This Thing Called Life

This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title: EP 131: “Three Hearts, One Journey: The Massie Family’s Journey with Alport Syndrome” 🎙️ Episode Summary In this episode of This Thing Called Life, we meet Kaitlin Massie, whose family’s story is one of strength, resilience, and hope. Kaitlin, her mother Amanda, and her brother Hunter all live with Alport Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that leads to kidney disease and, for many, the need for a transplant. Kaitlin shares how her family’s challenges have turned into a powerful story of advocacy, awareness, and gratitude for the gift of life. Kaitlin has turned her personal challenges into purpose — pursuing a Master’s Degree in Bioengineering at the University of Washington and working on developing a portable dialysis device that could change the future for patients like her. RegisterMe.org Network for Hope 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “I think that there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding organ donation and that that gives people a lot of hesitation, but I would just encourage people to do your research and really look into it and look at it from scholarly sources, rather than, like, fear mongering.” “And I've actually had really great success with that, because UK has told me that they just have a massive list of people willing to get tested to the point where they haven't even, like they contacted my dad when he was willing to get tested and told him, like, we have plenty of people in the pipeline. We don't need you, and they haven't called him back to ask him to get tested.” “It's stressful for sure, because I'm worried about myself, but then I also have to worry about Hunter and mom as well.” “It gives me a lot of anxiety just worrying about them all the time, but at the same time, it's kind of nice to have people that understand what I'm going through and that I can relate to, like Hunter and I go to dialysis together.” Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title: “The Ripple Effect: Maggie Luken’s Journey of Loss, Love, and Life” 🎙️ Episode Summary In this deeply moving episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson welcomes Maggie Luken, whose story reminds us that even in profound loss, love can create ripples of life. When tragedy struck, Maggie Luken chose compassion. In this moving interview, she reflects on a year marked by major back surgery, the loss of two brothers, and the life-giving decision that followed. Inspired by her brother Brendon’s organ donation, Maggie became a living donor herself. Now an Ambassador for donation, Maggie's story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and how one act of kindness can create ripples of life. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “After having two children, you carry two babies and your back. It really does a number on it, right? So, yeah. By the end of 2022, I couldn't stand for more than five minutes at a time. My nerve was completely pinched. I had been told I wasn't allowed to pick up my kids anymore.” “And so I have like, two metal rods and four screws and a fake disc in my back now, yeah, but I feel great. It's, I mean, as soon as I woke up from surgery, the nerve pain was gone. It's, you know, it's awful their recovery. I'm not gonna lie, it's the hardest thing physically that I've ever gone through.” “We found out that he had a heart attack at the gym where he worked at Planet Fitness, and nobody tried to help him. They just walked around him for almost five minutes before they tried to help or called 911, and so by the time the paramedics got there, they were able to restart his heart, but it had been 40 minutes…” “It's really crazy to think that you know somebody out there is literally seeing the world through my brother's eyes. Somebody's heart is pumping blood through his heart valves. You know, there's somebody who has a personal liver now, and people have kidneys, and we got a message from someone who received like tissue and they were able to heal from something that they had been struggling with.” “So the actual incisions for where it's done are very small, and then they do take it out in one piece, and so you have the larger, like, it's basically a C-section score. So I kind of just felt like I didn't have a C-section with either of my children, but I kind of just felt like I had to chill again. Like, after you have a baby, you're just taking it easy.” Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title: "Meeting My Kidney Sister: Sarah Green-Moore’s Story of Healing and Purpose" 🎙️ Episode Summary In this heartfelt episode of This Thing Called Life, we sit down with Sarah Green-Moore, a kidney transplant recipient whose story is as inspiring as it is extraordinary. Sarah shares the unforgettable moment she met her “kidney sister” — the woman receiving the other kidney from the same donor — in the hospital lobby just before their transplants. Now, thriving with a new lease on life, Sarah is paying it forward by caring for her 8-year-old daughter who needed her when she was least expecting it. This is a moving story of second chances, sisterhood, and the power of showing up when it matters most. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “And so when I decided to listen, I went to the specialist, and the specialist was like, It's time for you to do dialysis. I'm looking at him like, ‘You're whack’, I'm not having any symptoms, and I've always dealt with being anemic from when I started my menstrual cycle, so that was nothing new to me.” “ I had to tell him the only thing that's wrong with your sister. She needs a kidney. That's the only thing that's wrong with me.” “I almost started wanting to fight again, especially when it was time for me to get my access, I was like. I could not fathom being connected to a machine that I knew would save my life.” “This doesn't define me. This doesn't say who I am, but I have to be honest about going through that journey and visiting the different centers and things that scared the fool out of me.” “To be able to have somebody where I could just be there for each other, just hold her hand, and she can hold my hand.” Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title: "Legacy in Life and Loss: Adria Johnson on Her Son’s Gift of Hope" 🎙️ Episode Summary In this powerful and emotional episode of This Thing Called Life, we sit down with Adria Johnson, President and CEO of Metro United Way in Louisville, Kentucky, as she shares the deeply personal story of losing her son, KJ, in a tragic car accident. KJ made the selfless decision to become an organ donor — a choice that gave the gift of life to others even in his passing. Joined by Barry Massa, Executive Director of LifeCenter and CEO for Network for Hope, this episode also sheds light on the critical difference between DCD (Donation after Circulatory Death) and brain death, offering clarity and compassion for families navigating organ donation. Together, Adria and Barry bring heart, hope, and understanding to a conversation that touches every aspect of life, love, and legacy. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “You know, it was hard enough to prepare to say goodbye to my son and know that KJ would no longer be here, but he had elected at the age of 18 to be an organ donor, unbeknownst to us, and certainly, I consider him probably the premier selfless hero that I will know in my lifetime because of that gift.” “You know, it really takes a lot of dedication, and if you're just in it for a job, you'll never make it. You have to be passionate about the mission.” “And when that decision was made, what I really appreciated was, again, just the tenderness, the comprehensive way in which they prepared us for all of it, you know, just what needed to take place for the duration of K J's hospital stay.” “And very early on in when I became Executive Director of Life Center, before becoming CEO of Network for Hope, I felt like relationships with their hospitals were going to be the key for our success to honor those gifts of donation.” “ I didn't have any reservations, like I said, from the minute all of this started for us, and even just in being made aware that you know your son did elect to be an organ donor, and if you know that is something you all want to pursue.” “I mean, from the minute we had to get through all of that painful episode, and you're now kind of adjusting to life without this person, it was. I mean, just consistent check-ins: ‘How is your family doing?’ I mean, even the you know, helping us in terms of, ‘do you want to try and have some connectivity with the folks that have been the recipients of his gifts?’ So there's all of that also added an element of support. “ Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title: Twice Gifted: Beth Otto’s Journey As a 2 Time Kidney Recipient 🎙️ Episode Summary In today’s episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson interviews Beth Otto. At just 25 years old, Beth Otto received her first life-saving kidney transplant from a deceased donor. Years later, a second transplant — this time from a selfless friend — gave her a renewed lease on life. In this inspiring episode, Beth opens up about her journey as a two-time kidney recipient and how those experiences shaped her purpose. Motivated by the care she received, Beth became a nurse, dedicating her life to helping others. This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact of organ donation and the resilience of the human spirit. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “So then went to the hospital. They ended up finding out that I had just had complete renal failure. They tested me, and I had no kidney function whatsoever.” “Thank you from the bottom of my kidney. I don't ever take a moment for granted. I live every day as hard and as fast as I can, and try as hard and as fast as I can to help everybody else have that same joy.” “So that's why I went back to nursing school, and that's where I felt like what I gained from being in the hospital, and the care that I received while I was getting my transplant, I was like, Okay, this is I gotta do this.” “And so I really always wanted to become a heart nurse, okay? And so I ended up getting and working in cardiac and the cardiac unit cardiac rehab, and I did that for 19 years, and then I worked alongside wellness and cardiac care.” “And the perfect match is obviously an identical twin. She was the second-best thing, just a perfect match. She said the only thing that would have been better was if I had had a twin.” “I guess they differ because I have the ability now to be with my donor all the time. Yeah, we go out frequently. We, you know, celebrate each other's successes, stories, and lives. We're all family, right? Her husband always says, “they're all here”, and so that's just a really fun way, and it's really true.” “That's what I hear often from people who have been donors, living kidney donors, as much of a blessing as they have been to that person that they're able to help, they feel they were equally as blessed because they were able to give this gift.” Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title: One Family, Three Transplant Journeys: Life with Alport Syndrome 🎙️ Episode Summary In this heartfelt episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with Amanda and Hunter, a mother and son living with Alport Syndrome—a rare genetic disease that affects just 1 in 50,000 live births. Their story is one of resilience, family strength, and the life-changing power of organ donation. Amanda and Hunter share their family’s long history of transplants and the challenges of living with this condition, which impacts not only the kidneys but also the ears and eyes, leading to hearing and vision loss over time. From Amanda’s first transplant on New Year’s Day 2015, to Hunter’s sudden kidney failure at age 20, to Caitlin’s emergent transplant journey—this episode paints an intimate picture of how one family continues to navigate illness, hope, and healing together. Most importantly, Amanda and Hunter underscore the critical importance of organ donation and living donors, emphasizing how education and awareness can make a profound difference for families like theirs. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “Alport Syndrome is a relatively rare genetic disease. I think it affects my daughter has all the stats, like one in 50,000 live births, about 200,000 people across the United States. It affects the type four collagen in the kidney, which is also found in the ears and the eyes. So, along with deterioration of the kidneys, it also causes hearing loss, vision loss over time.” - Amanda “So I got the call. We were getting ready to have dinner for New Year's Eve, and I got a call from UK (University of Kentucky) saying we have a match out of Arkansas. I went to the hospital by myself, and they did all of my testing, and then everything was perfect. Somehow it was kind of miraculous, and they did the transplant the next day.” - Amanda “I noticed kind of recurring symptoms…They did a biopsy at that point and showed signs of just chronic rejection, which the average lifespan is about 10 to 12 years for a kidney, so they really couldn't find a cause for it. They just said it was chronic.” - Amanda “Well, it was kind of just out of nowhere, when it first happened, when I first knew I was going into kidney failure. It was literally just no warning, in one day. It's like a switch flipped, and that was just the case.” - Hunter “It leaves you pretty drained… once you're off of it, the rest of the day, you're pretty much useless. It just saps everything out of you; you're not really left with much energy. So usually it's just getting off dialysis. If I have anything that needs to be attended to, I'll just do it real quick and then just go home and breathe, you know, fall asleep immediately.” - Hunter Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

"Full Circle: Interview with Markeyah Lewis on Life, Lupus, and the Gift of a Kidney" Markeyah Lewis was diagnosed with Lupus, leading to early kidney failure. When her mother wasn’t a direct transplant match, they turned to Advanced Kidney Donation—a life-changing decision that helped Markeyah receive her transplant in 2022. Now a mother and soon-to-be Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Markeyah shares her powerful story of resilience, motherhood, and the miracle of second chances. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “I believe it's called advanced kidney donation, where she is not able to donate to me, but she is able to donate to someone else who is in need of a transplant, and that essentially makes me a priority.” “So your mom affectionately named her kidney that she donated brown sugar. Yes. So brown sugar is doing well with Charlie.” “And so I think that is like the biggest promise that I can keep, again, to my donor and their family and myself, is just to continue to live my life fully.” “It was often hard for me to imagine what my life would be like, not on dialysis or, you know, not battling a chronic illness. And it may seem simple, but really truly, just don't give up.” 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/

This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title: "The Gift of Life: A Conversation with Dr. Alex Ancheta, Transplant Surgeon" 🎙️ Episode Summary In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Alex Ancheta, a transplant surgeon at the UK HealthCare Transplant Center. Dr. Ancheta shares his journey into the world of transplant surgery, from his educational path to the personal motivations that drew him to this life-saving field. He opens up about the emotional and professional drive behind his work, as well as the vital importance of clear and compassionate communication, especially when addressing generational concerns surrounding organ donation. Join us for a powerful discussion on what it truly means to give, receive, and advocate for the gift of life. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “People who have organ failure from different causes, and being able to see the transformation that you can make the difference in their lives and how much, how much it changes them.”- Dr. Ancheta “I think transplant as a specialty is a fairly young specialty, and, you know, dealing with the immune system compatibility, there's, you know, such an incredibly complex field that there's still, honestly, a lot to discover.” - Dr. Ancheta “I think AI can be very useful in helping us to analyze the, you know, the outcomes data and the allocation processes. So I think that's going to be one of the biggest roles that AI is going to help us in determining how we can always, how we can improve the way that we're allocating organs, so how we can improve the way that we're assessing donors.” - Dr. Ancheta “So it's very gratifying to see you know someone who's had a transplant 10 years ago, and they tell you about their life and the family that they've started…” - Dr. Ancheta “It requires, you know, a lot of stars to align to be able to donate.” - Dr. Ancheta Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

🎙️ Episode Summary In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, host Andi Johnson sits down with Hannah Boylan, a Family Support Supervisor at Network for Hope, to explore the delicate and vital world of organ donation. Hannah offers a behind-the-scenes look at how her team supports families during one of the most difficult moments of their lives—navigating the decision to donate a loved one’s organs. With a background in bioethics, Hannah shares how she became involved in this work during the COVID-19 pandemic and how her training helps her think clearly through emotionally complex situations. The episode dives deep into the concept of dual advocacy—supporting both donor families and recipients—and emphasizes the importance of accurate information, compassionate care, and honoring each donor’s legacy. Listeners will gain a new appreciation for the unseen emotional and ethical work that goes into organ donation and walk away with a better understanding of how memory-making items like heartbeat recordings, Medals of Honor, and Honor Walks play a crucial role in healing and closure. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “ It's an honor to work with people who're having the worst day of their life, right? And they're able to step away from that grief for a moment, and they're thinking about those people on the wait list…” - Hannah Boylan “And I think to do this work, you have to be thinking about the recipients on the wait list, but you also have to know that you're providing that comfort to the donor families that you're working with.” - Hannah Boylan “I think also, when I go into this ethics training, that it changes my mindset. I can separate myself from the situation and look more objectively. If I break down the problems and think about ethical principles that I've been trained in, and that helps me, even if it doesn't give me a clear answer, it lets me think about things in a little bit of a different way, which I find really helpful.” - Hannah Boylan “Donation is so rare, right? We think that's important to highlight, I think that's something that people don't realize.” - Hannah Boylan and Andi Johnson “I think donation can be scary. It's a big decision. It's a decision that can't be taken lightly. Families deserve to make the decision that's best for them, but they deserve to have that right information.” - Hannah Boylan Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title: "Bridging the Gap: The Power of Organ Donation in Kentucky" 🎙️ Episode Summary In this powerful episode, host Andi Johnson sits down with Shelley Snyder, Executive Director of Donate Life Kentucky Trust, to explore the life-changing impact of organ donation across the Bluegrass State. Together, they discuss how the organization supports those waiting for transplants, honors donor families—true heroes in the community—and works to educate Kentuckians on the critical importance of registering as organ donors. Shelley shares heartfelt stories and explains how Donate Life Kentucky fills the gaps in care, awareness, and advocacy, one life-saving conversation at a time. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “Our real focus is on supporting all areas connected to donation and transplantation, so those who are on the waiting list, those who have received the precious gift of life and those incredible heroes and their families who gave.” “I should say, and the registry is so key, as you know, to ensuring that lives are saved. “ “I've always said, If I ever win the lottery, all my money would go to helping these incredible, heroic donor families who have given the gift of life at the worst time in their lives.” “I say that with the OPOs, because there's a clear distinction of what our role and responsibilities are. So it's just it's great to have that partnership with the trust. “ “I just, I love this mission so much. It's been a part of my life since I was 17 years old.” “His gift of tissue is going to help someone walk. And we learned later that he gave sight to a 22-year-old and a 29-year-old.” “People can be organ donors and save a life, and we need to get the word out. And so they started doing that through driver's license, accepting the $1 donations, and that went into a trust, and that's what our organization was founded on, and that was in 1992.” “We find that public speaking is really, really impactful, because we are able to share the facts and talk directly to people and open the door.” “We rely on businesses and individuals to work with us to make all of these programs possible. And we have a wonderful team.” Resources: Donatelifeky.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/

This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago on La Mega. This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation. Resources: https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://aopo.org/

🎙️ Episode Summary Spreading Realistic Positivity: David Galbenski’s Mission to Champion Living Donation When David Galbenski received a life-saving liver donation from his brother-in-law, it was more than a second chance—it was a call to action. In this powerful episode, David shares his personal journey from transplant recipient to national advocate for living donation. Discover how his gratitude turned into purpose through the creation of the Living Donor Awareness Games, a movement spreading hope, education, and inspiration across the country. Tune in to hear how one extraordinary act of generosity is now saving countless lives. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “Well, the Reds have been a tremendous partner in launching Living Donor Awareness games that we've been doing now for three or four years.” “And so what we loved about that was baseball was this perfect vehicle, yes to allow living organ donation to come to life. And then here's the beauty of living organ donation yes tied to baseball, another great metaphor, the ultimate double play.” “I really leaned in my faith on this journey…” “So I call it Realistic positivity, right? Let's embrace life with everything, but let's make sure we're confronting the facts right, acronym head-on, right. But then doing it with optimism, absolutely, doing it with faith, doing it with a desire to say, when I get through this, I'm going to pay it forward.” “And they surveyed 10s of 1000s of people to say what would be the biggest overall kind act that someone could do. The number one overall act of kindness, out of 1692 acts that they surveyed, was giving and becoming a living donor for a friend.” 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/

🎙️ Episode Summary "Full Circle: Interview with Markeyah Lewis on Life, Lupus, and the Gift of a Kidney" Markeyah Lewis was diagnosed with Lupus, leading to early kidney failure. When her mother wasn’t a direct transplant match, they turned to Advanced Kidney Donation—a life-changing decision that helped Markeyah receive her transplant in 2022. Now a mother and soon-to-be Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Markeyah shares her powerful story of resilience, motherhood, and the miracle of second chances. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “I believe it's called advanced kidney donation, where she is not able to donate to me, but she is able to donate to someone else who is in need of a transplant, and that essentially makes me a priority.” “So your mom affectionately named her kidney that she donated brown sugar. Yes. So brown sugar is doing well with Charlie.” “And so I think that is like the biggest promise that I can keep, again, to my donor and their family and myself, is just to continue to live my life fully.” “It was often hard for me to imagine what my life would be like, not on dialysis or, you know, not battling a chronic illness. And it may seem simple, but really truly, just don't give up.” 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/

Episode Summary In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Gretchen Starnes, Family Aftercare Manager with Network for Hope (Louisville), an organization that also supports families after the loss of a loved one through organ donation. Gretchen shares the deeply human side of her work—walking with families through the grief process, offering comfort, connection, and compassion in the wake of profound loss. We explore how the gift of life through donation can bring a measure of hope to unimaginable sorrow, and how Gretchen and her team help families navigate that journey with care and grace. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes "I think that is the honor that all of us in aftercare have, to walk beside these families during their grief and really establish rapport and relationship with them." — Gretchen Starnes "Doing this work really restores my faith in humanity." — Gretchen Starnes "There's nothing wrong with you when you're grieving. What you need is someone to walk beside you, to help you take that next breath, the next step, and to help support them." — Gretchen Starnes "One of the greatest fears for most people who are grieving is that people will stop saying their loved one's name, or that they will forget those details of their loved ones." — Gretchen Starnes "There are moments it's okay to be sad and where we need to cry, and tears are cleansing. Yet we also want to show that hope that comes from the amazing gift that loved one gave, so I think the Honor Walk kind of brings all of those things together." — Gretchen Starnes 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 powerful episode, we sit down with Jon and Felicia Rohman to share the remarkable journey of their daughter Hadlee, who underwent a life-saving heart transplant in 2020—right in the midst of a global pandemic. What began as a terrifying health issue became a testimony of faith, resilience, and appreciation for the incredible gift of life. Now, years later, Hadlee is thriving—healthy, joyful, and full of gratitude. Join us as Andi Johnson interviews the Rohmans, who open up about the challenges they faced, the community that rallied around them, and the beautiful, beating heart of their daughter’s second chance at life.