We have entertaining and informative conversations about organ, tissue and eye donation & transplantation. Over 114,000 people are currently waiting for a life saving transplant. Our goal is to raise awareness about the need for the life saving gifts of organ, tissue & eye donation. You can help. Register as a donor at registerme.org. Share this podcast with your family and friends. Share your inspiring stories with us info@thegiftedlife.org or give us a call at (504) 648-3477.
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Release Date: 04/19/2024

Show Notes: In this pivotal episode, Kelli McQuesten, a Community Outreach Coordinator at Lifeline of Ohio, channels her personal tragedy into a powerful call for change. She tragically lost her husband, Matthew, due to not receiving a heart transplant in time. Motivated by her family's heart-wrenching experience of waiting in vain for a life-saving organ donation and the subsequent loss of her cherished husband and father of her children, Kelli is committed to closing the donation gap. She aims to educate and inspire more people to register as organ, tissue, and eye donors. Additionally, we answer one of your questions and pay tribute to hero Jessica Wheat.

Release Date: 04/05/2024

Show Notes: We are discussing the Fais Do-Donate, an upcoming fundraiser to benefit the LOPA Foundation aimed at celebrating the gift of life on a Louisiana Saturday night. Wendy Lipsey, a LOPA Foundation Board Member and grateful transplant recipient, joins our podcast to share her transplantation journey and shed light on the activities lined up for the Fais Do-Donate which will be held April 27th, 2024. In our Mental Health Moment, we delve into tips for finding meaning in loss and we honor hero Jason Michael Williams.

Release Date: 03/22/2024

Show Notes: Presenting "Gifted: The Docuseries," a compelling and uplifting exploration of organ donation and transplantation. Delve into the genesis of this inspirational series with author and filmmaker, Robert Horsey, as we journey alongside donor mom Jody Miller. Through Jody's poignant experience, we witness how her daughter, Heather, became a life-saving hero through the gift of donation. Discover exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the making of "Gifted: The Docuseries" and learn where you can experience its screenings. Additionally, in our Mental Health Moment, we tackle cognitive distortion and share practical tips for fostering a positive mindset. Lastly, we pay tribute to hero Kevin Pounds. Join us for an enriching and impactful experience.

Release Date: 03/08/2024

Show Notes: Leah Veck, grandmother to the donor hero Aliye Ringe, transformed her grief into action by delivering impassioned testimony before a Louisiana Legislative Committee. Thanks to Leah's tireless advocacy, Aliye's Law HB 289 was enacted in July 2023, guaranteeing that all Louisiana high school students receive education on organ, tissue, eye, and bone marrow donation. Discover the profound impact of Aliye's Law and how Leah and Aliye's legacy continues to save lives through education. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore strategies for releasing the grip of control in various situations, and pay tribute to hero Shannon Langley.

Release Date: 02/23/2024

Show Notes: We partner with Ashley Rodrigue, the Public Affairs Director for the State Fire Marshal's Office, to share life-saving fire safety tips. Learn about Louisiana's new carbon monoxide law, the Operation Save-A-Life program, and crucial measures to ensure your home and family are safe. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss tips for prioritizing mental health and using tools such as those found at Mental Health America. Then, we honor hero Daniel Rees.

Release Date: 02/09/2024

Show Notes: Dive into the exploration of grief with Patricia Cameron, an author and donor wife, who shares her journey after her husband's sudden passing at 45. In her book, Grief Unwrapped, Patricia confronts the burning question many face in the wake of loss: "Can I find joy again?" Discover her empowering insights on transitioning from mere survival to “thrive-al” mode. Plus, in our Mental Health Moment, we discuss the importance of self-compassion and breaking free from negative self-assessments, and then honor hero Caleb Easterling.

Release Date: 01/26/2024

Show Notes: Join us as we warmly welcome Tony Lucero, an avid listener and grateful liver recipient, to share his remarkable transplantation journey. Tony's powerful story sheds light on the many faceted connections made in the organ donation process. Our mental health moment takes a reflective turn as we discuss the importance of slowing down in a world that often seems to move at an overwhelming pace and reconnecting with the things that really matter, and we honor hero Brooke Richard.

Release Date: 01/12/2024

Show Notes: In this podcast episode, we delve into the impactful work of Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA National), an organization empowering students to drive organ donation advocacy on their high school or college campuses. Program Director, Nicole Nidea, provides an insightful update on SODA's outreach initiatives since our previous discussions in episodes 119 and 198. Join us as we explore the transformative possibilities that arise when students take the lead in fostering awareness and action. Additionally, in our Mental Health Moment, we engage in a reflective discussion on the universal question we often ask ourselves. The episode concludes with a heartfelt tribute to donor hero, Chad Griffin.