Let's Talk Hope

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...

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 tiss...

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 a...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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 ins...

Dr. Yvetta Hall was a giver, but had concerns about organ & tissue donation. When she passed away, her wife Shawna was asked to authorize donation on her behalf.   Shawna talks about the decision she made, and why she’s become a passionate advocate for donation in minority communities. Originally published June 8, 2022

In this heartfelt episode, join us as we sit down with Lisa Dodson , a Gift of Hope Community Outreach Program Lead and a cherished friend, as she shares her journey of love, loss, and resilience. Lisa opens up about her late husband, Dan, their serendipitous meeting, and their 31 beautiful years together. She recounts how Dan's courageous battle with cancer taught her invaluable life lessons and...

Delve into the critical intersection of health equity and organ donation with our esteemed guest, Iheoma Okeke Banks . With a background in clinical psychology and focus on advocating equitable healthcare, Iheoma has dedicated her career to ensuring that every individual has access to fair and compassionate medical care. Join us as Iheoma shares her journey from working in adoption, where she focu...

In this episode, Dr. Kelley Hitchman , who works behind the scenes to successfully pair patients with living donors, shares her insights into the world of organ donation. Through her involvement in a three-way paired exchange program and her co-founding of a donor advocacy group for athletes, she emphasizes the importance of dispelling myths and normalizing living donation.  Dr. Hitchman discusses...

Hear the journey of a Syreeta, a mother who found solace and purpose amidst unimaginable tragedy. In 2017, her son, Jalen, was tragically killed by a senseless act of violence, leaving her shattered. Amid her grief, Syreeta discovered hope through organ donation. Explore her story of loss and the transformative power of organ donation. Despite the heartache of losing her son, Syreeta found comfort...

Born with congenital heart disease, Kameryn Raspberry never let it hold her back. From her earliest procedures as an infant to her transplant at age 12, Kameryn’s spirit, and her desire for a normal childhood, were supported by her parents’ love.   Hear Kameryn’s story, including the pivotal moment on April 4, 2018, when doctors discussed her slim chances of receiving a donor heart. Against all od...

Imagine receiving a life-changing call from a friend—a call that offers the promise of renewed health. Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Monica Fox , a survivor of kidney disease and recipient of a life-saving transplant whose battle embodies the profound essence of friendship and resilience. In late 2013, Monica's life took a dramatic turn when she fell ill at work, eventually leadi...

Join us on a journey into the remarkable life of Elijah, a 17-year-old whose passion for music and gardening left an indelible mark. Hear Melissa, Elijah's mother, as she unveils his story, exploring his love for marching band, gardening and kindness. Amidst Elijah's musical pursuits, his connection to nature flourished, starting with sunflowers—a symbol of resilience and love. For Melissa and her...

In this episode, we're diving into an important and often misunderstood topic: directed donation and paired exchange donations. These procedures involve matching willing donors with compatible recipients, facilitating organ transplants among individuals who may not be compatible with their intended recipients. Join us as we sit down with John Babbitt, whose unwavering positivity shines through as...

Diagnosed with a rare autoimmune kidney disease at just 22 years old, Jennifer Cramer-Miller has since undergone four kidney transplants. Now, she uses her platform as Board Chair of the National Kidney Foundation in Minnesota , Donate Life America volunteer and author of Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope to advocate for organ donation and kidney disease prevention. Listen t...

Finding out her mother was a registered organ donor upon her passing was no surprise to Taylor Poindexter, “She would give whatever she could.” Months later, her partner would need a stem cell transplant. “You just have to have compassion and that passion to help somebody,” she says reflecting on the gift of donation. Listen to the full story on this episode of Let’s Talk Hope.

The holiday season may be a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one. Renata Krzyston , manager of Gift of Hope’s Donor Family Services and a donor family herself, shares different ways you can honor the memory of your loved one during the holidays, and the ongoing support her team offers donor families during the most critical times.

“ On Christmas Eve, I got a letter from a tissue recipient...he would not be able to walk again without her," says Jaquel as she talks about her daughter DeNae, a young athlete who left a legacy as an organ & tissue donor. Listen to Jaquel’s story of navigating loss and finding hope and healing on this episode of Let’s Talk Hope.

Kidney disease is one of the leading causes for kidney failure and the need for transplant, and is especially prevalent in communities of color. State Senator Mattie Hunter and Nephrologist Dr. Kalyani Perumal —who both witnessed family members struggling with kidney disease—are members of the Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force . Creating a positive culture around disease preventio...

“When I found out that no one in this country believed that an impact could be made and that we could change minds, I took it to heart.” On this episode of Let’s Talk Hope, Jack Lynch , former Senior Advisor at Gift of Hope, reflects on his triumphant 35-year career in the field of organ & tissue donation, and how “getting into good trouble” led him to changing the public perception of donatio...

For two-and-a-half years Alicia Stewart wasn’t able to work or take care of her son. She was undergoing kidney dialysis due to complications caused by Type 1 diabetes. This double transplant recipient shares how she overcame her own misconceptions about donation to become an organ & tissue donation advocate, and her experience connecting with her donor’s family.

The most inspiring conversations of 2022 are brought together for one powerful episode. Hear from transplant recipients and families of organ & tissue donors about their life changing experiences with donation. Stay tuned for a new season of Let’s Talk Hope starting on October 25, 2023.