The Gifted Life: Organ, Tissue and Eye Donation Podcast

The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency · backblazeb2.com

Improve your knowledge about organ, tissue and eye donation as your hosts Lori Steele, Nila Schwab, and Joey Boudreaux have entertaining and informative conversations about donation. We address donation in the news, myths about donation, what's new in the community, new technologies, special guest interviews and much more.

268 episodes

23d ago latest

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Episodes 267

Here's Jamie
23d ago · 38:27
Show Notes: We welcome veteran comedian, Silversmith, author of The Tin Man Diaries and transplant recipient Jamie Alcroft. Starting his comedy career in 1980, Jamie gained fame on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, starred in 125 episodes of Comedy Break with Mack and Jamie, and lent his voice to countless games, cartoons, and films. In 2017, Jamie received a life-saving heart and liver transplant. His transplant journey inspired him to found LAFF4LIFE, a program offering registered organ donors free admission to comedy clubs nationwide. Jamie shares his journey through comedy,
A Love Story Full of Fresh Air
1mo ago · 56:01
Show Notes: We welcome Frank and Amber Avila, two lung recipients who found love after connecting online over their shared experiences with lung disease. The couple married and navigated the transplant process together at the same hospital. Between them, Frank and Amber have received a total of five organ transplants in the course of their lives. Their conversation highlights the power of mutual support, resilience and faith as they celebrate an active life together thanks to the gift of life. In our Mental Health Moment, our hosts discuss tactics for approaching challenges in life with positi
From Prayer to Lasting Legacy: Erin Mitchell Crawford and Honoring Hayes
2mo ago · 34:35
Show Notes: Author Erin Mitchell Crawford shares her journey through loss following the death of her nine-year-old son, Hayes. Erin discusses her book, Held: 30 Days of Prayer Through Grief, which originated from her own raw prayers and reflections during her darkest moments. The conversation explores how faith provides a foundation when navigating heartbreak and emphasizes that grief, while personal, does not have to be solitary. In our Mental Health Moment, our hosts share how they personally interrupt a feeling of being stuck to break through moments of mental paralysis and return with a re
The Tin Woman - A Journey of Second Chances and Connection
4mo ago · 29:06
Show Notes: Join us as actor Larry Hyatt discusses The Tin Woman, a play based on a true story about Joy, a heart transplant recipient struggling with her second chance who seeks closure from her donor's grieving parents. The play powerfully explores themes of grief, acceptance, second chances, and connection, highlighting organ donation and recovery. Our Mental Health Moment asks "Who Are You?" to explore ways to hone in on this question, developing your own honest answer. Then, we honor donor hero Carl Bourque.
Small Heroes, Mighty Legacies
4mo ago · 34:50
Show Notes: In this episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Christian Bergeron about his daughter and donor hero, Elleanor "Ella" Claire Bergeron. Christian and his family created the Elleanor Claire Memorial Foundation. Discover how the Foundation aims to comfort donor families through dedicated memorial sites within all 64 of Louisiana's parishes. The sites honor Ella and all children who have given the gift of life through donation, inspiring others to continue offering hope with those gifts. Then in our Mental Health Moment, we examine questions to ask ourselves to focus on priorit
50 Peaks, One Kidney: Dr. Matthew Harmody’s "Ascending America"
5mo ago · 49:55
Show Notes: We sit down with retired physician, Dr. Matthew Harmody, whose life took on new purpose after becoming a living kidney donor in 2017. What began as a personal decision to give the gift of life has grown into a powerful mission of advocacy, and his advocacy has reached new heights, literally. Dr. Harmody, alongside four fellow living donors, set out to climb the highest peak in every U.S. state in just 41 days. Dr. Harmody is proving that organ donation is the beginning of a bold new chapter. His book, Ascending America chronicles breathtaking summits, and the science behind why liv
Two Lives, One Kidney: A Living Kidney Donor and Her Recipient
6mo ago · 36:05
Show Notes: In this episode, we celebrate generosity and the impact of stepping forward to give the gift of life to a stranger. Andrea Childers, a living kidney donor, and Jennifer Davis, her transplant recipient, join us to reflect on the journey that saved Jennifer's life. Andrea's confidence in giving the gift of life set in motion a life-changing path for both of them. Together, they open up about the emotions and hope that has carried them through. In our Mental Health Moment, we focus to discuss tips for reducing distractions and honing in on what you want, and then, honor donor hero Gar
Donation Advocate Shares his Story
8mo ago · 31:39
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we share a 30-year journey rooted in service as we highlight the extraordinary impact of longtime donation advocate and LOPA Board Member David Puckett. David reflects on his family’s transplant journey with his daughter, Lauren, a journey that led him to become her living kidney donor for her first lifesaving transplant. That selfless gift, followed by a second kidney transplant, made countless milestones possible including the unforgettable moment David walked Lauren down the aisle. Beyond his role as a devoted father and living donor,
Clayton Sparks' Legacy
8mo ago · 32:32
Show Notes: We welcome Beth Sparks, mother of donor hero Clayton Sparks, to share more about her son whose legacy continues to touch so many lives. Clayton, became an organ donor at the age of 24, and was the inspiration for the children’s book Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark, written by Abby Gray, the wife of Clayton’s liver recipient. Beth reflects on Clayton’s vibrant personality, his compassion, and the impact he made in his short life. Hear how telling his story continues to bring comfort and inspires others to consider organ donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we offer practical tips f
Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark
9mo ago · 42:42
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we welcome Abby Gray, author of Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark and Impatiently Waiting for Miracles. In January 2017, Abby began writing as a therapeutic outlet while she and her husband, Reid, faced serious health challenges. Four years later, their lives changed forever when Reid received a liver transplant through a directed donation from organ donor Clayton Sparks. Abby shares how her family and the Sparks family have become forever connected through the powerful ripple effect of organ donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we talk ab
Jeri Gill | Ms. Senior World Louisiana and Living Kidney Donor
11mo ago · 29:17
Show Notes: On this episode we shine a spotlight on an incredible woman whose story combines generosity and advocacy with a touch of pageant sparkle. Jeri Gill, an altruistic living kidney donor, was recently crowned 2025 Ms. Senior World Louisiana in the 60’s age category. Jeri's platform is organ donation, and she uses her voice to champion the gift of donation. Don’t miss Jeri’s inspiring journey, her passion for donation, and how she continues to turn her personal gift into a movement of hope. Then in our Mental Health Moment, we chat about the various roles in our everyday lives, and offe
Miss Louisiana's Teen Virginia Kirkpatrick
11mo ago · 26:34
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast we welcome Miss Louisiana’s Teen 2025, Virginia Kirkpatrick. 17 year old Virginia is an impressive leader on every level, but what really stood out is her Community Service Initiative to educate and encourage registration as an organ and tissue donor, “Life After Mine: Your Choice, Their Chance. Virginia shares her journey to the crown and why donation advocacy is so close to her heart. In our Mental Health Moment, we first ask the simple question “How are you?" We discuss ways to pause and really examine our feelings and tactics for embra
Beautifully Broken with Maggie Fanara
1y ago · 37:56
Show Notes: On this episode, we sit down with donor mom and author Maggie Fanara, whose debut book is titled Beautifully Broken. Maggie opens up about the lies she once believed about herself, and how God met her in the depths of abuse, heartbreak, and loss to rewrite her story. Maggie invites us into her journey of healing and purpose where she discusses what it means to break toxic cycles and speak life over your future, even when you feel broken beyond repair. Don’t miss this empowering conversation. In our Mental Health Moment we offer tips for setting and communicating your boundaries and
Liver Transplants for Patients With Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer
1y ago · 37:39
Show Notes: In this episode, we spotlight a groundbreaking advancement in transplantation offering new hope to patients with stage 4 colorectal cancer. At Northwestern Medicine, surgeons successfully split a donor's liver to save two lives. One portion of the donor's liver went for a traditional waitlist recipient, and the other portion, for a patient with advanced colorectal cancer. This approach is part of a new trial called CLEAR (Colorectal Metastasis to Liver Extraction with Auxiliary Transplant and Delayed Resection). We’re joined by Barclay Missen, the first Northwestern patient to unde
A Mascot and Advocate for Donation
1y ago · 39:34
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we sit down with Robert Boudwin who's a man known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off the court as the Houston Rockets’ beloved mascot “Clutch the Rocket Bear”. However, Robert’s story goes far beyond entertainment. He’s also a passionate Donate Life advocate with a personal journey of hope and healing. Our conversation is full of energy, heart, and purpose as Robert shares what drives him, the impact of donation on his family, and how we can all be heroes in someone’s story. Later in the episode, we explore how to find oppo
A Quest for a Lung
1y ago · 25:40
Show Notes: We’re joined by Ron Chapman — lung transplant recipient, author, and passionate advocate for those awaiting a second chance at life. In a powerful conversation, Ron shares his deeply personal story of resilience, fear, hope, and gratitude. Through his heartfelt discussion with our hosts and his inspiring book, A Quest for a Lung, Ron offers guidance and encouragement to anyone on the transplant journey. In this episode’s Mental Health Moment, we explore the power of resilience and share practical tips for overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Finally, we pay tribute to donor hero
A Soldier’s Second Chance
1y ago · 35:57
Show Notes: For our milestone 250th episode, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Louis Smith, an Army veteran and heart transplant recipient, alongside Dr. Benjamin Bryner, a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital who saved more than just his life. After serving in the military, Smith’s heart function declined to just 10 percent, leaving him in urgent need of a transplant. Within two weeks, he received a new heart but before the surgery, he had one special request: to preserve the tattoo on his chest that honored his late father. Hear his incredible journey and the unwaverin
Miracle Man
1y ago · 34:45
Show Notes: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Todd and Carrie Hensel. Todd underwent a two day surgery which included a seven-organ transplant, during which he died five times. Fate had other plans and organ donation gave Todd a second chance at life. Now, Todd and Carrie live on a peaceful ranch and we discuss their newly released book, “My Miracle Man – The Deaths and Life of a Seven-Organ Transplant Recipient”, written by Carrie. The book highlights Todd’s incredible story and the profound impact of love, faith, and resilience. In our Mental Health Moment we get curious about curio
444 Miles and 4 Women Raise Awareness for Living Donation
1y ago · 27:14
Show Notes: In September of 2024, 4 women kidney donors, over 4 days, biked 444 miles to promote living organ donation. We’re excited to have Diane Mills, one of the four women behind the event, join us to share the story of how it all began and the incredible success it achieved. She’ll talk about the supportive people they encountered along the journey and how they were able to demonstrate that living donors can lead active, fulfilling lives after donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore the question: Are you in control? We’ll share tips on how to ease the need to control outcomes a
Deputy Saves Lives Through Organ Donation
1y ago · 37:19
Show Notes: On this episode, we welcome Deputy Kim Bergeron of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, an extraordinary individual who serves, protects and saves lives. Deputy Bergeron shares her inspiring story as a living kidney donor to her high school friend, and her recent experience as a stem cell donor. Discover her journey and the profound impact of giving the gift of life through living donation. In our Mental Health Moment, we offer tips finding a place of forgiveness and then, honor hero Mason Kiley.
Honoring a Donor Through Endurance
1y ago · 31:23
Show Notes: We welcome Angie Mikkelson, a heart transplant recipient who’s galloping into her second chance at life. Angie shares her incredible journey from living with a lifelong heart defect to receiving the lifesaving gift of a heart at 25 years old. She shares how the generosity of her donor hero inspired her to push the boundaries of endurance, leading her to embrace an active lifestyle filled with horseback riding and running. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore the topic of “what ifs.” Hear practical tips for turning those “what ifs” into a source of motivation. And then, we honor
A Kidney Life
1y ago · 44:03
Show Notes: In this episode, we explore the journey of living with kidney disease. We talk to Pesh Patel, who has transformed a life altering diagnosis into his mission. Pesh shares his personal story and how he founded A Kidney Life, which includes a podcast, Talk Kidney to Me. This podcast is dedicated to raising awareness for those living with kidney disease and it’s a resource for kidney disease warriors and their families. During our Mental Health Moment, we discuss how to build healthy habits that can make a big impact on your life and we pay tribute to a donor hero, Van Drounett, Jr.
Medical Breakthrough - Awake Kidney Transplant
1y ago · 32:55
Show Notes: Dr. Satish Nadig with Northwestern Medicine and kidney transplant recipient, John Nicholas, join us to share details about a medical breakthrough in kidney transplantation. The AWAKE Kidney Program (Accelerated Surgery Without General Anesthesia in Kidney Transplantation) is a new approach in kidney transplantation, and in John's case, the 28-year-old was discharged less than 24 hours after surgery and continues to do well. We learn how the process was developed and how it could make kidney recipients' surgical recovery more manageable. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss how t
Donation Advocate and Miss Florida 2024, Casana Fink
1y ago · 33:49
Show Notes: We welcome Casana Fink, an advocate for organ and tissue donation, nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, author, Miss Tampa and at the release of this episode, the current Miss Florida, who will be competing in the Miss America competition next year. As the daughter of a liver recipient, Casana has dedicated over a decade to educate others about the importance of organ and tissue donation. At just 14 years old, she founded her nonprofit, Give to Live, which has served as a powerful platform to raise awareness. As Miss Florida, Casana is expanding her impact even further, using her platf
Safe Schools
2y ago · 35:32
Show Notes: In this community partnership episode, we dive into the topic of school safety and gain important insights from Louisiana Center for Safe Schools Director, Trevis Thompson. Trevis explores the strategies, practices and programs that support school communities and their safety partners. Learn how communities can use these programs to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and grow in a secure setting. Then in our Mental Health Moment we discuss tips for supporting the unique ways each person grieves and then, honor donor hero Kimberly Hawkins.

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Episodes 267

Here's Jamie

A Love Story Full of Fresh Air

From Prayer to Lasting Legacy: Erin Mitchell Crawford and Honoring Hayes

The Tin Woman - A Journey of Second Chances and Connection

Small Heroes, Mighty Legacies

50 Peaks, One Kidney: Dr. Matthew Harmody’s "Ascending America"

Two Lives, One Kidney: A Living Kidney Donor and Her Recipient

Donation Advocate Shares his Story

Clayton Sparks' Legacy

Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark

Jeri Gill | Ms. Senior World Louisiana and Living Kidney Donor

Miss Louisiana's Teen Virginia Kirkpatrick

Beautifully Broken with Maggie Fanara

Liver Transplants for Patients With Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer

A Mascot and Advocate for Donation

A Quest for a Lung

A Soldier’s Second Chance

Miracle Man

444 Miles and 4 Women Raise Awareness for Living Donation

Deputy Saves Lives Through Organ Donation

Honoring a Donor Through Endurance

A Kidney Life

Medical Breakthrough - Awake Kidney Transplant

Donation Advocate and Miss Florida 2024, Casana Fink

Safe Schools