Let's Talk About Life

As discussed in part one of this conversation, Gordon Bowen has dedicated his 38-year career to organ, eye, and tissue donation. He has held various positions in this field, ranging from procurement coordinator to regional administrator at the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Gordon moved to Cleveland in 2005 and became the CEO of Lifebanc in 2006. He has created a significant legacy throu...

As the year ends, Gordon Bowen, the CEO of Lifebanc, will conclude his remarkable career in the organ procurement field at the end of 2024. For 24 years, Gordon has been a dedicated, pioneering, and compassionate leader at Lifebanc. Many may not know that he has devoted his entire professional life to the donation field. We are honored to have Gordon with us to discuss his career, share some highl...

Each year, we dedicate a podcast episode to talk about grief and the holidays because supporting those who have suffered a loss at the end of the year is essential. Whether that loss is recent or years ago, it changes a family and how holidays are celebrated. Lifebanc expert on the subject, Elissa Berman, Manager of Bereavement Services, provides guidance and helpful information, and leading off t...

Tammy Horvat was a vibrant, healthy wife, mom, and community member. She worked full-time as a manager and was always on the go when suddenly, she began to feel tired, then exhausted. In a few weeks, Tammy’s world was turned upside down when, shockingly, her husband found her unresponsive on the couch. Tammy was in liver and kidney failure.

Jack was only a young boy when he was told, “Daddy went to heaven.” He was also told that his dad had taken his own life. As we move through September, we must stop and learn more about the importance of Suicide Prevention Awareness. This is the time to raise awareness of this urgently significant crisis. The purpose of this observance is to shift the perception, spread hope, and share vital infor...

Robert Horsey, RN, BSN, CPTC, CCTC, and CEO of Gifted Productions, has worked in organ procurement organizations and two transplant centers and is certified in donation and transplantation. Who better to share meaningful stories with to inspire, encourage, and educate the masses? Robert is also the author of the book Gifted and the producer of a docu-series of the same name, which tells real-life...

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 t...

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 particip...

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 famili...

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 Clini...

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 me...

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, Exec...

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...

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 F...

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...

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 heartwrenchin...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 determ...

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 cele...

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 ho...

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 los...

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 Abo...