Podcasts about This Thing Called Life

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

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  

On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson continues 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 Katie Wright,  a family aftercare coordinator with Life Center. . Tune in to hear her personal connection to the organization as well as her career path. Episode Highlights: Katie, a family aftercare coordinator introduces herself. She has been with Life Center for nine years. Andi asks Katie what led her to begin working at Life Center; She shares that her brother was waiting on the transplant list and ended up passing away while he was waiting. He went on to be a tissue donor. He was young at 32. Katie used to work in the communication department and she actually started up the aftercare department when Life Center wanted to make a bigger support system for donor families. What exactly does aftercare do? Katie talks about outcome letters which thanks families and explains what they know about what their gifts and how they helped. What is the communication process between recipient and donor family? “Every recipient and every donor family handles their grief and their survivor's guilt and medical bumps in the road differently”, says Katie. She explains that some families want the letter and sometimes they don't. Their department balances that to meet the needs of what people want and need. Andi asks Katie to talk about how Aftercare helps in bereavement.  Katie talks about events and live streaming to reach families and give opportunities for them to connect with other families. Andi shares her perspective on families interacting with each other as she has seen it play out. Families receive a memorial gift from Life Center too to celebrate and remember their family members. What is the Donor Family Council? Andi asks Katie to share how her family personally remembers her brother. Katie and Andi talk  about The Path Of Life located in a local park, Mt. Echo. Families receive ribbons of remembrance to tie on trees if they choose. Andi asks Katie what the most rewarding part of working at Life Center is. There are many people struggling with grief; Andi says lifepassiton.org has a lot of resources and encourages checking it out.     3 Key Points: How  does the Family Aftercare Department contribute to the value chain of organ, eye, and tissue donation? Andi and Katie discuss what they do and how it impacts lives. Katie's personal experience with her brother being a tissue donor at 32 after passing away waiting on the organ transplant list which prepared her to be the one who actually helped start up the aftercare department which Life Center specifically created to provide more comprehensive care and support for donor families. Recipients and donor families sometimes do want contact and others do not. The aftercare department helps facilitate the communications if/when it is appropriate to meet everybody's needs.   Resources: https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

During this episode of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson talks to Debbie Hayes. She is a healthcare leader in Cincinnati, and specifically she leads a number one ranked hospital in the Cincinnati region. Tune in to hear her experiences and perspective on kidney donation. Episode Highlights:  Debbie began as a nurse at Christ Hospital. She worked her way up to being CEO, also led the Board of Directors at LifeCenter Organ Donor Network for 9-10 years.  She started her career 34 years ago as a student nurse aide. The one thing that always amazed her about this organization is that you are given opportunities to grow and develop your talents. The pandemic was one of the most challenging times in the history of healthcare, but it has also been one of the most rewarding times. Because of the extraordinary efforts of an incredible team of people working they have still kept that mission of the organization at the forefront of everything that they do despite every challenge. “We are definitely grateful for all of our hospital partners throughout our service area who are able to facilitate organ, eye, and tissue donation”, says Andi. Many people who have organ failures of any kind are not able to fully experience what life is all about,which is why Debbie is passionate about this. Andi inquires, during the pandemic, “Did that affect patients waiting for kidney transplants at Christ Hospital?” One of the trends that she has noticed during her time at the Life Center is that living kidney donation continues to increase. Debbie explains her thoughts about why we are seeing more people making that choice to be a living kidney donor. Andi had the opportunity to interview a young woman who was actually waiting for a kidney, and she was listed at Christ, and she just could not say enough about what a positive experience has been with her team there. There are probably a million-plus surgeries that occur in the country requiring donor tissue, which is very interesting.  Andi recalls a story about  a young woman who was a volunteer and ambassador, and she has been waiting for a kidney for about three years, and unfortunately, she passed away. But she was able to be a cornea donor, and it just meant so much to her husband and young daughter.  Debbie talks about who/what experience has helped shape her into the leader she has become. Andi asks Debbie to give advice to someone who is just starting out in their career in healthcare and may be inspired to lead a healthcare system down the road.  3 Key Points: Debbie shares how she maintains the passion for the work that she has been doing. She was recently named CEO of the Christ Hospital after serving as interim for a period of time, and just as an outsider looking in, it seems like health care leaders don't tend to stay put with this same place for so long. She shares what it is that kept her at Christ all of this time. During the pandemic, things at the LifeCenter were quite dramatic. Debbie talks about the changes they have had to undergo during this time to attract people to sign up to be donors.  There are about 750,000 people a year in the United States that have kidney failure. If we could get a transplant for every single one of those patients when they needed it, wouldn't that really make an impact in the United States?       Resources Mentioned: LifeCenter | website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube|  Twitter Andi Johnson  website |LinkedIn  Organ Donation Website  https://www.donatelife.net/nmdam/

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

On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson talks with Sarah Kepf to continue the series on “The Donation Process From The Lens of The OPO” where she has been taking listeners through step by step how the donation process works and all of the different departments and people involved within the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO). If you want to know more about how the gift of life comes to be through donation, tune in now!   Episode Highlights: Andi reviews the previous speakers in this series of exploring the process of donation through the OPO- Organ Procurement Organization.  The Process begins in Donation Support services with donation coordinators as the following step. There are also the family services coordinators, organ recovery specialists, and tissue recovery technicians. Andi has interviewed people in each of these departments - if you missed it be sure to check the episode list! Organ, eye, and tissue donation is deeply collaborative. It takes a community of hospitals and staff, transplant centers, the OPO, sometimes the coroner, and funeral homes. Did you know that a donor can have an open casket? Andi says, “The body of a donor is treated with the utmost care and integrity.” The Quality Assurance Department is critical to the donation chain. They ensure that the OPO is compliant in the recovery process as well as all policies are correct. They work closely with regulatory agencies to make sure that the organization is working in line with them.  Sarah Kepf introduces herself. She has been with Life Center for 11 years; She started as a tissue chart reviewer and is now the Quality Assurance Manager. Fresh out of nursing school Sarah joined The Life Center. She shares how she journeyed through her career to where she is now.  Andi asks Sarah to talk about The Quality Department's role in the donation value chain. Sarah's department works closely with auditors and surveyors from a regulatory standpoint. There is also a safety standpoint of the Quality department;  Sarah is the safety officer. If an event occurs, she is interviewing staff members or she is testing different incidents.  Sarah says they are also heavily involved in process improvement which is up and coming to ensure that the organization is running as smoothly as possible and staying up to date with any new changes.  The Quality department started with two people and they now have eight.  Sarah talks about how they continue to stay true to the mission of enhancing lives and honoring all in the very important process they follow. Andi asks Sarah to give examples of incidents that she may have to investigate. If an error occurs it is a chance for improvement. The other departments have an understanding of how Quality is improving work for everyone. How can someone get involved in the quality department? Sarah shares that it is beneficial to have a medical background as well as attention to detail and ability to critically think. Andi asks Sarah what is most challenging about her role.  Healthcare is ever-changing so Quality really has to stay on top of changes and who the changes will impact as it could be one department or could trickle down to another as well. Sometimes people question how regulated organ donation is. Andi and Sarah discuss myths people believe. Sarah brings up how they have laws that heavily regulate everything. If you are interested in life center career opportunities or becoming a donor, you can check at https://lifepassiton.org/   3 Key Points: Organ, eye, and tissue donation takes a community working together. Hospitals and their staff, transplant centers, many in the OPO, coroners, and funeral homes. The Quality Assurance department ensures that the organization remains audit ready and that they are compliant with their regulatory and government bodies. Sarah shares how they do that. The Life Center continues to grow and flourish with their mission to enhance lives through donation while honoring those who gave. Sarah and Andi talk about how it is done in such a way that looks out for everyone.      Resources: https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with Chamoda Palmore, a father to a son that was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident on his way to football practice in 2014. As a man, Chamoda knows that he might grieve differently than other people, but as someone going through his own journey of grief, he knows it's important to find a way to grieve.   Episode Highlights:    Chamoda is a business owner that lost his son, Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore, to a motorcycle accident. Throughout his journey of grief, Chamoda has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. It takes a lot of patience to get through the grieving process. Chamoda has leaned heavily on his faith, friends, family, and various support organizations. After meeting a woman who lost 2 children to a car crash, Chamoda was able to put things into perspective. Even 6 years later, it doesn't feel real to Chamoda, it feels like someone is missing. Chamoda found it difficult to engage with other people, staying away from family functions and gatherings. If you have other children or people that depend on you, it's important to find some level of normalcy again. Giving back through Chamoda's Candy Cafe and Chamoda's foundation has helped Chamoda heal. Right now more than ever, people all over the world need support and care from anyone that can give it. Chamoda's 2 daughters and wife have all dealt with Chamoda's death in different ways. When tragedy first strikes, it's like the rainy season in April and it moistens up your heart to bloom in May. It's important to plant the right things, love, support, passion, during the initial phase of grieving. Chamoda understood that it was a slippery slope to turn to a path of destructive behavior if grief is not handled correctly. For about 2 months after his son died, Chamoda couldn't open the bible. Chamoda is comforted by knowing that as a tissue donor, Chamoda's death was able to help many people. The local driver's ed has incorporated Chamoda's organ and tissue donation into its program. It's hard for men to speak about their grief, but it's important to find someone to talk to about their feelings. Men feel that they have to be so strong for the family but that doesn't mean they can't let it out somewhere else. Around the holidays, it's important to find different ways to express your grief. Chamoda helped more than 30 people as a tissue and cornea donor. When his son died, Chamoda felt like an infant that just needed to be held. Have patience with those in your life that has lost someone; eventually, it will slow down, but for now, listen.   3 Key Points: Chamoda likens his journey of grief to that of a baby's journey of learning to walk. Right now, he is holding onto the banister as he guides his feet. Giving back to other people out there that are hurting can help someone heal and get through their own grief. Chamoda's organ and tissue donation, now a part of their local driver's ed video, has helped encourage others to become donors.   Resources Mentioned: LifeCenter (website) (Facebook) (Instagram) (YouTube) (Twitter) Andi Johnson (website) (LinkedIn) Chamoda's Candy Cafe (website, Facebook) What's Your Grief Grief In Common Refuge In Grief The Center for Loss

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

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

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

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

Canadian DJ and producer Sleepy Tom chats with Matty Perry for Unscripted. As well as making his own bright and bouncy dance pop, Sleepy Tom has produced official remixes for a number of heavy hitters in the electronic scene, and collaborated with Diplo on the certified gold single “Be Right There”. He's recently released his new single, "This Thing Called Life."

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

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.   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

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 talks to Dr. Govil,who has been in health care for many years, specifically working in the area of kidneys and kidney health He is a professor of medicine at UC Health as well as Director of Transplant and Chief Section of Transplantation.    Episode Highlights:  Dr. Govil shares has been in this field for over 20 years and he has dedicated more than 15 years of that time to take care of patients needing kidney transplants. Dr. Govil shares why he chose this area of medicine to practice in. One of Dr. Govil's first exposures as a medical resident was with a patient who had trace protein in the urine. All of them, as residents, ignored that component of lab finding and did not realize that their finding was a world-renowned figure in diabetic kidney disease. One in six of the US population is at risk for kidney disease, and more importantly, one in 10 out of the US has some element of kidney disease or chronic kidney disease. Dr. Govil says kidney disease is very silent. You may only have pain in the kidneys when you have physical problems like kidney stones or any cyst that is hurting you.  The only way you discover kidney disease is through the blood test and routine numbers analysis. Diet does play a role in making kidney disease worse or stable, but a lot of that has to be done with how we manage our primary disease, which is causing kidney disease.  It is very difficult to ask one patient to stop eating salt because everything we eat around us is loaded with salt, and it is very difficult to break that cycle, says Dr. Govil. Andi asks, “Is this kidney disease more prevalent here in America, or is it more prevalent in other parts of the world?” There are definitely certain aspects of kidney disease that we do not understand, which means that they may have familial clustering, says Dr. Govil. As we progress, we now can identify certain genes that make one more prone to have kidney disease, which does not mean that everyone who has it will present with it. Andi asks about Dr. Govil's experience specifically, “Do you see more of Caucasian patients? Do they seem to have more success in identifying living kidney donors? And if so, why do you think that is?” When we look at the transplant or people who are receiving dialysis, 1/3 of them are African American, which means that there is definitely more propensity of any disease in this group of patients than any other group. Dr. Govil says, “When we look at the number of people on the list compared to the people who get transplanted and then compare it to the number of people who are on dialysis, they just don't add up completely.” Dr. Govil clarifies the myth that kidney donation can harm a donor in the short run and in the long term. As per Dr. Govil, education is the key, and that is what he feels when he goes to multiple outreach clinics in the tri-state area, and he realizes a lot of these barriers are related to misinformation. Dr. Govil gives recommendations for keeping your kidneys healthy. Don't count on kidney pain as one of the symptoms because kidney pain really is not a symptom of kidney disease -that is just a mechanical problem, which could be because of a stone in the kidney or some cyst. Diseases are frightening in many aspects; These are things that could be prevented if we took the proper steps and proactively saw our doctors. Changes in organ allocation will generally increase some of the volume, but it will definitely increase the volume for certain centers to do more transplants. A donor that may have hepatitis is now able to give organs to the patient in need of a transplant, and then that can be treated, says Andi. The dialysis survival is really dismal over a period of time. So, a 10-year survival on dialysis is around 10%.   3 Key Points: Dr. Govil explains what leads someone to having kidney failure. We have to realize that the kidneys are affected by a lot of things that happen in our body, whether it be high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other changes that may be related to some problems happening at the level of the kidney itself. Kidney disease means we are in a tier of the kidney, which is a very silent process and so essentially, your kidneys really do not have to hurt and actually they do not hurt at all when you fail your kidneys over a period of time. If we have a healthy, balanced diet to stabilize our diabetes and high blood pressure, it will indirectly help keep our kidneys happy and healthy. Resources Mentioned: LifeCenter | website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube|  Twitter Andi Johnson  website |LinkedIn  Organ Donation Website  https://www.donatelife.net/nmdam/

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