practice of other religions, and the significance of mindfulness activities such as yoga and meditation within Buddhism. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Dr. Yetunde Website LinkedIn Instagram Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producer: Tyree Rush Associate Producer: Zariah TaylorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 from 100.3 FM Cincy's R&B station in Cincinnati.   Resources https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/

Welcome to today's episode of This Thing Called Life, where we delve into the ever-evolving care plan of organ, eye, and tissue donation. In this episode, we're joined by Andi Johnson and Dr. Jordan Bonomo to explore a key recommendation from the 2021 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report aimed at transforming organ donation and transplantation practices to create a more equitable system. Dr. Bonomo shares insights into a groundbreaking initiative—the establishment of a donor care unit within UCMC's new Flex ICU. This innovative, first-of-its-kind model is designed to improve organ donation outcomes by providing comprehensive, compassionate care to both donors and their families. Tune in for this important conversation on enhancing the donor experience and advancing the future of organ donation.   Episode Highlights: Introducing Dr. Jordan Bonomo. He is a physician at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He's the Medical Director of the flex ICU and a professor of Emergency Medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, and neurocritical care. He is also the attending physician for anesthesia, critical care, and ECMO, and he's the medical director for donor management, for Network For Hope, formerly Life Center.  Dr. Bonomo explains the long-term development of the Flex ICU, emphasizing its multifaceted purpose to serve critically ill patients and enhance organ donation capacity. The Flex ICU aims to provide specialized care for organ donors, improving the yield and survival rate of donated organs. Specialized units can focus on the needs of the donor from a physiological standpoint and the needs of the family from an emotional standpoint. This aims to provide a much more synchronized environment and holistic care for the families and adhere to the donor wishes. All the staff are fully trained and they're vetted and vested at the same time in the process of donation.  The purpose is to have the best donor care unit available anywhere in the country. The unit is staffed 24/7 by dedicated teams to support the mission of Network for Hope. The unit is limited to donors who have been declared dead by neurologic criteria. Note that in the month of October, the first month of the launch of Flex ICU, there were zero patients declared brain dead in the region. Dr. Bonomo explains the intentional design of the unit to accommodate donor families, offering them the option to be with their loved ones or to step back as needed. The Flex ICU aims to respect the wishes of donors and families, facilitating their involvement in the donation process. Dr. Bonomo discusses the potential impact of the Flex ICU on organ donation The goal is to optimize the process for donors, families, and organ recipients, balancing the need for timely transplantation with the potential for increased donation. Andi adds that the DCU, which is housed within the flex ICU, has been discussed as a key part of the flex ICU with providers, nurses, and physicians who will be working in this unit. The team is committed to doing right by donors, recognizing the privilege and obligation that comes with their role. The Flex ICU has attracted dedicated professionals who are passionate about improving organ donation and transplantation. The process of establishing the unit has been lengthy, involving multiple stakeholders and legal considerations.  He shares that this is an organ procurement organization initiative that really is somewhat independent of the healthcare system. The belief that donation can bring healing and good from tragedy has been a driving force for Dr. Bonomo.  Dr. Bonomo has a strong foundation in bioethics, having earned his undergraduate degree in the field. Throughout his career, organ donation has been a central focus of his work in biomedical ethics. Dr. Bonomo invites listeners to ask questions and seek education about the organ donation process. The importance of accurate information and understanding the process is important for effective collaboration and support. 3 Key Points:   Dr. Bonomo explains the long-term development of the Flex ICU, emphasizing its multifaceted purpose to serve critically ill patients and enhance organ donation capacity. The Flex ICU aims to provide specialized care for organ donors, improving the yield and survival rate of donated organs. The unit is limited to donors who have been declared dead by neurologic criteria. So brain dead donors, and brain dead vernacular term death by neurologic criteria. Dr. Bonomo explains the intentional design of the unit to accommodate donor families, offering them the option to be with their loved ones or to step back as needed. The Flex ICU has attracted dedicated professionals who are passionate about improving organ donation and transplantation. The team is committed to doing right by donors, recognizing the privilege and obligation that comes with their role.   Tweetable Quotes: “Dr shutter explained to me that we do our best to save them, but when you can't, your obligation doesn't end, and the opportunity to donate is an absolute good when done well…” - Dr. Bonomo “So the the flex ICU has been in design and development for a really long time, I mean, north of 15 years, and we've had fits and starts, and we finally were able to construct it…” - Dr. Bonomo “We have teams that are dedicated to supporting the mission and network for hope, formerly Life Center…” - Dr. Bonomo “I think every family is interested in knowing that their loved one is well cared for and that their wishes are being respected.” - Dr. Bonomo Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/

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://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/

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, Tissue, and Eye donation, and honor those who have been instrumental in saving lives through the gift of donation.   Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/

Welcome to today's episode of This Thing Called Life, where we explore the evolving landscape of organ, tissue, and eye donation. Join us as we chat with Andi Johnson, featuring Jennie Wright, a double lung transplant recipient, and her daughter, Siri Imanin.  Jennie, diagnosed with sarcoidosis and pulmonary hypertension, waited a year to be listed for a transplant and another two years to receive the lungs. She recounts the challenges, including antibiotic-resistant infections and the emotional toll on her family. Siri shares how her mother's journey influenced her music and activism, emphasizing the importance of organ donation education in the Black community. They discuss the need for proactive health awareness and the impact of supportive networks on their recovery.   Episode Highlights: Andi Johnson introduces the mother-daughter duo Jennie Wright and Siri Imani, and asks Jennie to share her transplant journey Jennie shared that she had sarcoidosis, and as a result, her lungs were severely damaged, which caused pulmonary hypertension. So before the donation, she had a backpack that had oxygen and a fanny pack that had a heart pump. It took a year to get Jennie listed and two years before she got her transplant Jennie recounts the emotional and physical challenges, including contracting antibiotic-resistant infections and the decision to postpone the transplant due to her condition. Andi asks about the support journey for both mother and daughter Siri, Jennie's daughter answers that she was happy once everything was settled because she recalls the long period where her mother's life felt limited and the journey they had to go through in organ donation. Andi asks Siri, who is an artist, creator, activist, & cultivator, how the journey influences her music and the work that she does from a creative standpoint. Siri answers that it influenced everything and that she grabs inspiration from her mother and grandmother in every way. Siri shares that when they first got the diagnosis, she documented and made music about it. Andi asks Siri to share her favorite memory with her grandmother Andi asks what they would like to share with others, particularly in the black community, after just living through this experience. Siri shares her personal journey of overcoming misinformation and distrust, emphasizing the need for education and awareness. Andi questions what they would like to say to their donor family. Jennie expresses her deep gratitude to the donor family for their selflessness and the opportunity to continue living. Jennie and Siri discuss the activities and experiences they can now enjoy, such as walking and attending events. 3 Key Points: Jennie shared that she had sarcoidosis, and as a result, her lungs were severely damaged, which caused pulmonary hypertension. So before the donation, she had a backpack that had oxygen and a fanny pack that had a heart pump. It took a year to get Jennie listed and two years before she got her transplant because there were certain conditions to be met for her to get the transplant. Siri, Jennie's daughter recalls the long period where her mother's life felt limited and the journey they had to go through in organ donation. Siri is also an artist, creator, activist, & cultivator, and she found inspiration in her mother's journey. Siri shares her personal journey of overcoming misinformation and distrust, emphasizing the need for education and awareness. The conversation touches on the historical context of distrust in the medical system within the Black community and the importance of updating that narrative. Tweetable Quotes: “...with that waiting process, the stars have to be perfectly aligned, because you have to be, to be at the top of the list, you got to be the sickest of the sick, right? But you can't be too sick.” - Andi Johnson “My faith helped to sustain me, and I feel like God showed me a moment on the other side of this. And I just kind of held on to that.” - Jennie Wright “I think a lot of our work with people experiencing homelessness just came from the understanding early that life could take you anywhere, no matter what type of person you are, no matter where you come from, you can place where you just need people.” - Siri Imani “I was always planning on making sure, like, people knew who my mama was, people knew who my grandma was, and really remember because they made it clear who they were in their lifetimes.” - Siri Imani 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/

Welcome to today's episode of This Thing Called Life, where we explore the evolving landscape of organ, tissue, and eye donation. Join us as we chat with Dorrie Dils, the CEO of Gift of Life Michigan and the new President of the AOPO. In this episode, Dorrie and Andi Johnson delve into Dorrie's journey as a female CEO in the transplant field, discussing the challenges and triumphs she's faced along the way. They'll also highlight the significant increase in donations following expanded donor criteria, reflect on Dorrie's impactful speech, and uncover the steps that led her to this pivotal role. Don't miss this insightful conversation! Episode Highlights: Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift Of Life Michigan and the new president of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, shares her experience in her inaugural year as president.  Dorrie shares that she has been in this field for 33 years, and there's been tremendous pressure from Congress, the White House, and outside entities to drive donation forward. There have been concerns due to change in metrics which may cause a rise in decertified OPO's and what that will do for patients who are waiting and for donors and donor families who wish to donate.  There has been a lot of change but Dorrie shares that she feels better today than ever before. Dorrie shares that the other big thing, which can't be denied, is just the massive increase in donations after circulatory death or ECD. Andi asked Dorrie what other positions she has worked in the OPO, Andi wanted to take a minute to have Dorrie share, as a woman in this field, what she did to reach her position of leadership today. Dorrie shares that she was in Critical Care Nursing, then a Donation Coordinator, and at times needed to be in hospital development, PR and Public Education.  Leadership opportunities led her to becoming procurement director then Chief Clinical Officer, before becoming the president, and CEO. Dorrie talks about her speech and what motivated her to talk about correlating the Barbie Movie (2023) and the need to be perfect in the transplant world.   3 Key Points: President and CEO of the Gift Of Life Michigan and the new president of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, Dorrie Dils shares her experience in her inaugural year of presidency, and the challenges due to changes. Dorrie shares that the other big thing, which can't be denied, is the massive increase in donation after circulatory death or ECD. Dorrie shares her years of experience, the steps that she had to take before stepping into her leadership role as a woman CEO, and the role of her deep passion for her working field.    Tweetable Quotes: “I've been in this field for 33 years, and it truly is the biggest change I've ever seen in our work, and there's been tremendous pressure from Congress and the White House and outside entities to drive donation forward, which has been a good thing.” - Dorrie Dils “We have in the world, have the best system for organ transplantation. And I think sometimes that gets forgotten.” - Andi Johnson “But I think the biggest ‘aha' moment is just how I've always been a hard worker. I've always felt in control of my success.” - Dorrie Dils “This field has evolved so much, and one of the things that I really hope will be my legacy is the evolution of how women are seen and treated in this field.” - Dorrie Dils 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/

This Thing Called Life Podcast will be on a summer hiatus returning this fall.  The essence of our mission remains. When we return, you can expect more powerful organ, eye, and tissue donation stories from the donors, recipients, families, and frontline healthcare workers. While we're on this break, if you or someone you know is seeking information about organ, eye, and tissue donation, I strongly encourage you to visit lifepassiton.org. It's a rich source of resources, stories, and opportunities for you to make a difference. Remember, every act of giving, no matter how small, has the potential to change a life. Even in our absence, let's continue to spread the word, encourage others to register as donors, and keep the spirit of "This Thing Called Life" alive and thriving.   Thank you for your unwavering support, understanding, and compassion for us and our guests throughout this journey. Until we meet again, take care of yourselves and each other.

Episode 93: Family Genetics That Lead To The Need For a Liver Transplant For Tony Burdette   On this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi will speak with Mr. Tony Burdette, who will discuss his involvement with organ donation. Tony's life was saved in August 2019 via a liver transplant. His father passed down a genetic disease called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency to him. He was diagnosed in the early 1990s, with symptoms including exhaustion and low platelet counts. Tune in for his great story.   Episode Highlights:  Tony had never given much thought to organ donation, but sometimes it takes a crisis to bring it to the forefront of your mind. Tony's father underwent a liver transplant in 1997, but it was a painful experience since, after 14 hours, the surgeons came out and told them that he probably wouldn't survive. But, happily, doctors were able to get it to work sufficiently, and he received a second transplant two days later.  The hereditary condition does not impact everyone. They can live perfectly well without it. However, something triggered Tony's liver in early 2019, and his liver began to fail rapidly. Tony had all the excess fluid in his body, common for people with liver failure. So, he had to have the procedure called a thoracentesis, and over seven months, he had to have that procedure done 52 times. Tony couldn't keep having these procedures every other day. So at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for evaluation at the Transplant clinic, he was put on the list rather quickly around the beginning of May and received his liver on August 3rd, 2019. It was a quick illness for Tony and a painful one, but thankfully his transplant and the surgery were very successful. He was discharged from the hospital just five days later without any complications. Tony has a brother. He obviously has the deficiency, but he hasn't had any symptoms so far. He is under the care of a GI, and they are keeping close tabs on him. Both of Tony's children have a deficiency as well, and they are under the care of the liver transplant team at children just out of precaution. The doctors check them every year and have liver scans done to keep a check on them and make sure everything is ok. About three weeks after Tony's transplant, he received two letters in the mail from elementary-age girls who wrote him a letter and said that they just wanted to let him know that he had received their mother's liver. Tony has studied music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory, one of the greatest in the world, and it is such an honor to be accepted there. Tony is the artistic director of an organization called Aviva Voices Choral Organization. It's an organization that he founded, and it provides high-quality community choirs for children, youth, and adults. The program's cornerstone is the brand new work for a course and orchestra called the breath of life, and it was written actually before the pandemic. Often, being open with what you are going through can impact other people. When Tony was going through all this, we posted periodically about this on social media as encouragement for people. Tony encourages people to not be afraid no matter what you are going through in life. Be open, share, and find people that you can talk to and know that your story can impact people.   3 Key Points: Alpha-1 antitrypsin is an enzyme and it is created in the liver. The deficiency is that the enzyme gets trapped in the liver and creates a deficiency in the lungs. But when that enzyme gets trapped in the liver, it can cause liver damage. Tony has spent his whole career serving as a professional musician, singing professionally with opera and orchestras around the country, and doing a lot of conducting with choirs and teaching singing. Tony's concert's date is Saturday, April 30th, the last day of the month and the last day of donating life month. The concert is taking place at Christ Church Cathedral, which is a huge, beautiful venue.   Tweetable Quotes: “The dichotomy of organ donation is that, a life has to be lost in order to give life, but it's also a beautiful thing of sacrifice.” - Tony “You never know how donation and transplantation will work, but Tony thinks it's probably healing in many ways for both the donor family and the recipient.” – Andi “One of our core values is to be able to use the power of music to shed light on important things, and when we started this organization, we said that we wanted to have at least one concert once a year.” – Tony “Creating a free concert is based on the theme of life, the celebration of life, and use it woven together with stories. And the interesting thing about it is to bring awareness and make people aware of the power of organ donation.” – Tony “We are a core organization, and we specialize in classical music. You don't have to be affected by classical music or anything because there will be various music.” - Tony   Resources Mentioned: LifeCenter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube|  Twitter Andi Johnson  website |LinkedIn  Organ Donation Website https://www.vivavoices.net/about/ https://www.facebook.com/tony.burdette.5

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!

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

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

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

This episode of This Thing Called Life 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.

Todos Pueden Ser Donantes   During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with Courtney Schapier, a liver donor, the sister of a liver recipient, and one of the Organ Donation Coordinators at LifeCenter. Upon learning about her brother's need for a liver, Courtney made the incredibly brave decision to make a difference. Her story is simply amazing!   Episode Highlights:    Courtney has been an Organ Donation Coordinator at LifeCenter for the past 6-7 years. Donation Coordinators handle the medical management and evaluation for organ donors. Amongst other responsibilities, Courtney plays a large part in matching organs to donors. Sometimes, organ donation acts as the silver lining to families that are going through an incredibly hard time. Donation coordination is a 24-hour job because donation does not run on a 9-5 schedule. From the time that a case opens to the time it closes, Courtney is on the clock for 36 hours. Courtney uses CrossFit and a great support system as outlets for the high stress levels of this job. With such a high-stress job, it's no surprise that there is a high level of turnover. There have been times where the stress of the job has made Courtney question her desire to be here. COVID brought everything to a screeching halt when it first exploded back in March. The sheer amount of unknown information has made the ongoing global pandemic that much scarier. Things have finally begun to get back to normal, meaning more lives are being saved via organ donation. In 2016, Courtney's brother discovered a huge mass on his liver that required a transplant. Unfortunately, Courtney lost her father when she was only 2 months old, so her brother acted as a father to her. Courtney was informed that she was a donor match for her brother while supporting a family that was pulling life-support. The weight of the situation started to feel heavy when Courtney sat on the pre-op table. Sitting outside the OR doors on the pre-op table, Courtney was rolled back for surgery after only 20 or 30 minutes. There were a handful of signs that something was wrong with Courtney's brother's liver long before the doctors caught it. After everything was said and done, it took a 10-hour procedure for Courtney to donate over half of her liver. The first thing that Courtney can remember is getting sick immediately after surgery. Courtney finally got to see her brother when she was transferred to the ICU. It was a complete shift in lifestyle for Courtney from the moment that she found out she was a donor match for her brother. Finding living liver donors is more rare than finding living kidney donors. Both Courtney and her brother fully recovered and are as healthy as they can be today. TX Jet was kind enough to donate its services to fly Courtney and her family out for surgery. After her donation, Courtney was sure that she was at the right job at LifeCenter. Courtney was comforted by the knowledge that everything in her life made her the perfect donor for her brother. This year, Courtney is focusing on being more present when she is with loved ones. The amazing thing about donation and transplantation is the opportunity to potentially save a life.   3 Key Points: Organ Donation Coordinators manage everything from the moment a donor decides to donate, to the time that the organ is sent to its recipient. It takes a very special person to not only manage the responsibilities of being a Donation Coordinator, but also the rollercoaster of emotions that come with the job. Courtney donated just over 50% of her own liver, which was oversized, to begin with, to save her brother's life.   Resources Mentioned: LifeCenter (website) (Facebook) (Instagram) (YouTube) (Twitter) Andi Johnson (website) (LinkedIn) TX Jet (website)

On this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi Johnson speaks with Aimee Cordrey. She will be sharing the gift of life that her son, Nicholas has given to many recipients and how influenced others to do the same. She will also be reflecting some light upon the life of her son and sharing her story of grief and pathway to healing. Tune in now for this special story. Episode Highlights:  Aimee Cordrey is married to Darren Cordray. They have been married for over 20 years and been together for a little bit longer than that. They met in college, and they have two sons Richard, a 19 year old, and Nick, who would be 17, but he is forever 15. Both of them are athletes, very different yet very similar in their interests and just how they approach life. In the middle of the pandemic Aimee and her family had been quarantined like everyone else for quite some time. School had just ended. Nick had just finished freshman year of high school and it was Memorial Day. Nick and Aimee went shopping that day to get some hamburgers and some vegetables and different things to grill out. Nick hadn't seen his friends because of quarantine. Aimee allowed him to go meet some of his friends at a local ice cream shop that was within walking distance of their house because one of his best friends was leaving for vacation the next day and she was going to be gone for two weeks. Nick decided to take a shower at night. All of a sudden Aimee heard the water go on and then they heard some really heavy, intense breathing, they were shocked. They thought it was our other son Richard, playing video games. She went to the basement, but it was not Richard, it was Nick. Nick loved life and he approached everything with this attitude of – "I can do it." His family really believed he was going to be okay and pull through. Aimee explains how and when they went about the conversation of Nick being an orgn donor. The hospital staff acknowledged all the protocols that they have in place, and they contacted Life Center. Nick had not yet been able to get his temps. He would have been eligible for them. The month that everything happened, he had actually registered as an organ donor. The letter that Aimee received said that Nick saved five people with seven organs, and probably impacted 40 to 50 others. The only thing Nick was unable to donate was his intestines, which they initially believed he was going to be able to do until they started doing the surgery. Aimee shares her thoughts on what it all meant to her, Darren and Richard to know that Nick helped so many people by donating his organs.  “Learning that sometimes bad things happen to good people and learning to be ok with that and it is not even being ok with it, it's just accepting it- that is one piece of it. The donation piece brings that pride.” -Aimee Aimee thinks that being able to talk about organ donation enables her to talk about Nick.  Andi feels like Aimee is doing so much just to help people understand the magnitude of the donation and its impact. Andi asks Aimee about the project that she is working on at his school in his honor.  One of Nick's friends, Grayson, started a change.org petition. He wanted to have the school board name the soccer field after Nick. There isn't a lesson here when it comes to losing a son. The only lesson that Aimee has learned is that bad things happen to good people, and she has learned that when you encounter a loss like this you integrate it into your life, you don't overcome it. Grief is something that has stages and some stages may be re-visited at times. It is ongoing. Nick loved everything. All of the time he was researching,  reading to understand deeply, caring deeply, everything was with passion, everything was with full intent. He didn't do anything without truly caring about it. If he was gonna do it, he was doing it 100% all in and that's what Nick was, and he is. 3 Key Points: Nick had a brain aneurysm that his family didn't know about. Nick did not complain of a headache that day. He didn't have any signs of anything that day. He had an amazing day, and it was that quick. They called 911. They were very quick, they took him to the hospital, his aneurysm ruptured three times. At the hospital, they did surgery on him and for 9 days his family thought Nick was going to make it.  Aimee tells the listeners how Nick was able to help other people through the gift of life that he was able to give.  Each one of us is different. Unique as people, Aimee thinks everyone's grief is very unique. She needed to be around other people. Aimee thinks that the donor family council is amazing. They are a source of strength. They are unshakable.   Resources Mentioned: LifeCenter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube|  Twitter Andi Johnson  website |LinkedIn  Organ Donation Website    

Episode 74: The Incredible Journey Of Receiving A Kidney On this episode of This Thing Called Life, Andi is going to talk to Marty and Bonnie Garneret. Bonnie is not only Marty's wife but his kidney champion also. Marty and his wife have been married for 41 years this month, and he says that has married an angel without wings. He shares his special journey; You don't want to miss it!   Episode Highlights:  There are two types of diabetes, type one, which you are born with, and in that, your body does not produce any insulin, so you are on insulin shots from the time you are born. The second type comes from heredity, bad eating, lack of exercise, or all the bad stuff you do - lifestyle factors. If the doctor says you are prediabetic, that means your sugar is running high regularly, and it is destroying your body. So, you need to get to a specialist or endocrinologist. It is not a disease to be taken lightly because it leads to chronic kidney disease, which Marty has. If you don't pay enough attention to it, then you are graded on a scale of stage one to stage five transplant material, and that is where Marty is at 70 years of age.  When you first start out with  kidney disease, you are one of about 100 to 150,000 people on a list of possible recipients. Marty is lucky enough to meet a gal named Darcy Gibson, who has a foundation, a charitable organization, called Off The List, inc. To go through initial testing is a rigorous process. There are three different people you meet with. One is a social worker to check your mental capacity, the second is a nutritionist to manage your diet, and the third is a team of doctors and nurses that help you through tests. To get off the list, you have to receive a donor's kidney, and Bonnie has done this through Facebook, through yard signs, emails, and extensive, unbelievable work this woman has done on Marty's behalf. The list that Marty is talking about is a list to receive a deceased donor kidney. To get a living donor kidney, you must find someone willing to donate, a friend, a relative, or just a generous donor, and it is tough. It is a completely anonymous process, as someone is tested on your behalf. You would never know that because hospitals take that very seriously, and they want to ensure that the person who is doing this wants to do it for the right reasons and that there is no sense of pressure. Bonnie decided that UPPO would be perfect because people would have to ask a question and start the conversation. What is UPPO, or who is UPPO? Life for UPPO is a Facebook page, and we are working with Christ Hospital, and Trisha is the donor coordinator. The typical diabetic signs that Marty paid no attention to was he slept 12 hours and felt like he didn't sleep 5 minutes. He drank unbelievable amounts of liquid, whether it be coffee, pop, water, and he lost a lot of weight. The diet you have to be on when looking for a kidney is extremely difficult. There are many things to avoid and take care of. There are two categories of people when it comes to the conversation about being a living donor. We need to do a better job of filling the gap of information and helping people understand this is something they can do. Children's hospitals prefer to give it to children, and they should. But if something happened and there aren't any children who would need it, then the adult on that list would receive a kidney. One of Marty's dreams has always been that he would like to start in Maine and eat lobster all the way down the East Coast until they have to get an oversized bus to take him home. Marty looks good on the outside, but he's not good on the inside, and that's what a lot of people don't understand because he looks great. But they don't understand that the kidney function is still going down, and you can't see that. If people understood how grateful recipients were, it would cause a lot more people to donate because they are heroes and become angels without wings. Bonnie has read a lot on the national kidney Instagram page and other places that donors live longer than people who have not donated.   3 Key Points: Marty and Bonnie tell the listeners about the Facebook page they set up for people. The Facebook page is called life for UPPO. UPPO is Marty just because their oldest grandson when he was very young, can't say Grandpa, and he came out with UPPO. Marty doesn't think people understand how serious this disease is, and it will kill you. Many thousands of people die every day from kidney failure, and several things work against you. Marty and Bonnie talk about the misconception surrounding kidney donation.    Resources Mentioned: LifeCenter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube|  Twitter Andi Johnson  website |LinkedIn  Organ Donation Website https://www.facebook.com/life4uppo Tricia Monson Christ Hospital Donor Coordinator 513-585-1440 Marty and Bonnie Garneret Off the list inc, Darci Gibson

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

March is National Kidney Month. On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson talks with Mike McConnell about kidney health and community outreach.         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/

    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.     Resources: https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.instagram.com/lifecentercincy/ https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH https://twitter.com/LifeCenterCincy

March is National Kidney Month. On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson talks with someone who saw a vital need and acted on it in regards to living kidney donation, Brett Milam. Tune in to hear his journey as a living kidney donor. Episode Highlights: Andi previews National Kidney Month and the importance of education. Kidney disease, diabetes is often referred to as the silent killer.  There are more than 37 million Americans who have Kidney disease and high blood pressure which often leads to kidney failure. More than 90,000 people are waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant. To get more information about kidney health and prevention, please visit lifepassiton.org or nkf.org today. Guest, Brett Milam, shares when he first thought about kidney donation. He saw a fellow journalist through Instagram who made it seem really doable. Andi asks Brett to talk about the process to become a donor. He went through UC Medical Center.  Brett says you don't pay anything to be a living donor and the commitment was not overwhelming. The Medical Center even reimbursed his parking tickets. Andi talks about the safeguards in place for routes of discrimination. How long do you need to be off work? Brett shares what it feels like when your organs are reconfiguring after surgery. Brett has visited dialysis centers and talks about what it is like. What if your family needs a kidney after you have previously donated? The fall after his surgery he went skydiving for the second time in his life. He talks about the drawal to do it. He overcame his fear of public speaking to champion this cause and in 2022, Brett decided to work for Life Center. Andi asks Brett to talk about mental health. He had a personal journey with depression that he navigated through and what helped him overcome. What is talk therapy? If you are struggling with mental health, Brett has advice for you. He said do not fear telling your primary care physician that you are struggling mentally. You may have to go through different therapists and/or medications but it is very worth it. Andi talks about recognizing managing new normal after covid and how Life Center decided to offer counseling to their staff. Brett loves to read. He talks about what he enjoys reading. He recently read Stranger In The Woods. Brett did not know who his donor recipient was but it was still such a fulfilling experience. Andi reminds listeners that there are 103,933 men women and children who need life saving organ transplants. What can you do to help?   3 Key Points: March is National Kidney Month. Many Americans have kidney disease and high blood pressure which often leads to kidney failure which then in turn requires dialysis or kidney transplant. It is important to be educated to be out in front of the disease in prevention. Brett Milam shares that it was a simple calculation for him to decide to be a living kidney donor.  Life Center's mission and purpose drew Brett in. He thought he would work in journalism forever until a perfect turn of events led him to use his skills for this specific organization.   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/

On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson highlights March as National Kidney Month.  Kidney disease is often referred to as the “silent killer” because so many people have experienced it and complications that cause it without knowing it for an extended period of time. Tune in so you can be educated about this important topic and proactive with your own health.    Episode Highlights: Do you know what Kidney health is? Do you understand your family history as it relates to kidney disease? Andi says, “More than 37 million Americans have kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which lead to kidney failure often.” What does that mean? More than 90,000 people in the US are waiting for life saving kidney transplants. Andi lists the signs of kidney disease and encourages the listeners to visit nkf.org for more information. How can you create generational health? In Cincinnati, LifeCenter is working with The Links Incorporated and Closing The Health Gap and will be holding their first ever forum on this issue of diabetes and kidney disease.  Andi says they have seen an increase in children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and that is the wrong way to be trending. Andi says the partnership forum will open the conversation for physicians and others who have been through the experience so that everyone can be educated to take steps they need to for generational health. You can find out more about Closing the Health Gap at https://closingthehealthgap.org/ There will be a lot  more content coming on the podcast this year. For previous episodes visit https://lifepassiton.org/ Tweetable Quotes: “More than 37 million Americans have kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which lead to kidney failure often.” -Andi “More than 90,000 people in our country are waiting for life saving kidney transplants.” -Andi “This is a great month to start the conversation about kidney health and understand if this may impact you.” -Andi Resources:  https://closingthehealthgap.org/ https://www.kidney.org/ https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson finishes up the series of exploring all the parts and roles in the donation process at the OPO. There is one final position to cover, the Executive Director of Life Center, held by Barry Massa. He is also President of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO). Tune in.   Episode Highlights: Donation truly takes a community. Andi reviews how many entities come together to make everything happen. Barry Massa is the Executive Director of Life Center and has had that position since June of last year. Life Center is part of 56 Organ Procurement Centers across the United States; 48 of those are members of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO). Barry explains what AOPO does. Andi asks why some centers aren't a part of AOPO. Andi asks Barry what some of his biggest challenges are. “The whole donation and transplantation system has been under the microscope as of late”, says Barry. Barry talks about their positive outlook and taking on the focus to a more proactive stance and educating where misinformation is happening.  The National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine was asked by Congress to do a  research study on the entirety of the donation and transplantation system which was reported in February 2022. Barry talks about the results  Some people who need to be on the transplant list are not because of one reason or another. Barry explains. An executive order by former President Trump addressing issues with transplants and encouraging more transplants to occur stirred the change. Barry said it started as a Kidney Health Initiative. Barry talks about the trends over the last 5 years. He also talks about taking a systematic approach to ensure that organs are used and don't have to be discarded. What changes do hospitals need to have? What government agencies need to come together to dialogue more change?  What does donation and transplantation look like in the next 5 years? Andi asks Barry to share the biggest misconceptions he hears. Andy defines Barry as a bridge builder who desires to do the very best he can to improve everything. 3 Key Points: Barry explains how AOPO works and the beauty of working together to save lives. Every OPO has looked to see what they can do better. Organ donations and organs transplanted have gone up over the last 5 years and many are working to continue that. In 5 years, Barry envisions a much more cohesive donation and transplantation system that allows more people to get transplanted.     Resources: https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

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

During this episode of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson speaks with Donna Jones Baker who recently received the gift of life through the donation of a kidney and a heart. Donna has learned to appreciate organ donation and its ability to help save so many lives!   Episode Highlights:    February 14th is National Donor Day, a day to honor all those who have been affected by organ donation. Donna was originally born in Paducah, Kentucky and went to Murray State University. After getting married, Donna lived in Baltimore for 22 years before moving to Cincinnati to become the CEO of The Urban League. Had it not been for the heart attack that she suffered, Donna believes she would still be at The Urban League. Initially, Donna received a Z-pack for what she thought to be a cold or a flu. Donna was able to make it to the hospital after suffering from a heart attack where she was equipped with an LVAD. Doctors wanted to give Donna a heart transplant, but couldn't because they discovered cancer on her kidney. After doctors removed her kidney, Donna was placed on the transplant list for a new heart and kidney. According to the numbers, people of color suffer disproportionately from the effects of COVID. The months between her kidney removal and kidney/heart transplant were very scary for Donna. Doctors feared that Donna's remaining kidney would not be able to support her and that she would have to go on dialysis. The same doctor that fixed Donna's LVAD performed her heart and kidney transplant. Donna had to be careful with the medications that she took because the heart and kidney don't want the same things. With the help of her husband, Greg, Donna was able to make it through a transplant during a pandemic. Donna advises those going through a similar situation to try not to think about it all the time. The gifts of life and grandchildren keep Donna grateful for every day that she opens her eyes. Through the pandemic, Donna has remained in touch with her children and grandchildren via Zoom. Working in organ donation is a tough job, but one that saves many lives. Donna hopes to schedule a trip to Baltimore to visit her grandchildren once the pandemic is over. Right now, there are over 100,000 people in need of a life-saving transplant surgery. 3 Key Points: After initially thinking she had the flu, Donna agreed to host a round table event on Friday the 13th. That following Sunday, she suffered a heart attack from Giant Cell Myocarditis. Many African Americans decline to become organ donors out of a fear that if someone of note needed an organ, doctors would take it from them without consideration for their lives. To stay in touch and grow with her family members, Donna has started a Sunday night Zoom Bible study.   Resources Mentioned: LifeCenter (website) (Facebook) (Instagram) (YouTube) (Twitter) Andi Johnson (website) (LinkedIn) Donna's Story Urban League Of Greater Southwestern Ohio

On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson finishes up the series on  ‘The Donation Process Through The Lens Of The OPO', exploring how things work and who is involved. There will be two additional guests for the series that will join in to share what they do within the OPO. Today, Matt Niles joins the show to discuss his new role at Life Center as the Chief Operations Officer. Tune in!   Episode Highlights: Andi reminds the audience that she has interviewed people in every department of the OPO because each one plays a critical role in the donation value chain. You can check out any of the interviews from previous episodes at : https://lifepassiton.org/ or wherever you listen to your podcasts. It truly takes a community to facilitate donation. Andi reviews everyone who is involved. The purpose of this series has been two-fold: 1) to explain more about the OPO's role and functionality so that the audience understands how the organ, eye, and tissue donations come to be as well as the intricacies of the life-saving and life-healing process. 2) If you are considering a career change, especially to something with deeper meaning to you, you can learn more about the different roles to the piece of the puzzle. Andi introduces Matt Niles who is new to Life Center specifically but not new to the OPO world.  Matt Niles shares his background in Organ Procurement. He has been in the donation field since 2001.  Matt is from a small rural town in Pennsylvania. His family was very big on volunteering and he volunteered in their small community hospital when he was in junior high school. At age 14, he saw a pamphlet about organ donation in the hospital. He filled out the donor card that evening with his parents. Matt has been with Life Center for 3 months. Previously, he has been in many different roles that ultimately led him to being the COO here.  Matt shares his goals as he has taken over the role of CEO with Life Center. He says a lot of changes are happening in the industry and he wants to best prepare everyone for moving forward in those changes. The field of transplant is relatively new, only being around for about 40 years so there are a lot of innovations and changes everyday.  Matt has had friends who have received transplants and he has had a friend who passed away waiting on the National Transplant Waiting List and he is a donor family. He is very passionate about it being his life's work. Organ transplantation doesn't happen without donation so it is an incredibly important process. Matt talks about everything that he oversees. Andi asks him to share the expertise that he brings. Matt shares the personal story of his grandfather who was a donor. Donor families and the people waiting are Matt's WHY and focus.  Andi talks about the value of Matt's outside perspective and ability to challenge Life Center for growth.  Matt has the perspective of a donor family, as an ICU and ER nurse where he cared for patients at their bedside, and as a clinician being a part of the process when the OPO comes in and provides the opportunity of donation to a family. He started out as a donation coordinator at the OPO in Pittsburg, PA When he wanted to go back to grad school he switched over to a large hospital as a director of the medical ICU and dialysis centers. He remained the chair of the hospital donor committee. After grad school, he had the opportunity to return to OPO as a director in Washington D.C.  Andi asks Matt to share what a day in his work looks like and how it starts.  What about the philosophy of some people in the community who believe that if they are a registered donor they will be killed for their organs? What does it take to qualify to be a donor? There are so many misconceptions in healthcare in general and even more in donation and transplants. Matt says it is their responsibility to acknowledge the doubts and fears but also bring the powerful truths and educate so families can make the right decision for them. Andi asks Matt to share what he finds most challenging about his role today. What does it take to be a COO at an Organ Procurement Organization? Andi reminds everyone that there are 104,398 men, women, and children who need a life-saving organ. Learn what being a donor really means or register as a donor at https://lifepassiton.org/or https://registerme.org/  3 Key Points: Matt Niles shares that his school of thought has always been that he won't need his organs anymore when he is gone so he should give them to someone who does; It has been a very straightforward decision for him since he was 14 and led him to his career and where he is today. Transplant is a relatively new field, only having been around about 40 years. Matt says there are innovations and changes everyday that they need to stay on top of and ahead of and ultimately eliminate the deaths that are occuring on the waiting list. Matt clarifies what it takes to qualify to be an organ donor and that the hospital always 100% of the time tries to save all patient lives.   Resources: https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson winds down the series on  ‘The Donation Process Through The Lens Of The OPO', exploring how things work and who is involved. If you missed the previous episode in the series, you can find them at lifepassiton.org or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Today, Andi talks with Maryanne Krumpleman, the finance manager. Tune in to hear how this piece of the puzzle comes together. Episode Highlights: Andi explains how Life Center works with so many different entities to facilitate organ donation. The United Network of Organ Sharing houses the waitlist of the more than 100,000 people waiting for an organ. Andi reminds the audience of the ‘book ends' to this process and that it is the people. The people who designate themselves to be donors or their families…it all begins with that yes and that is how everything unfolds. If you're thinking about a career change, as many look to do something with more meaning, organ donation is a wonderful career path; They give back every single day. Maryanne Krumpleman is the finance manager of Life Center. Prior to COVID in 2019, she made the decision to leave corporate America where she had spent most of her career. She says it was the best decision of her life to start working for Life Center in 2020. Five years ago, Maryanne's best friend's husband was in need of a kidney. It turns out his wife was a match to be a donor which is very unusual. They went through the transplant process in 2017 and are doing very well today. What does the finance department do at the Life Center? Maryanne explains that they are a nonprofit organization but structured similarly to a hospital. How do all of the employees get paid as well as health insurance, insurance on the building, all other vendors that are included? After a family gives the authorization, Life Center's finance department takes on the cost of donation.  Andi asks Maryanne Krumpleman to explain the aspects of finance. There are many parts to the ‘checks and balances' of the finances for Life Center. Maryanne explains how many things must get approved by the board of directors and Executive Director as well as audits and aligning with all government regulations. What is a sack fee?  Healthcare in general is expensive and Andi explains there is a cost to make everything operate efficiently and appropriately. Maryanne explains that there is a pay scale for different types of tissues. Andi asks Maryanne what the most challenging aspects of her job are. All of the managers have a great passion for the overall mission. Maryanne explains that in a corporate world, all the meetings were about how much money could be made, the bottom line, etc. She shares how it is truly a breath of fresh air at Life Center because the focus is not on money but on the mission of saving and enhancing the lives of people. What kinds of skills would you need to fill a similar role to Maryanne's? Maryanne talks about how they receive memorial contributions and how their responsibility is to use those funds to spread the word and utilize them well.  Andi says the generosity of the community has been overwhelming to see over the years and the importance of educating the community in return. home at the end of the day.” -Maryanne “Today there are 104,869 men, women, and children who are in need of a lifesaving organ and also today 21 of those individuals will die because the organ they needed was not available,” says Andi. She explains how you can help. 3 Key Points: Maryanne's eyes were opened to how many people are on the list waiting for kidneys specifically when she was alongside her best friend and her husband going through the transplant process. There are many aspects of the finance department. Maryanne explains all aspects from weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly, etc. and how all the monitoring and auditing works as well as in accordance with the government. Life Center is passionately committed to the mission of saving and enhancing lives. It is challenging and very rewarding. The organization is set apart by how all of their functions work together for the overall goal and truly making a difference.       Resources: https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH