LyfeTalks brought to you by TransplantLyfe

In Episode 3, Jeanmarie speaks with Lisa Hehenberger, who donated a kidney to her sister. Lisa shares an honest and personal look at what led her to say yes, what the experience was really like, and how living donation impacted her family.

In Episode 4, Jeanmarie speaks with Beau Daly, who made the decision to donate a kidney to his brother-in-law. Beau shares a candid and thoughtful perspective on what led him to step forward, what the process looked like, and how living donation shaped his relationships and sense of purpose.

In this episode, Jeanmarie sits down with Tim Andrews, who made history by receiving a xenotransplant, a genetically modified pig kidney that sustained him for nine months. Now back on dialysis and waiting for a human kidney, Tim’s courage and selflessness have helped move transplant science forward and opened doors for future patients. His story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of puttin...

October is Liver Awareness Month in the U.S. We’re bringing you a special conversation with two of our amazing community members and liver transplant recipients, Alisha Hiebert and Leslie Macnab. They open up about their transplant journeys—from the moment of surgery to the ongoing process of physical and emotional recovery. While at different stages, both highlight how the mind-body connection is...

Tune in for a new episode as Gabriel Cooper, a dual-organ recipient and a psychotherapist, chats with LaVise McCray about his unique perspective on survivor’s guilt. Gabriel suffered the effects of Type-1 Diabetes for 20 years and did 2-years of Peritoneal Dialysis, before receiving a kidney/pancreas transplant in 2022. His own experience inspired him to change careers and for the last 10 years, G...

 LaVise McCray sits down with Jeanmarie to discuss her powerful transplant journey. Nearly 20 years after receiving her first kidney transplant at age 24, Jeanmarie reflects on her experiences with honesty and strength. Now awaiting a second life-saving transplant, she shares what drives her ongoing advocacy, the role of self-care in navigating chronic illness, and the heartfelt message she holds...

LaVise McCray sits down with Christopher Bryant, a healthcare advocate, AKF Kidney Coach, advisory board member with NJ Sharing Network, trustee of the Sharing Foundation, diabetes ambassador, and motivational speaker. Christopher opens up about his journey with type 1 diabetes leading to advanced kidney disease and shares how his personal story fuels his mission to educate and empower others. The...

In this episode, dialysis patients LaVise McCray, Emmitt Henderson, and Alex Berrios come together for a candid conversation about all things dialysis—from the emotional rollercoaster of starting treatment to the everyday challenges. Whether you're on dialysis, considering it, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers powerful insights and advice that go beyond the medical textbook. T...

Kevin Schnurr joins Jeanmarie to share his incredible story — from an unexpected urgent care visit to an urgent need for dialysis. Diagnosed with Alport syndrome in his mid-20s, Kevin's journey took an unexpected turn that ultimately led to a life-saving kidney donation from a former work colleague. Listen in as he shares the whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and hope along the way. 

Meet Caroline Laubach - a heart transplant recipient, cancer survivor, and T9 paraplegic. In this inspiring conversation, she sits down with Alisha to share her incredible journey of strength, setbacks, and perseverance. 

Alisha sits down with Laszlo Mark, a pediatric heart transplant recipient now celebrating 33 years with his donor heart, for a thoughtful conversation about identity, survival, and the power of storytelling. Now earning his PhD in folklore, Laszlo shares how his transplant journey has shaped both his personal life and academic work.

In Episode 2, Alex Berrios speaks with his close friend Matt—a living donor who once considered giving Alex his kidney. These deeply personal stories show what it truly means to step up for someone you love —and even a stranger.

In Episode 1, Alex speaks with Michael, the father of our founder, Karin, who gave his daughter the gift of life through kidney donation. These deeply personal stories show what it truly means to step up for someone you love —and even a stranger.

A dual transplant recipient, Jamie Imhof, joins Jeanmarie to share the heart behind her passion project: Donate Life Rocks. What started as a simple way to raise awareness has grown into a community movement, spreading hope and donor awareness one painted rock at a time. Tune in to hear how it all began — and why it means so much.

Episode Description: In this inspiring episode, Elsa Chau, a heart transplant recipient, shares how saying 'yes' to new experiences has transformed her life. Hosted by Alisha, a liver transplant recipient, their conversation explores resilience, gratitude, and the power of embracing second chances. Tune in for a heartfelt story of strength and possibility.

What does it mean to live a vibrant life? Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Alison Conklin, a heart transplant recipient and founder of Bonus Days Magazine , as she shares her extraordinary transplant journey—finding beauty in the unexpected and redefining life after adversity.

The transplant journey is life-changing—but it comes with financial challenges that many don’t expect. In this episode, Mari Lopp, mom to heart transplant baby Bailey, joins Jeanmarie, a 19-year kidney transplant recipient, and Denise Redeker, heart transplant recipient from Heartfelt Help Foundation. They discuss the hidden costs, available resources, and how communities can support transplant fa...

LaVise sits down with Emmitt and Manny Henderson to share an incredible story of love, sacrifice, and second chances. Manny and his siblings secretly tested to be Emmitt’s living donor—giving him the ultimate gift of life and 9 ½ more years of cherished moments. Tune in for this heartfelt conversation about brotherhood, resilience, and the power of organ donation. 

Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Amy, a fellow liver transplant recipient, to share their journeys and insights. Amy, a former Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner at the height of her career, draws on her dual perspective as both a patient and a healthcare provider. Amy offers invaluable advice on advocating for yourself within the healthcare system. She opens up about how...

Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Carswell, who received a kidney transplant at 19 and is now 21. Together, they discuss the transition from pediatric to adult care in the transplant journey.

LaVise McCray, a kidney transplant recipient, sits down with Inka Nisinbaum, who underwent double lung and liver transplants in Germany in 2002. Since childhood, running has motivated her to maintain happiness and health. Inka shares how she incorporates fitness into her routine to improve her well-being.

Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Jillian Best from The Move for Life Foundation. They discuss Jillian’s achievements at the World Transplant Games and her efforts to raise awareness for organ donation.

Jeanmarie, a 19-year kidney transplant recipient, sits down with LaVise McCray to discuss how LaVise progressed from using a wheelchair to walking 8,000 steps daily. She shares her year-long journey with the support of her physical therapist, Dr. Aleksander Kowarz.

Jeanmarie was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis at 16, eventually leading to a kidney transplant in 2006. She sits down with Emmitt Henderson III, CEO of Male Lupus Warriors, to discuss his Lupus and transplant journey, which began in 1987.

Jeanmarie, a kidney transplant recipient, sits down with Kira Banks, a Community Outreach Coordinator from the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Network. Kira discusses the role of a local OPO, how to write a letter to a donor family, and ways to get involved with your local organ procurement organization.