This Thing Called Life

EP 141: Hope Springs Eternal this Donate Life Month Episode Summary In this special episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson shines a light on Donate Life Month, observed each April—a time dedicated to honoring organ, tissue, and eye donors, celebrating transplant recipients, and raising awareness about the life-saving power of donation. Andi reflects on the profound impact of donation—not just as a medical process, but as a deeply human act of generosity that gives others a second chance at life. From the courage of donor families to the renewed hope experienced by recipients, this episode highlights the stories and purpose behind the mission of Network for Hope. Listeners will also learn simple yet meaningful ways to get involved, from registering as a donor to starting conversations that can ultimately save lives. This episode is both a tribute and a call to action—reminding us that hope is real, and it begins with a single decision. Episode Highlights Key Takeaways Tweetable Quotes “For us at network for hope, this month is deeply meaningful. It's about celebrating the heroes, donors and their families who made courageous decisions during incredibly difficult moments. It's about recognizing transplant recipients whose second chance means more time, more milestones, and a better quality of life.” “You can wear blue and green to show your support. You can share a story. You can attend a local event, participate in a flag raising ceremony, or engage with us online to help spread awareness. You can register as an organ donor and talk with your family about your decision. Most importantly, you can help normalize the conversation, because donation starts with a decision, and decisions are stronger when they're informed and shared.” Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

EP 140: "Strength in Every Generation: Orlando Brown Jr. on Family, Football, and Understanding Type 1 Diabetes" Episode Summary Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Lineman Orlando Brown Jr. opens up about his family’s powerful story of resilience and awareness in the face of Type 1 diabetes. After losing his father to diabetic ketoacidosis and supporting his brother through the same diagnosis, Orlando has turned his personal loss into a mission for generational health. In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Orlando discusses how going through the process of genetic testing, prioritizing dietary choices, and educating his family on the disease has shaped their understanding of health—and why awareness, prevention, and advocacy matter for every family. Episode Highlights Key Takeaways Tweetable Quotes “My football story is really unique. My so my dad played in the NFL for 13 years, and he didn't start playing till he was in 11th grade in high school, and his biggest thing for me and my siblings were he didn't want us playing sports.” “I would always go to the practices. I kept up with it. So I've always had a real passion for the game of football, but he would not let me play. For him, football is a dark sport in a way, you know, and I've been fortunate in my path to get here, I was drafted, and I've had better opportunities than he did.” “Southern black culture isn't, you know, the hospitals and doctors and medicine, it's more about remedies and, you know, things like that. That was my family. Distrust of the medical system.” “ It's so important because, you know, as you said, experiencing it firsthand. You know, I always want to make sure that somebody can learn from my mistakes and or my family's mistakes. And that's so important. It's so important to be able to get ahead of it.” “I've spent a lot of time, I feel like all over the US. I've gone to the Senate and talked about making insulin more affordable. I've gone to different children's Mercy hospitals across the US and work with them on finding a cure. I've completed the trial net, which is the preventive version of type one, just to make sure you don't have the antibodies.“ “My nutritionist does this food test where she's able to tell you what food you can and can't eat that inflames your body.” 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

EP 138: "A Leap Of Faith, Chelsea's Altruistic Kidney Donation Journey" Episode Summary Chelsea McNicholas, a Hospital Partnership Liaison with Network for Hope, joins This Thing Called Life to share how a social media post and her faith led her to become an altruistic kidney donor for a Child. Chelsea recounts starting the testing process after hearing about a friend’s mother's need. Although she was not a match, it led her to another post about a child's need for a kidney, so she continued the testing. Ultimately, she was not needed because that child found a donor. She walks us through her personal journey, the emotional and logistical realities of altruistic donation, and why community education about organ, tissue, and eye donation matters. Hear a personal, hopeful story that demystifies donation and inspires listeners to learn how they can help save lives. Episode Highlights Key Takeaways Tweetable Quotes “We are the glue that holds the process together. I believe that our team is kind of a dual advocate in the donation process. “ “When things go awry at a hospital, that is challenging because the work is not flawless. The work is never done, if you will. So there are always challenges that arise. “ “I think it leans back into that strong relationship and strong trust. So knowing the truth right, like we know the truth right, and we have strong relationships with our hospitals to the point where they trust us. We've built that culture of trust and connection with our partners.” “So I think again, a great opportunity for me to be an advocate and to educate people in my circle, my husband, and my entire family, was incredibly supportive.” “I think when I can look back on my life, faith was the foundation through every step and every decision, maybe in the moment, not as easy to see, but now looking back, I can absolutely identify that.” “It's really wild to think that a part of me is living on and someone else, and that most days I completely forgot I even did it, because I am right back to where I was, you know, five months ago, prior to the surgery.” Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

EP 137: Reborn at 51: Jamie Mahaffey’s Second Chance at Life Episode Summary What does it mean to be reborn at 51? In this powerful episode of This Thing Called Life, heart transplant recipient Jamie Mahaffey shares his extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and purpose. After undergoing a heart transplant, the former athlete, coach, and Athletic Director at North College Hill City Schools discovered a renewed calling to lead with greater intention. Becoming a John Maxwell Coach inspired him to launch his own company focused on helping others achieve their goals and elevate their lives. Jamie’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, perspective, and personal leadership—proof that you don’t match the energy around you… You set the standard. Episode Highlights Key Takeaways Tweetable Quotes “So I had two weeks of tests. Everything you can imagine. You know dentists, too. That's another thing, if you don't take care of your teeth, that's an affection of your heart. So those appointments are important, something that I didn't do regularly.” “My defibrillator shocked me 42 times. And so the cardiologist came down, and he was like, Okay, we have to admit him. And so that's when I stayed there. And on January 18, the doctor came in that morning, and he said, You go from level three to level one a. Level one is where you need a transplant. “ “I was in a coma for five days because my heart wasn't initiating with my body.” “God was giving me another opportunity to listen to him. It was a time. I mean, I was just always busy. I was a head coach and won state titles and played college ball and played overseas, and I was always moving, but I was always looking after other people as a man. We are fathers, and we take care of our house, and I was an ad, and I was a coach, I was a mentor, so I'm looking after everybody else but myself. And it was a time he was saying, it's your turn.” “I know there's a purpose for me to just keep having people to not live off their potential, but pursue their destiny. And so that's why I teach a lot of kids. A lot of people are still in life, living off potential but not pursuing their destiny. “ “Maxwell certification was a stepping stone to a vision. I always heard about myself, about being a motivational speaker, about writing books, about having normal eyesight in life.” 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

What does it mean to be reborn at 51? In this powerful episode of This Thing Called Life, heart transplant recipient Jamie Mahaffey shares his extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and purpose. After undergoing a heart transplant, the former athlete, coach, and Athletic Director at North College Hill City Schools discovered a renewed calling to lead with greater intention. Becoming a John Maxwell Coach inspired him to launch his own company focused on helping others achieve their goals and elevate their lives. Jamie’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, perspective, and personal leadership—proof that you don’t match the energy around you… you set the standard.

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

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

EP 134 Title: Honoring the Gift of Life: Erica Randall’s Journey with Network for Hope and Organ Donation Episode Summary In this heartfelt episode, Erica Randall, Community Partnership and Events Manager at Network for Hope, shares her inspiring journey in building stronger communities and advocating for organ donation. Erica opens up about her role within the organization, highlighting the rewarding experience of organizing the annual Network for Hope Community Breakfast. But the conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Erica reflects on her family’s connection to organ donation, including the passing of her cousin Jason, who became an organ donor after a tragic car accident, and her mother-in-law Gail, who gave the gift of sight through cornea donation. Erica also discusses the creation of the SODA (Student Organ Donation Advocates) chapter in Cincinnati, which has now grown to 7-8 thriving chapters, and her deep passion for honoring both donors and recipients. Tune in to hear about Erica’s mission to spread awareness, inspire others, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those touched by organ donation. Episode Highlights Key Takeaways Tweetable Quotes “​​So our theme is voices of hope. And we did feature children and young adults. And I liked that idea because I wanted to show people it's not just adults who go through this. It does impact, you know, children at birth, or it does impact children very young age.” - Erica Randall “So Jalen scratched her cornea when she was two years old and had to receive a cornea transplant. She is now a senior in high school in cosmetology. I'm so proud of her, and she is a signed professional Fisher woman. Oh, my God, and to see her just thrive all because of a cornea transplant, and how her life, I mean, she could be 17 years old with no eye, or she could have no vision.” - Erical Randall “At 23 years old, he (Jason, Erica’s cousin) became a superhero, and he was able to donate his heart, his liver, his kidneys, and he was a tissue donor. So that completely flipped our lives upside down, but introduced me to a world of donation I had no clue even existed.” - Erica Randall “I think it's an honor to give them the chance to have that light that somebody gave me when Jason became a donor. It gave us some positivity to his death. It gave us some glimpse of hope, some light in our lives, and to give that, to pass that on to somebody else, to have that chance was a great privilege.” - Erica Randall “She (Gail, Erica’s Mother-in-Law) became a cornea donor at the age of 66 in her corneas, or in Saudi Arabia. So two people in Saudi Arabia have the gift of sight because of her. So, again, great moment here to educate people that can be cornea donors and have active cancer.” - Erica Randall Resources: Donatelifeky.org https://getoffthelist.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/ https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/ https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope. https://aopo.org/ RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Title: EP 133: “Walking by Faith: Maria’s Story of Survival and Purpose” 🎙️ Episode Summary In this episode of This Thing Called Life, we meet Maria Valentina Almeida — a college graduate, a passionate advocate, and a woman whose faith has carried her through a lifetime of medical battles. Born with sepsis and a rare Colecta malformation that led to kidney failure, Maria now shares her story to bring hope, dignity, and strength to others living with disabilities. Her journey is still unfolding, and she is in urgent need of a kidney donor — but her spirit remains unshakeable. This conversation shines with resilience, purpose, and the power of believing in something bigger. ✨ Episode Highlights 📝 Key Takeaways 📢 Tweetable Quotes “She is a third-time transplant survivor, and she's just my biggest inspiration. But something that stands out a lot about my mom is that she had my twin sister and me during her second transplant, after her second transplant had happened. It's just so motivating to see how she persevered and how she had this goal of being a mom, even despite what she went through since such a young age.” “The doctors gave my parents a lot of alarming prognoses of just my future, and even told them that it would take a miracle for me to just live to make it. And if I were to make it, I would have a lot of complications. I would not be able to walk. Talk, talk, I would not be just a normal human being, and I have just proven them wrong. I am so blessed, and that just comes to show how much God loves me.” “I went through a couple of surgeries from the very beginning to correct my condition that I was initially born with, which was cloaca malformation to colorectal malformation, and my kidney was removed at nine years old when I came to the United States in 2011.” “So I was managing finishing school and symptoms and just life the last four months, five months of the year of 2024, and it was a challenge, but I made it. I walked across that stage with two degrees and a technical.” “Yes, I I know that I'm called to share my story, to continue to do this as a as a long term thing, as a lifelong thing, just stand and raise my voice for for my vulnerability, but also the vulnerability of others that are not able to have this platform, that are that don't know where to start, that don't have just the motivation, or don't have the support or the resources. “ “I dream of my kidney. I have had many dreams where I am literally lying in a hospital bed waiting to go into the or and I wake up, and I say, Maybe today's it. So I'm not gonna lie. I'm very eager, and sometimes I get very desperate, but that's normal.” 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: 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/