Let's Talk Hope

Gift of Hope

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Let's Talk Hope

The Let’s Talk Hope podcast is dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of hope from donor families, organ recipients and those on the donor waiting list. The series also discusses relevant topics about how your overall health and wellbeing plays a critical role in the donation process. Hosted by Marion Shuck, Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs at Gift of Hope Organ Tissue Donor Network.

NOV 20

Hope, Healing, and Advocacy: A Donor Wife’s Journey

In this heartfelt episode, host Marion Shuck sits down with Laura Keenon, a nurse and donor wife, to explore the profound experiences of love, loss, and healing through organ and tissue donation. Laura shares her journey with her late husband Jeramiah, their shared advocacy for donation, and how his legacy continues to inspire her work. From navigating grief to becoming an advocate for the Gift of Hope, Laura’s story is one of resilience, service, and community. Whether you're a donor family, recipient, or simply curious about the impact of organ donation, this episode offers inspiration and insight into the life-saving power of giving.

41 min
NOV 6

A Decision of Faith (Reshare)

All major religions in the U.S. support organ donation and view it as the ultimate act of love and generosity. For many people, faith plays an important role in the decision to register as a donor. In celebration of Gift of Hope's Faith and Hope Month, we are rebroadcasting this episode with Michael Zedek, Rabbi Emeritus of Emanuel Congregation, who shares what Judaism teaches about organ and tissue donation. For more information, check out: https://giftofhope.org/faithandhope/

18 min
OCT 23

Bridging the gap: Tackling disparities in kidney transplant access

In this episode, we explore disparities in kidney transplant access, focusing on the underserved and minority communities. With over 90,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant in the U.S., and a significant portion coming from marginalized backgrounds, the barriers to equitable access are both complex and urgent. Join us as Dr. Keith Melancon, a distinguished general surgeon and former Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Director at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, discusses the social determinants of health that influence diagnosis and treatment, the impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare access, and the political and cultural factors affecting organ donation and transplantation. Learn about the importance of early diagnosis, the consequences of limited access to care, and the need for increased awareness and advocacy in minority communities, plus what steps can be taken to address these disparities and ensure a fairer healthcare system where everyone has an equal opportunity for life-saving treatments. Guest: Dr. Keith Melancon, Professor of Surgery and Director of George Washington University Transplant Institute

44 min
OCT 9

Triumph Over Tragedy: Robert Chelsea’s Journey as the First Black Face Transplant Recipient

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Hope, Marion Shuck sits down with Robert Chelsea, the first Black person and the oldest patient to receive a full face transplant. Robert shares his story of survival, resilience, and hope after a devastating car accident caused by a drunk driver left him with severe burns over 60% of his body. He reflects on the life-changing decision to undergo a 16-hour surgery, the challenges faced during recovery, and the pioneering efforts of a diverse team of medical professionals at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Robert’s experience is not just about physical transformation—it’s a testament to human perseverance, the importance of organ and tissue donation in minority communities, and the power of faith in overcoming life’s toughest obstacles. Tune in to hear Robert’s inspiring journey and learn about the mission of the Robert Chelsea Foundation to support burn survivors and promote donor awareness.

29 min
AUG 28

Paving the Way (Reshare)

Ieesha Johnson entered the organ procurement industry more than 15 years ago as a Hospital Services Coordinator and has been supporting the multicultural aspect of organ and tissue donation since. Hear how Ieesha, now the Director of Community Outreach at Infinite Legacy and President of the Association of Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT), has made it her life’s work to educate and build trust within multicultural and underserved communities and empower a new generation of leaders in the industry.

32 min
AUG 14

Navigating the Heart: Conversations at Life's Crossroads

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Dillon, Manager of Donation and Family Advocates at Gift of Hope. Emily shares her experiences working on the front lines of donation, where she helps families find hope and meaning on the most challenging day of their lives. We explore the delicate balance of offering organ donation as a gift, the importance of collaboration with hospital care teams and the deep cultural sensitivities required to support families from all walks of life. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the emotional and logistical intricacies of organ donation, highlighting the compassionate work done by Emily and her team. Whether you're familiar with the topic or new to it, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of the impact organ donation can have on both donor families and recipients. Guest: Emily Dillon, Manager of Donation and Family Advocates

38 min
JUL 24

Living Donation and the Organ Trail

In this episode, Marion sits down with Mark and Lynn Scotch, avid bikers and remarkable living donors. Mark and Lynn share their inspiring journey from meeting in high school and raising a family to making the life-changing decision to donate their kidneys. They talk through the moment that sparked their decision and the profound impact of becoming living donors. Learn about the critical need for living donors, the statistics behind organ donation, and the misconceptions surrounding organ donation. Discover the important role of the National Kidney Registry Voucher Program in their donation process and how it has made a significant difference in organ donation. Listen as they discuss the unexpected encounter that led Mark to donate his kidney and the ease of becoming a living donor, emphasizing the minimal impact on donors' lives. Hear about Mark’s post-donation bike ride and the creation of the "Organ Trail." Join us for an episode filled with compassion, awareness, and the extraordinary story of two ordinary people making an extraordinary impact. Guests: Mark and Lynn Scotch, Living Kidney Donors.

54 min
JUL 10

Legacy of Love: Nikki's Heart and Vicki's Advocacy

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Vicki Walker, a donor mom, who shares her journey of organ and tissue donation. Vicki recounts the tragic loss of her daughter, Nikki, to a drowning accident in 2015 and how it led her to become an advocate for donor families. Remarkably, Vicki was able to perform directed donation, with Nikki's heart going to her best friend's sister, Tanisha. Vicki insisted on Tanisha accepting the heart, allowing her to hear Nikki's heartbeat again. Vicki and Marion talk about the emotions of being part of a donor family, the importance of registering as an organ donor and having conversations about your decision with your family. Vicki discusses her work on public service announcements for Gift of Hope, extending the lives Nikki saved by raising awareness about organ and tissue donation and helping to dispel myths and misconceptions about organ donation, particularly within black and brown communities.

38 min

5

out of 5

6 Ratings

The Let’s Talk Hope podcast is dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of hope from donor families, organ recipients and those on the donor waiting list. The series also discusses relevant topics about how your overall health and wellbeing plays a critical role in the donation process. Hosted by Marion Shuck, Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs at Gift of Hope Organ Tissue Donor Network.

Creator

Gift of Hope
Years Active

2021 - 2024
Episodes

63
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright 2021
Show Website

Let's Talk Hope