Connected by Life

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes Larabee Thompson, a donor mom and Donation Family Advocate. In this deeply moving episode, Larabee shares the heartfelt story as a mother who faced the unimaginable loss of her son. Through her grief, she found hope and a new purpose by helping other families navigate the difficult journey of loss while having the opportunity for organ and tissue donation. After making the decision to donate, she realized the profound impact that one act of kindness could have, saving and transforming many lives- along with the difference it has made for her and her own family.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes back Ryan Gallet, the recipient of a life-saving heart transplant and Suzanna Morton, Community Educator and Public Relations Specialist. In this heartfelt episode, they sit down to discuss their memorable trip to the recent Transplant Games in Birmingham, Alabama. They share their incredible experience of attending or participating in the event, which provided them with memories that will last a lifetime. Join us as we explore this inspiring story, along with the impact of the donation and transplant community that truly makes a difference in the lives of countless others.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes back Ryan Gallet, the recipient of a life-saving heart transplant. Ryan shares his incredible journey from needing a transplant to receiving a new heart, and how this transformative experience has inspired him to volunteer and share the story of his donor hero. Through Ryan’s candid and heartfelt narrative, listeners will gain insight into the emotional and physical challenges of waiting for a donor, the life-changing impact of the transplant, and his ongoing advocacy for organ donation. Tune in to hear Ryan’s story of survival, gratitude, and dedication in honoring his donor’s legacy.

Show Notes: In this compelling episode, Shawn-Paul has the privilege of speaking with Ryan Gallet, a grateful recipient of a heart transplant. Ryan shares his incredible journey from the harrowing days of heart disease diagnosis to the life-changing moment he received a new heart. Through his story, listeners will gain insight into the emotional and physical challenges of waiting for a gift from an organ donor, the extensive process of the transplant surgery and the transformative impact it has had on his entire life.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes back Elaine Broussard, a dedicated LOPA Tissue Family Advocate for almost 20 years.They continue their discussion on the importance of supporting families who have experienced loss and providing the opportunity of donation. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the significance of community education in raising awareness about organ and tissue donation. Elaine explains how informed communities can better understand and appreciate the value of donation, ultimately leading to more lives being touched and saved. Her insights and personal stories highlight the legacy in the gift of life and the profound difference it can make for countless others.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes Elaine Broussard, a dedicated LOPA Tissue Family Advocate for almost 20 years. In this heartfelt episode, she discusses her experience as one of the front line staff members, supporting families through their most difficult times. With a unique blend of empathy and professionalism, Elaine shares her insights into the critical role they play in bridging loss for families who have experienced a tragic death, as well as offering the opportunity to donate tissue, leaving a legacy for their loved one.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul, Connected by Life host, is interviewed as they celebrate it’s one year podcast anniversary. He reflects on the incredible stories shared over the past year, highlighting the individuals and moments that have had the most significant impact on organ and tissue donation. From physicians, medical professionals, advocates, donor families, recipients and many more, they revisit the voices that inspire hope and change that truly makes a difference in the lives of countless others.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes back Francesca Campbell, Certified Child Life Specialist. She shares her profound experience into how families process death and find resilience through difficult times. Francesca also talks about how the legacy of organ and tissue donation can provide families a sense of purpose and hope amidst their loss. They continue their discussion that by supporting parents and their children, families can navigate their grief journey with strength and compassion while honoring their life-saving hero.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes Francesca Campbell, Certified Child Life Specialist. They delve into the sensitive, yet crucial topic of helping children cope during a tragic loss. Cesca shares her expertise on supporting children through the grieving process. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and validating children's feelings, emotions and their understanding as they navigate the complex terrain of grief. By providing compassionate support and utilizing age-appropriate interventions, we are able to help children find healing and hope in the midst of death.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes Dr. Jonathan Eaton, the Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at LSU Health in Shreveport. Dr. Eaton shares his experience supporting families dealing with loss, highlighting the profound impact organ donation can have on both donors' families and recipients. He discusses the delicate balance of grief and hope as families navigate the opportunity to save lives amidst tragedy. He provides an invaluable perspective on the healing power of organ donation advocacy and the transformative journey it offers to those touched by death and the gift of life.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes back Brian Castille, former fire chief and the proud father of an organ donor hero. In celebration of April National Donate Life month, Brian continues to share an inspirational story about his son becoming an organ donor hero, leaving behind a legacy of hope and healing. Through Brian's poignant storytelling, we gain insight into the profound impact of organ donation and the ripple effects it creates within families and communities. He recounts how the support provided by the physicians and healthcare teams helped their family make a decision that would forever change their lives.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes Brian Castille, former fire chief and the proud father of an organ donor hero. Brian shares an incredibly touching story about his son - a soldier, a fireman and life-saving organ donor hero. They discuss the crucial role of physicians and healthcare teams in supporting families during such challenging times, which underscores the importance of compassionate care and understanding in the medical profession. Brian focuses on how providing guidance to families navigating loss is an essential aspect that can make a profound difference in their healing process, while making end of life decisions.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes back Dr. Clifford Courville, a Critical Care Pulmonologist at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and a leader among healthcare professionals. Dr. Courville shares his experiences of supporting families through the most challenging times of loss. He talks about how vital the physician’s role is when communicating with families on the medical situation in understandable terms, while helping them make informed end-of-life decisions. Dr. Courville also discusses the collaboration with the organ procurement agency to facilitate the gift of life through organ donation. It’s an opportunity that can truly make a difference in saving lives of those in need of a transplant and honoring the legacy of the donor hero.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes Dr. Clifford Courville, a Critical Care Pulmonologist at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and a leader within healthcare. Dr. Courville discusses the importance of providing factual information to families, along with how essential it is to include empathy and consistent communication when talking about their loved one’s condition or prognosis. Through his experience, he shares how crucial the physician's role is when families are potentially facing the loss of a loved one and having to make end of life decisions.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes back Ali Heard, registered nurse, Trauma Director at Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital and sister of a donor hero. They continue their discussion on the importance of supporting families experiencing tragic loss, while also preserving the opportunity of donation. They delve into the collaborative impact between the organ procurement teams and the healthcare partners. Ali shares her personal experience and emphasizes that by working together, we are able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are grieving and for those in need of a life-saving transplant.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes Ali Heard, registered nurse, Trauma Director at Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital and sister of a donor hero. Gracie's legacy serves as a beacon of light, inspiring others to consider the gift of organ donation and to embrace the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Ali's personal and professional journey with organ donation highlights the transformative power of generosity and love, leaving an enduring story that continues to touch hearts and change lives. Ali shares her deep appreciation on the profound impact that organ donation can have on individuals and their families.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes Toni Celestine, daughter of a donor hero, Director of Career & Testing Services at South Louisiana Community College and co-founder of the Lieutenant Linda Brown Memorial Scholarship. Toni shares heartfelt stories about her mother, a hero that left a legacy through giving life to others through tissue donation. They engage in a meaningful conversation that touches on important topics such as organ and tissue donation, education in multicultural communities and dispelling myths or misconceptions surrounding life-saving donations.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes back Jude Fontenot, Chief Operating Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital. Jude continues the discussion on the impact of executive leadership in the hospital regarding organ donation, while also highlighting how vital the collaboration with the organ procurement organization team is in building a positive culture and shaping successful initiatives. They emphasize how important systematic support is when provided to families dealing with loss and preserving the opportunity to save the lives of others through donation.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul welcomes Jude Fontenot, Chief Operating Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital. Jude reflects on his extensive career in healthcare, as a nurse and Critical Care Director for over 20 years, as well as how vital the collaboration between the organ procurement organization and hospital is to positively impact potential donor families and those awaiting transplant.

Show Notes: Shawn-Paul rejoins Dr. Jonathan Hand, Section Head of Transplant Infectious Disease at Ochsner Health, and Joey Boudreaux, Senior Director of Regional Operations for LOPA, as they recount the incredible journey that led to the first HIV positive heart that was recovered and transplanted. They provide the intricate details on the collaboration between the medical teams that allowed this unprecedented milestone in transplantation, a gift from a donor hero which ultimately saved the life of someone in need.