Let's Talk About Life: Recent Episodes
Lifebanc
Welcome to Let’s Talk About Life. A podcast brought to you by Lifebanc. The organ, eye, and tissue recovery agency in Northeast Ohio. Donation can be a complicated subject, but it is all about life. Please spend some time as we unravel the complexities of donation and share impactful stories that touch the very core of humanity. Let’s Talk About Life!
Statistically, about 90% of the US population supports the idea of organ donation, but only 56% are registered donors in Ohio. We do know that when a person hears the story of a recipient, a living donor, a donor family member, or meets someone whose life has been impacted by donation, the reluctance to discuss or consider donation fades away. One strategy for combating this reluctance is to share these emotional, inspirational stories as much as possible and in many ways. This podcast aims to achieve just that, and we’re fortunate to have an army of talented writers, other podcast […]
Rodney is a professional musician, the former music director and keyboard player for the Spinners in the 1970s. He toured the world and still plays music in two bands. However, the music almost stopped when his kidneys failed due to COVID-19, and spending 14 days on a ventilator. Rodney shares his story and how he ended up coming to Cleveland to receive a lifesaving kidney transplant in April of this year.
To lose one family member is heartbreaking, but the loss of two at the same time is unimaginable. When Bob Reisinger’s daughter and granddaughter were killed in a terrible accident, the thought of moving forward was overwhelming. One of Bob’s friends invited him to attend the Gift of Life Walk & Run and it made an impact that Bob still feels today. Listen as Bob shares his reasons for participating in this unique event year after year.
This episode of “Let’s Talk About Life” is about celebrating! We are taking time to acknowledge a huge accomplishment, the tenth anniversary of the opening of Transplant House of Cleveland. If you’re unfamiliar with Transplant House of Cleveland, it’s a nonprofit organization providing affordable, temporary housing and a welcoming, supportive community to organ transplant patients and their families. This community is not just a group of people, but a network of support and understanding, making Transplant House of Cleveland a compassionate home-away-from-home. Elaine Turley, Executive Director, and Aaron Babcock, Manager of Communications and the Annual Fund, will discuss the beauty […]
Join us as we delve into Angela Voisard’s heart-wrenching story about her fourth child, Bella, a beautiful baby whose life took an unexpected turn after two months. An emergency visit to Akron Children’s Hospital brought to light the stark reality that Bella’s life was hanging by a thread. Don’t miss our enlightening conversation with Bella’s mom and her Pediatric Cardiologist from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Dr. Shahnawaz Amdani. We’ll discover the unique complexities of pediatric transplantation, Bella’s extraordinary journey, and the pressing issue of dwindling pediatric organ donors. This discussion could reshape your understanding of pediatric health issues and perhaps […]
As Father’s Day approached, we had a conversation with Ryan Dornon, a father who lost his almost two-year-old daughter, Kinsley. Ryan shared their unimaginable story and talked about his journey through the immense grief he feels. Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Bereavement Services Manager, provided insights and information on the grieving process and ways to recognize specific differences of grieving men.
The Kidney Foundation of Ohio has assisted hundreds of individuals burdened with kidney disease since the 1950s. It has an esteemed but surprising history and a direct connection to organ donation and patient assistance programs that put dollars in the hands of those who need help the most. Learn more about this “little organization that could” on this episode, featuring guests Kelly Dowling, Executive Director, and Jennifer Clegg, Client Services and Community Manager of the KFO.
Lifebanc Bereavement Services Department has a stellar history of providing support and care to grieving families. We’re committed to continually enhancing our services for relatives of organ, eye, and tissue donors, a key part of which includes facilitating correspondence between donor families and recipients. Over the years, some common questions have been asked, such as why some donor families or recipients haven’t received any communication from the other party. Dena Balk, our Bereavement Services Coordinator, and Counselor addresses these complex matters in a dedicated episode. After tuning in, if you wish to delve deeper into the topic, we invite you […]
Relax in a cozy chair at Rival Barber Lounge and immerse yourself in the ambiance. You’ll feel like you’re part of an engaging conversation. Edmund Wilson III, the Lifebanc Community Outreach Program Manager, assumes the role of podcast host, exploring the neighborhood and discussing organ, eye, and tissue donation. Edmund and the owner of Rival Barber Lounge, Aaron Turpin, are joined by Michael Fordham, a kidney transplant recipient. They have an honest and open discussion about his transplant experience, the mistrust in the medical field, and the importance of everyone making a donation decision.
We’re privileged to share a conversation with a remarkable individual who has experienced the donation process firsthand. Hannah Fleming, a dedicated nurse from the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Surgical team, has been a part of donor recoveries with Lifebanc. Hannah lovingly shares her experiences as an O.R. nurse and the profound bond she feels with every organ recovery case she’s been a part of.
You can hear Abbie’s echo in Matthew Carey’s voice if you listen very closely. Matthew Carey, a former firefighter and EMTP-P, knows firsthand through his whirlwind experience of needing a heart transplant to survive that life is fragile. His 15-year-old daughter, Abbie, echoed the hero who saved her father and decided to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Matthew never expected the heartwrenching circumstances of agreeing to fulfill his daughter’s decision. Listen to this moving story about life received and then given.
Tanya’s journey as a kidney warrior began when she was only eight, diagnosed with a condition known as IgA nephropathy. This disease significantly altered the course of her life. Despite the challenges, she was fortunate enough to receive a kidney donation from her mother. As we commemorate March, recognized as Kidney Awareness Month, we highlight the narrative of Tanya Stehler. Tanya is not just a long-time kidney patient, but she’s also a passionate advocate in the kidney community. Listen to her story now!
The Fashion for Life Show is just around the corner. This exclusive event, a collaboration between MOTTEP and TRIO, is unlike any other, featuring models and escorts whose lives have been impacted by organ donation. Whether they’ve received the gift of life or are still waiting, these special people are a testament to the urgency of our cause. We must seize this opportunity to raise awareness. Our guests, Linda Kimble, Executive Director of MOTTEP, and Fatima Wood, a dialysis patient eagerly awaiting a transplant, understand this need better than anyone. They embody our mission, and their participation gives the event […]
Each year-end, Lifebanc reviews the number of lives impacted by the generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors in northeast Ohio. It is humbling to report that organ donors saved 570 lives, and an additional 1,185 lives were enhanced through the gift of tissue. Although these numbers are incredible, we know that our work is not yet complete, and challenges have to be overcome to make “saving more lives” more than just something we say. Lifebanc CEO Gordon Bowen and Lifebanc COO Micah Davis join us for this episode. Gordon and Micah are the guiding forces for Lifebanc and what […]
It was a beautiful day on the shores of Lake Erie. Lee Weber and his two sons, Alex and Jacob, who were 9 and 7 at the time, were spending time on a family camping trip. Some of the group, including Lee and Jacob, decided to check out the Conneaut Light House. Part of the adventure was to get to the lighthouse, which required a quick swim through a gap of missing boulders in the break wall. While walking and exploring the lighthouse, the winds began to shift, and Lake Erie kicked up swiftly, as it is known to do. […]
When Linda Liberator learned that her son Eric was in stage 5 kidney failure and would need a transplant, she knew exactly what she needed to do. Linda went to the University Hospital of Cleveland Transplant Institute and began being tested as a potential living donor. Image her delight when she was told she was a perfect match! However, as Linda and Eric got farther in the process, it was determined that the match wasn’t so perfect after all. Listen as Linda shares the twists and turns of her journey to be a living kidney donor.
Many families have experienced a sudden and unexpected tragedy that results in their loved one becoming a donor. Although giving the gift of life and sight to others is a noble act, these families still feel their loss profoundly and forever. Our guest on this episode is Angie Gates-Stefan, the sister of Rob Gates, and she shares her family’s story and what she’s doing to remember, honor, and celebrate Rob twenty-two years after his passing.
April 28, 2010, was a typical day when 16-year-old Erin Ehrbar and her 13-year-old brother, Andrew, pulled out of the driveway on their way to school. Their car was struck in the side, and neither Erin nor Andrew survived. Listen as Lifebanc Donor Family Counsel member Laura DePiero discusses the complicated mix of grief and loss at a time when the world seems to be celebrating. She also shares how, over time, celebrations and traditions can take on new meaning when thinking of the ones we love who are no longer with us. Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Bereavement Services Program Manager, provides […]
National Eye Donation Awareness Month occurs every November as a reminder to give the gift of sight as a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor – but perhaps more importantly, to remind us all how precious vision is in our daily lives. Almost 20 million Americans – or 8% of the U.S. population – have visual impairments. Visual impairments, including blindness, are one of the leading causes of loss of independence among people aged 65 and older. We talk with individuals from Eversight, the nonprofit eye bank, to tell us about some projects they are working on to irradicate vision […]
Hospital scenes – where there is trauma, tragedy, and unexpected loss – are often chaotic and emotional. In times of shock and disbelief, individuals may feel numb and can have difficulty accepting that a loss has occurred or is occurring. In these very darkest moments, a gentle and calming presence is required. Enter a member of the hospital’s pastoral care team. On this episode of Let’s Talk About Life, we get a deeper insight into the vital role of the pastoral care team as they journey with families in trauma. Rev. Elizabeth Hewett, Director of Pastoral Care for University Hospital […]
Lifebanc covers 20 counties in Northeast Ohio, serves approximately 4.2 million individuals, and includes several large cities, including Cleveland. The depth of complexity is unimaginable when providing services to a population of this size. Especially ensuring citizens are safe and have access to housing, food, and healthcare. We know that organ donation and transplantation are a tiny fraction of what’s on the minds of those governing the City of Cleveland. However, with diabetes & hypertension ravaging communities, more individuals are ending up on dialysis and potentially on the organ transplant waiting list. Listen to a candid conversation with Edmund Wilson […]
Last week, we discussed the loss of a young man, Trenton Riggins-Walker. Trenton died by suicide. We continue the conversation with Bill Walker and Kolnita Riggins-Walker to learn how they put their grief into action by creating a safe space for other young people called Trent’s Room. Also, Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Manager of Bereavement Services, provides insight into grief resources for those left after a loved one completes suicide.
The unthinkable occurred when Bill and Kolnita Riggins-Walker’s son Trenton died by suicide. Trent had struggled with mental health issues, but his death still came as a shock. Listen to Part One of a poignant story as they take us on a journey of parenting an intelligent, talented, and unique young man, their devastating loss, and what organ, eye, and tissue donation has meant to them. Call 988 – the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Charlene Johnson-Boyd shares her story of being diagnosed with heart failure and told there was nothing more doctors could do because of her age. Charlene wouldn’t take no for an answer and was told of a transplant center that would include her in their program—a compelling journey and discussion about aging and transplantation.
Lifebanc is committed to supporting donor families long after losing a loved one. There are many programs and events available, a list of which can be found on our website under the “For Families” tab. However, a new and uniqueprogram centers around donor family members helping other donor families through the Peer Grief Companion Program.Listen as Elissa Berman, Bereavement Services Manager, and two donor wives, Nicole Allen Banks and Mary Berry, discuss the program and why it’suniquely powerful.
When it comes to organ, eye, and tissue donation, the number-one misconception is that medical personnel won’t try to save your life if you’re a registered donor. Even though it’s completely false, that misconception is pervasive, especially in black communities. In this week’s episode, listen to a family of color address the misconception head-on. Before starting at Lifebanc, Community Outreach Program Manager Edmund Wilson and his sister Demetria Tutt participated in the honor walk for their brother, Darnell Wilson. Darnell was on his way to the operating room to save lives.
August is a busy month, but we must slow down and learn about Minority Donor Awareness. We talk with an expert on the subject, Linda Kimble from MOTTEP, donor mom, […]
In 2014, with two failing lungs, the future wasn’t looking too bright for Griff Hill. As a father of two and a husband to his wife Linda, Griff had a […]
As a teacher in the Shaker Heights Schools, Chante Thomas knows kids. She put her expertise to use when becoming a published author. Her characters tell us about their culture […]
Meet Edmund Wilson III going above and beyond in his new position as Community Outreach Program Manager. Edmund went through baptism by fire when he started at Lifebanc at the […]
Jennifer Ackerman loved to sing. Ever since the fourth grade, she had been part of a choir in some way. But on what was to be a normal Sunday morning, […]
As a young boy, Garrison Markins endured a medical history that prevented him from playing and being active. As he grew older, doctors saw much improvement and cleared him to […]
Tiffany Lang, BSN, RN, NE-BC, is the nurse manager for an Intensive Care Unit at the Cleveland Clinic. She works with a team of approximately 100 individuals and many other groups. […]
Professionals in the medical field are often seen as one-dimensionalpeople whose identity is in their uniforms.In this episode of “Let’s Talk About Life,” we connect with three women who work at University Hospitals Cleveland […]
April brings a renewal of life with spring and is a sacred season for religious celebrations. All faiths have differences in theology, however, an interesting fact is that they have very […]
"At this point, my filtration level is about 14%...and, at 10%, it means you are definitelyin need of dialysis." Brendan Coakley
"It didn't take me long to realize this was a songthat needed to be written." Dan Modlin, musician
In the book Rare Birds, a 12-year-old boy is dealing with the underlying dread that his mom will need a heart transplant to live. The family also relocates to Florida to wait […]
"It's been 15 years, and it still brings me comfort thatsomething positive came out of it." Rochelle Ogbuji, Donor Mom
Reggie & Maria Roundtree play traditional drums to educate the community. But Reggie has a special connection to the rhythm since he is a heart transplant recipient. Listen to this […]
We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and spent time with those you love. We also hope you were able to honor and share fond memories of those individuals […]
We love sharing the stories of men, women, and children receiving the gift of life and enjoying restored health. We also love to talk with donor families who have been […]
Listen to Lee and Larry Elmore share their story of watching Lee's grandmother go blind and then learning she had the same disease.
Lisa Knoll knows a lot about service. As a young girl, her mom’s transplant set her on a path of giving back. For twelve years, she’s served her country in […]
A mother’s instinct is powerful. After giving birth to her son, Shawna immediately knew something was wrong. After being released to go home, she left one hospital and took her […]
When Lifebanc staff are in public and the topic of where you work or organ donation comes up, a long involved conversation usually ensues. However, recently at a local restaurant […]
We share many stories about organ donor families and transplant recipients, but it isn’t very often that we talk about someone whose loved one died because they didn’t receive the […]
Lifebanc staff members work alongside the hospital staff at centers to ensure that donation protocols and policies are in place. As you can imagine, communication is critical. One way to […]
There are many reasons why people love this event but primarily, they participate to honor a loved one touched by donation or transplantation, or for a cause they strongly support. […]
If you’ve driven down west 25th street in the past few months, you’ll have noticed a lot of new construction at MetroHealth. But a new hospital building isn’t the only new thing happening at Metro. […]
Lynda Corea knows the joy and gratefulness of being the mom of a transplant recipient, as well as the unimaginable pain of then being the mom of an organ donor. […]
Walter Mootz was a pizza-making radio DJ who loved music and traveling. He also was a fantastic swimmer and an Elvis impersonator. More than anything, Walter loved helping people. So […]
As the Chief of HR Services for Cleveland Clinic, Don Corpora supports the 65,000 domestic and 72,000 global caregivers employed by the Clinic. He also has served on the Lifebanc Finance Committee and is now the Treasurer of the Lifebanc […]
Imagine being only 18 and having to make a donation decision for you mom. Joey Gase, know as a car driver and owner in the Xfinity and Cup NASCAR series, […]
We can hardly believe that we have reached an epic milestone of 100 episodes of our podcast. When we started in 2019, we had no idea how vital each episode […]
We celebrate motherhood, something we hold in high regard. This episode is uplifting as it is emotional. Chuck and Rose Vinci happily expected their second child when a fatal diagnosis […]
There are many intriguing stories of transplant recipients and their journey toward health. But the path for lung transplant recipients can be long in some circumstances. Our guest, Jacqueline Weiler, […]
Recently, we were given a gift at Lifebanc. We received an email from Karen Ormiston inquiring about getting involved with Lifebanc. When we heard Karen’s story, we were impressed with […]
The majority of individuals on the national organ waitlist require a kidney transplant. The average wait time here in northeast Ohio is three to five years, with most people enduring […]
As spring approaches, we welcome wedding bells and brides choosing their extraordinary dresses. We’re so excited to be a part of Jacqueline’s Bridal “Wedding Rewind” and grateful to be the beneficiary of this fundraiser. But what’s the connection between donation and wedding dresses, you ask? Listen to the Bonilla family’s story to discover how the staff at University Hospitals Medical Center and a donor hero changed their lives forever.
Amber Bonilla provided an update that only four tables are available for the event. Purchase tickets before the Wedding Rewind sells out – a fun way to support the mission of Lifebanc!
Individuals from all over the country come to Cleveland seeking medical care, including organ transplantation. When you’re in a strange city, the transplant journey can be especially overwhelming.
Transplant House of Cleveland provides a home-away-from-home for patients in the evaluation process for transplant, on the waiting list, and post-transplant. Annette Humberson, LISW at Transplant House, shares why it is so much more than a place to sleep. You will also hear from a guest, Katelyn Lambert, staying at Transplant House while waiting for an intestinal transplant.
For Chris Klug, skateboarding and snowboarding were a way of life and something he loved since he was young. He quickly discovered that he excelled at the new sport of competitive snowboarding. Chris won eleven National Champion titles, five world cup championships and realized every athlete’s dream when he participated in the 1998 Olympics! You can understand why, then, Chris could hardly believe his ears when the doctors at his routine physical explained that he had a liver disease and would eventually need a transplant. Enjoy an engaging conversation with this three-Olympian as he shares his journey of competing after a liver transplant, winning a bronze medal, and meeting his donor’s family the next day.
At only 15 years old, Candice Monroe was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and placed on the heart transplant waiting list. Her condition was dire as she waited at the Cleveland Clinic.
Chuck Roberts and his family lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a few hundred miles away. When he received devasting news that his 15-year-old daughter, Alicia, had a tragic accident, Chuck’s other daughter shared that Alicia had wanted to be an organ donor. Chuck felt relief knowing that Alicia had made this important decision and that something good would come out of this tragedy.
Now 20 years later, Candice and Chuck reminisce about meeting each other and how the gift of life has kept the spirit of Alicia alive.
This week, host Colleen Gerber visits with one of our newer staff members, Dena Balk, Bereavement Coordinator & Counselor. Dena had big shoes to fill when she began at Lifebanc last fall, but she’s a perfect fit, and the new skills she brings are enhancing services to donor families. Dena also shares her very personal connection to our mission and why she is driven to give back and serve our families. You won’t want to miss a word of her story!
Join host Colleen Gerber for the last podcast of the year as she revisits memorable conversations and special guests from 2021. We look forward to 2022 and continuing to save lives is the reason for a third season of Let's Talk About Life, although some changes will occur, as announced in this episode.
Do you know that, according to the CDC, blinding eye diseases affect 80 million Americans? The economic impact of major vision problems among U.S. adults 40 years and older is more than $145 billion each year. Northeast Ohio is rich with institutions that diligently work to improve lives at home and abroad.
Listen to a fascinating conversation with Dr. Onkar Sawant, Director of the Eversight Center for Vision and Eye Banking Research, as he shares the work of the center and the ground-breaking research taking place.
This year, Lifebanc has been celebrating 35 yearsof saving and healing lives. If we think about that for a moment, that means hundreds of thousands of lives have been touched by the work of Lifebanc. It’s amazing to look back and stand in awe of all we’ve accomplished.
However, as much fun that would be, to remain successful in our mission, Lifebanc must be focused on year 36 and beyond. re through the legacy of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Lifebanc CEO Gordon Bowenshares some of the challenges and opportunities we face in the coming year, along with an update about the Gift of Life Walk & Run, Over the Edge. and the annual Donor Memorial Service.
Are you ready to be part of a team that saves lives every day?Jodi Baldwin, Lifebanc Human Resource Generalist,joins the podcast to talk about the advantages of being a Lifebanc staff member. She also explains our Top Performer Philosophy that helps us identify individuals who will positively impact the mission as a Lifebanc team member. Lastly, Jodi shares the current job openings available at Lifebanc.
A continuation of the conversation with Michael Lynn, a professional musician and liver transplant recipient. Michael shares what happened when he posted on his Facebook page that he was celebrating the ninth anniversary of his transplant. A colleague at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Robert Walters, and his 11-year-old daughter Saya Walters join the conversation explaining why organ donation is now meaningful to their family.
Michael Lynnis a highly accomplished musician. He is an expert in flute and recorder, a professor at OberlinConservatory of Music, and a devotee of baroque music. He has played with many symphonies and ensembles, including for the inaugural luncheons of both Presidents Obama and Trump. In addition to teaching at the Conservatory, Michael served for a time as the associate dean. However, all that stopped when he was told he would need a liver transplant to live.
Listen as Michael chronicles his journey and the impact of liver disease on his life and career. You’ll want to tune in fornext week's episode,whenwe’llcontinueMichael's storyand learn how it influenced a colleague, Robert, and his 11-year-old daughter to take action.
The holidays are usually viewed as a time of happiness and rejoicing, but for some people, it can be a period of painful reflection, sadness, anxiety, and depression. Feelings of sadness that last throughout the holiday season, usually from November through December, are often referred to as the holiday blues. But for someone who has lost a loved one, this time period can be more than the holiday blues.
With the available vaccines, the covid restriction aren’t as stringent this year, and people are looking forward to gathering together for the holidays. However, if there has been a loss of a loved one, there is a potential for very dark holiday season. How does one cope with loss during a time of celebration. Elissa Berman, the Sr. Bereavement Services Counselor for Lifebanc provides practical advice on how to cope with grief through the holidays.
The first successful cornea transplant was performed in 1945 by Dr. Charles I. Thomson at University Hospitals, but it wasn't until 1958 that Cleveland established a local eye bank. Northeast Ohio has a rich history of service and innovation in supporting those who experience issues with sight. At the center of the eye healthcare community has been the Cleveland Eye Bank Foundation. Once known as the Cleveland Eye Bank, this group is instrumental in ground-breaking achievements that improve and restoresight for thousands of people in northeast Ohio and across the country.
The Cleveland Eye Bank Foundationis celebrating 63 years of service to enable sight through vision research funding, along with professional and community education. Listen as Executive Director Debbie May Johnson discusses their historical accomplishments, exciting future, and mission to fund research projects to accelerate cures for some of the most critical eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma
It goes without saying that things mean more to us when they hit close to home – and that is precisely the experience that the host of Let's Talk About Life, Colleen Gerber had earlier this year. Listeners to the podcast know that Colleen is a kidney transplant recipient – twice. Because of her own experience, she has a passion and deep respect for organ, eye, and tissue donors and understands how they change lives with their gifts. Besides the two kidney donors that have saved her life, the is another extraordinary donor that she holds in high esteem in her heart. That is the cornea donor who gave her husband, Ernie, the gift of sight.
Earlier this year, Ernie Gerber underwent a cornea transplant after suffering from an eye disease since he was in his teens. The procedure changed his eyesight in one day, and now that he is several months post-transplant, Colleen invited him on the podcast to share the journey with you.
Roy Allen Bumpers first came to know Lifebanc when he participated in the Lifebanc Stepping For Lifeshows. Roy was part of the Kappa Alpha Psifraternity and helped make that event a success.
Although Roy knew at the time that he had kidney disease, he lived his life and tried to maintain good health. That worked for years, until an unexpected trip to the hospital revealed he would need to begin dialysis treatments immediately.
We continue our conversation with Roy while he receives a dialysis treatment at the Centers for Dialysis Care in Shaker Heights. Listen as he shares some of the obstacles he overcame and what his hopes are for the future.
Roy-Allen Bumperswas first introduced to organ donation and Lifebanc through participating in the Stepping for Life show. As a member of Alphi Kappa Psi, he and his fraternity brothers work hard to help educate college students and their families about the need for more registered organ donors. Roy had a personal stake in the events because he had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
We reconnected with Roy while he was undergoing a dialysis treatment at the Centers for Dialysis Carein Shaker Heights. Listen to part 1 of our candid conversation as Roy talks about being a Lifebanc advocate and his current health challenge.
It sounds like the beginning of a joke: two guys walk in to a bar. However, the conversation that took place was no joke and forever changed the lives of Mark Scotch and Hugh Smith.
After talking about general topics like sports, politics, and the weather, Mark was surprised when Hugh got up to leave. Mark kidded him, saying it was still early enough in the day to enjoy another beer, but Hugh explained he needed to get home to begin a dialysis routine. Although Hugh never brought up living kidney donation, Mark thought that it was something he could do. As Mark began researching living donation, he was shocked to learn about the critical need for kidney transplants. He felt more could be done to raise awareness for this need, and he wanted to give an example of life after living donation. Listen as Mark shares his unique experience riding his bike on the Organ Trail.
In the darkest moments of crisis and trauma, Lifebanc Family Support Liaisons sit with families in their pain and offer the opportunity to leave a legacy of life. These interactions are intense and emotional and often create a bond between Lifebanc and the donor family.
Two women, Kelly Armstead-Dickerson (Lifebanc Family Support Specialist) and Jaylene Roberts (donor mom) discuss their experience when Jaylene's son became a donor hero at the age of 22 and when they met again months later.
We know thousands of Ohioans have registered their donation decision through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.The Ohio Donor Registry is managed by the state of Ohio through the BMVs and each agency ask citizens if they would like to give the gift of life. September is National BMV Appreciation month, and a time to thank our partners for helping to save lives.
It is not an exaggeration to recognize the Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a vital partner in the mission of saving and healing lives along with Lifebanc. We do not take that for granted and thank all BMV staff members.
But for one staff member, Jim Stinson s BMV field representativethe mission became personal when he became a living kidney donor to his brother, Jerry Stinson a kidney transplant recipient.The brothers shared their experience and why donation is something we all should consider.
Colleen Flynn Goss knows what a challenge looks like and has remarkably overcome many in her life time with style and grace. Being a young woman in her teens, Colleen noticed her vision was changing and it was discovered that she had a disease that affected her eyesight. It use her significant visual impairment.
Although her vision was deteriorating, Colleen didn't let that deter her from her education and became an attorney and is now an intellectual lawyer, advising domestic and international clients on all aspects of trademark law.
Colleen also went on to raise a family and was able to be there when her sister, Karen needed her the most.
End of Life advance directive and preplanning may be uncomfortable to think about or discuss. Although it may be a topic that is easier to avoid, making those decisions for yourself will help your loved ones at a time when they are in the midst of grief and a highly emotional period.
In tragic circumstances - your family is in the grips of making many end-of-life decisions and arrangements. The act of preplanning final arrangements and being a registered donor, you’ve given your loved ones the gift of peace of mind because they know your wishes.
Marva was a young women when she came to work at Lifebanc. Although she didn’t have a personal connection to the mission, she loved being part of saving lives. Little did she know that, many years later, her husband would be one of the lives saved by a donor hero when he received a heart transplant.
Listen in as Deacon Kenneth and Marva Smith share their story about how Lifebanc’s mission became deeply personal for them.
A group of geniuses from the Lifebanc Quality Services department created a process called the Whiteboard Walk About to communicate how each department, and ultimately each staff member - plays a key role in the success of Lifebanc and how we are all connected.
Lifebanc, and all recovery agencies are highly regulated and to ensure that we not only know and follow regulatory procedures, the Lifebanc Quality Service departments provides training, spearheads projects, and overall supports Lifebanc staff so we meet and exceed the expectations of our mission. The Whiteboard project was created to engage and enlighten staff on their role and educate them on what other department teams are doing as well.
Do you know that 60% of those on the national waiting list are either, African Americans, Hisapanic/Latino, Asian Pacific Islanders or American Indian/Alaska Natives. But these groups make up less 50% of those who receive transplants. Also, these groups are less likely to register as OET donors.
Linda D. Kimble, Executive Director of Cleveland MOTTEP discusses this important issue and what is being done to save the lives of those on the waiting list.
No one could imagine how life would carry on when four teenagers from Brunswick, Ohio were killed in a car crash, a day before their high school graduation. Kevin Fox, one of the teens in the car, made the decision two years prior to the accident to be a registered donor. Kevin's sister, Colleen Fox talks about her brother and why they celebrate him and the lives he saved through organ donation at the Gift of Life Walk & Run each year.
For 35 years, Lifebanc has coordinate thousands of letters and cards sent to and from donor families and recipients wanting to connect. At the heart of this process is Mary LaRiccia, Bereavement Services Coordinator and Elissa Berman, Sr. Bereavement Services Counselor. Listen as they discuss the many aspects of communicating and what it takes to connect families touched by donation or transplantation.
Part two of our conversation with longtime Cleveland TV personality, Jan Jones.As we learned last week,Dr. Sheldon Artz was an amazing man and his transplant story was certainly dramatic and unique. After his heart transplant, Jan and Shelly shared 15 added years together. During those years, becoming Lifebanc ambassadors and advocating for organ donation became a passion for them. Even after Shelly sadly passed away, Jan remained dedicated to Lifebanc and the cause of organ donation. So much so, she and her family are taking their support to a whole new level!