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This Thing Called Life is a podcast dedicated to acts of giving, kindness, compassion, and humanity. Host Andi Johnson introduces you to powerful organ, tissue, and eye donation stories from individuals, families, and front-line healthcare teams. These stories are meant to inspire and remind you that while life can be challenging and unpredictable, it’s also incredibly beautiful. We hope this podcast inspires you to connect with our life-saving and life-healing mission.
Episodes
33 minutes ago
33 minutes ago
EP 141: Hope Springs Eternal this Donate Life Month
Episode Summary
In this special episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson shines a light on Donate Life Month, observed each April—a time dedicated to honoring organ, tissue, and eye donors, celebrating transplant recipients, and raising awareness about the life-saving power of donation.
Andi reflects on the profound impact of donation—not just as a medical process, but as a deeply human act of generosity that gives others a second chance at life. From the courage of donor families to the renewed hope experienced by recipients, this episode highlights the stories and purpose behind the mission of Network for Hope.
Listeners will also learn simple yet meaningful ways to get involved, from registering as a donor to starting conversations that can ultimately save lives.
This episode is both a tribute and a call to action—reminding us that hope is real, and it begins with a single decision.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson introduces the significance of Donate Life Month, observed each April to honor organ, tissue, and eye donation and the lives impacted by it.
- She shares why this month holds deep meaning for Network for Hope, as it recognizes the extraordinary courage of donors and their families who make life-saving decisions during incredibly difficult times.
- The episode celebrates transplant recipients, highlighting how donation provides not just survival—but more time, more milestones, and an improved quality of life.
- Andi emphasizes that Donate Life Month is a powerful reminder that hope is made possible through generosity.
- She outlines several ways individuals can show support, including wearing blue and green, as a visible sign of awareness and solidarity.
- Listeners are encouraged to share personal stories—their own or those of loved ones—to help humanize the impact of donation and inspire others.
- Andi highlights opportunities to get involved through local events, flag-raising ceremonies, and online engagement to help spread awareness within communities.
- She underscores the importance of registering as an organ donor and, just as importantly, having open conversations with family members about that decision.
- The episode reinforces the idea that normalizing conversations around donation is key—because informed, shared decisions are stronger and more likely to be honored.
- Andi closes with a message of gratitude and purpose, honoring the legacies of donors while inspiring listeners to help build a future where no one has to wait for a second chance at life.
Key Takeaways
- Donation Is a Powerful Legacy of Life
Every donor creates a ripple effect—impacting not just one life, but entire families and communities through the gift of a second chance. - Awareness Starts With Conversation
Talking openly about organ donation with your family ensures your wishes are known and helps normalize a life-saving decision. - Small Actions Can Make a Life-Saving Difference
From registering as a donor to wearing blue and green or sharing a story, simple actions can raise awareness and inspire others to take part.
Tweetable Quotes
“For us at network for hope, this month is deeply meaningful. It's about celebrating the heroes, donors and their families who made courageous decisions during incredibly difficult moments. It's about recognizing transplant recipients whose second chance means more time, more milestones, and a better quality of life.”
- Andi Johnson
“You can wear blue and green to show your support. You can share a story. You can attend a local event, participate in a flag raising ceremony, or engage with us online to help spread awareness. You can register as an organ donor and talk with your family about your decision. Most importantly, you can help normalize the conversation, because donation starts with a decision, and decisions are stronger when they're informed and shared.”
- Andi Johnson
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
EP 140: "Strength in Every Generation: Orlando Brown Jr. on Family, Football, and Understanding Type 1 Diabetes"
Episode Summary
Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Lineman Orlando Brown Jr. opens up about his family’s powerful story of resilience and awareness in the face of Type 1 diabetes. After losing his father to diabetic ketoacidosis and supporting his brother through the same diagnosis, Orlando has turned his personal loss into a mission for generational health.
In this episode of This Thing Called Life, Orlando discusses how going through the process of genetic testing, prioritizing dietary choices, and educating his family on the disease has shaped their understanding of health—and why awareness, prevention, and advocacy matter for every family.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson welcomes Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Orlando Brown Jr. for a meaningful conversation about family, football, and health advocacy.
- Orlando shares his appreciation for being on the show and talks about continuing his journey with Cincinnati for two more seasons.
- He explains the story behind his signature fox tail, a tradition that began in college as a good luck charm and has since become part of his identity.
- Orlando reflects on his unique path to football, including how his father—former NFL player Orlando Brown Sr.—initially did not want him or his siblings to play sports because of the physical risks involved.
- He shares how, despite that hesitation, his love for football continued to grow, eventually leading him to begin playing in the eighth grade.
- Orlando talks about how his father later became one of his biggest supporters, helping him develop his game and encouraging his growth as an athlete.
- The conversation takes a deeper turn as Orlando opens up about his father’s undiagnosed diabetes and the devastating impact it had on his family.
- He discusses how cultural beliefs, distrust of the medical system, and reliance on home remedies can sometimes delay diagnosis and treatment—especially in communities where medical mistrust has been passed down over time.
- Orlando also shares his family’s experience with his brother’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and how that moment brought a new level of urgency and awareness to their lives.
- He emphasizes the importance of early detection, prevention, and education, especially for families who may be at greater risk.
- Orlando speaks candidly about the steps he now takes to protect his own health, including monitoring his body closely and making intentional lifestyle choices to avoid the same health challenges that affected his family.
- He shares how supporting his brother and others living with Type 1 diabetes deepened his understanding of the daily realities of the disease.
- Orlando highlights his advocacy work, including efforts to make insulin more affordable, raise awareness, and support research aimed at prevention and a cure.
- He discusses participating in preventive testing and trials, using his platform to encourage others to take action before health issues become crises.
- Orlando also opens up about the meaning behind several of his tattoos, including one honoring his father and another connected to his brother’s diagnosis.
- He shares the story of one of his most meaningful tattoos—a portrait of his grandfather—and reflects on the powerful influence his grandfather had on his life and values.
- The episode also touches on Orlando’s commitment to long-term wellness through nutrition. He explains why he hired a full-time nutritionist to help reduce inflammation, improve recovery, and better understand how food affects his body.
- He talks about preventative health practices, natural remedies, and the importance of using today’s science and resources to avoid the chronic health issues many former athletes face later in life.
- Orlando closes by speaking about his role on the field, his love for protecting his quarterback, and the importance of being a consistent, vocal leader for his team.
Key Takeaways
- Family health history matters more than many people realize.
Orlando’s story is a powerful reminder that understanding your family’s medical history can help you make informed, life-saving decisions earlier. - Awareness and early action can change outcomes.
From genetic testing to prevention efforts, this episode underscores the importance of paying attention to warning signs and taking proactive steps before a health crisis occurs. - Personal pain can become purposeful advocacy.
Orlando has transformed his family’s loss and challenges into a mission to educate others, support research, and use his platform to drive meaningful change.
Tweetable Quotes
“My football story is really unique. My so my dad played in the NFL for 13 years, and he didn't start playing till he was in 11th grade in high school, and his biggest thing for me and my siblings were he didn't want us playing sports.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“I would always go to the practices. I kept up with it. So I've always had a real passion for the game of football, but he would not let me play. For him, football is a dark sport in a way, you know, and I've been fortunate in my path to get here, I was drafted, and I've had better opportunities than he did.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“Southern black culture isn't, you know, the hospitals and doctors and medicine, it's more about remedies and, you know, things like that. That was my family. Distrust of the medical system.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“ It's so important because, you know, as you said, experiencing it firsthand. You know, I always want to make sure that somebody can learn from my mistakes and or my family's mistakes. And that's so important. It's so important to be able to get ahead of it.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“I've spent a lot of time, I feel like all over the US. I've gone to the Senate and talked about making insulin more affordable. I've gone to different children's Mercy hospitals across the US and work with them on finding a cure. I've completed the trial net, which is the preventive version of type one, just to make sure you don't have the antibodies.“
- Orlando Brown Jr.
“My nutritionist does this food test where she's able to tell you what food you can and can't eat that inflames your body.”
- Orlando Brown Jr.
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega.
This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation.
Resources:
https://getoffthelist.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
https://aopo.org/
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
EP 138: "A Leap Of Faith, Chelsea's Altruistic Kidney Donation Journey"
Episode Summary
Chelsea McNicholas, a Hospital Partnership Liaison with Network for Hope, joins This Thing Called Life to share how a social media post and her faith led her to become an altruistic kidney donor for a Child. Chelsea recounts starting the testing process after hearing about a friend’s mother's need. Although she was not a match, it led her to another post about a child's need for a kidney, so she continued the testing. Ultimately, she was not needed because that child found a donor.
She walks us through her personal journey, the emotional and logistical realities of altruistic donation, and why community education about organ, tissue, and eye donation matters. Hear a personal, hopeful story that demystifies donation and inspires listeners to learn how they can help save lives.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson welcomes listeners and introduces guest Chelsea McNicholas, a dedicated advocate for organ donation and a valued member of the team at Network for Hope.
- Chelsea shares her professional background in healthcare and explains how becoming a mother helped inspire her decision to transition into her role with Network for Hope, where she could make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
- As a Hospital Partnership Liaison, Chelsea explains that her work centers on building and maintaining strong relationships with hospital teams to ensure the organ donation process is handled with care, compassion, and efficiency.
- She describes the unique dual advocacy role she plays—supporting both hospital partners and the Network for Hope team throughout the donation process to ensure every step honors the donor and their family.
- Chelsea discusses her day-to-day responsibilities, which include hospital education, policy updates, compliance support, and continuous follow-up to strengthen collaboration between healthcare teams and the donation network.
- The conversation highlights how strong hospital partnerships are essential to ensuring successful donation outcomes and providing families with compassionate support during difficult moments.
- Chelsea shares some of the challenges of her role, particularly when unexpected issues arise within hospital systems. In those moments, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving become essential.
- She praises the leadership at Network for Hope for fostering a supportive culture that empowers team members to think innovatively and find solutions that best serve donors, recipients, and healthcare partners.
- Andi and Chelsea reflect on the fulfillment that comes from working alongside passionate colleagues who are united by a shared mission to save and improve lives through donation.
- The conversation also addresses the scrutiny and misinformation that can sometimes surround organ donation. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of transparency, education, and trust in maintaining strong relationships with hospitals and the public.
- They discuss the important role donation ambassadors play in sharing personal stories that build understanding and confidence in the donation process.
- Chelsea then shares her deeply personal journey as a living donor. Before working in the field, she had little direct connection to organ donation until she began seeing social media posts from former classmates searching for kidney donors.
- Moved by their stories, Chelsea began exploring the possibility of becoming a donor herself. She describes the emotional and physical process of testing and waiting to see if she would be a match.
- Faith played a central role in her decision, along with the encouragement and support she received from her family.
- Chelsea recounts the powerful moment she met Reed, the young man who would ultimately receive her kidney, and learned more about the health challenges he and his family had faced due to kidney failure.
- She reflects on the emotional experience of donation surgery and the immediate bond formed between her and Reed’s family.
- Chelsea also discusses the recovery process for both herself and Reed, highlighting the strength, faith, and support systems that carried them through the journey.
- Today, Chelsea continues to stay connected with Reed and his family, witnessing firsthand the life-changing impact of living donation.
- She shares how the experience has shaped conversations with her own children, teaching them the importance of compassion, generosity, and helping others whenever possible.
- The episode concludes with Andi expressing deep admiration for Chelsea’s courage, compassion, and dedication to the mission of organ donation—recognizing her as both an advocate and a source of hope for many families.
Key Takeaways
- Organ Donation Is Built on Trust and Relationships
Strong partnerships between hospitals, donation organizations, and families are essential to ensuring the donation process is handled with compassion, integrity, and respect. - One Person’s Courage Can Transform Multiple Lives
Chelsea’s decision to become a living kidney donor demonstrates how a single act of generosity can profoundly impact not only a recipient but their entire family. - Personal Stories Inspire Awareness and Action
Sharing real experiences helps break through misinformation and encourages others to learn more about organ donation and consider how they might make a difference.
Tweetable Quotes
“We are the glue that holds the process together. I believe that our team is kind of a dual advocate in the donation process. “
- Chelsea McNicholas
“When things go awry at a hospital, that is challenging because the work is not flawless. The work is never done, if you will. So there are always challenges that arise. “
- Chelsea McNicholas
“I think it leans back into that strong relationship and strong trust. So knowing the truth right, like we know the truth right, and we have strong relationships with our hospitals to the point where they trust us. We've built that culture of trust and connection with our partners.”
- Chelsea McNicholas
“So I think again, a great opportunity for me to be an advocate and to educate people in my circle, my husband, and my entire family, was incredibly supportive.”
- Chelsea McNicholas
“I think when I can look back on my life, faith was the foundation through every step and every decision, maybe in the moment, not as easy to see, but now looking back, I can absolutely identify that.”
- Chelsea McNicholas
“It's really wild to think that a part of me is living on and someone else, and that most days I completely forgot I even did it, because I am right back to where I was, you know, five months ago, prior to the surgery.”
- Chelsea McNicholas
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
EP 137: Reborn at 51: Jamie Mahaffey’s Second Chance at Life
Episode Summary
What does it mean to be reborn at 51?
In this powerful episode of This Thing Called Life, heart transplant recipient Jamie Mahaffey shares his extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and purpose. After undergoing a heart transplant, the former athlete, coach, and Athletic Director at North College Hill City Schools discovered a renewed calling to lead with greater intention. Becoming a John Maxwell Coach inspired him to launch his own company focused on helping others achieve their goals and elevate their lives.
Jamie’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, perspective, and personal leadership—proof that you don’t match the energy around you… You set the standard.
Episode Highlights
- Host Andi Johnson welcomes Jamie Mahaffey and invites him to share the health crisis that changed everything.
- On November 11, Jamie became lightheaded at work and was rushed to UC Hospital, where doctors discovered a serious infection in his LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device).
- Facing two life-altering options—replace the LVAD or undergo a heart transplant at Vanderbilt University—Jamie chose the transplant after prayer, reflection, and encouragement from trusted advisors.
- While driving to Vanderbilt on January 17, Jamie was shocked by his defibrillator 42 times, a harrowing moment that underscored the urgency of his condition.
- Within days of being upgraded to Status Level One on the transplant list, a donor heart became available. Surgery was scheduled for January 21.
- Jamie remained in a coma until January 24. When he awoke, he was reunited with his wife Robin and their children in an emotional and life-defining moment.
- Robin’s meticulous advocacy and unwavering presence became a critical part of Jamie’s survival and recovery.
- Jamie reflects on the deep gratitude he feels for his donor—and the profound awareness that his second chance came through another family’s loss.
- A letter from the donor’s mother became a pivotal moment, inspiring Jamie to move forward boldly in launching his leadership company.
- Post-transplant recovery included the unexpected amputation of his leg—an emotional and physical challenge Jamie describes as even harder than the transplant itself.
- Through faith, family support, and resilience, Jamie developed a renewed vision for his life centered on impact and purpose.
- He shares his journey to becoming a certified John Maxwell Coach and his vision of speaking, writing, and helping others live beyond their potential.
- Jamie emphasizes living with integrity, leading intentionally, and choosing purpose over comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Adversity Clarifies Purpose
Life-threatening challenges often strip away distractions and reveal what truly matters. Jamie’s second chance forced him to reevaluate his priorities and commit fully to purposeful leadership. - Leadership Starts With Personal Responsibility
You don’t match the energy around you—you set the standard. Jamie’s story demonstrates that leadership is not about position, but about the example you choose to live daily. - Gratitude Changes Everything
Understanding that his new heart came at a great cost reshaped Jamie’s perspective. Gratitude became fuel for impact, reminding him to live in a way that honors both the gift and the giver.
Tweetable Quotes
“So I had two weeks of tests. Everything you can imagine. You know dentists, too. That's another thing, if you don't take care of your teeth, that's an affection of your heart. So those appointments are important, something that I didn't do regularly.”
- Jamie Mahaffey
“My defibrillator shocked me 42 times. And so the cardiologist came down, and he was like, Okay, we have to admit him. And so that's when I stayed there. And on January 18, the doctor came in that morning, and he said, You go from level three to level one a. Level one is where you need a transplant. “
- Jamie Mahaffey
“I was in a coma for five days because my heart wasn't initiating with my body.”
- Jamie Mahaffey
“God was giving me another opportunity to listen to him. It was a time. I mean, I was just always busy. I was a head coach and won state titles and played college ball and played overseas, and I was always moving, but I was always looking after other people as a man. We are fathers, and we take care of our house, and I was an ad, and I was a coach, I was a mentor, so I'm looking after everybody else but myself. And it was a time he was saying, it's your turn.”
- Jamie Mahaffey
“I know there's a purpose for me to just keep having people to not live off their potential, but pursue their destiny. And so that's why I teach a lot of kids. A lot of people are still in life, living off potential but not pursuing their destiny. “
- Jamie Mahaffey
“Maxwell certification was a stepping stone to a vision. I always heard about myself, about being a motivational speaker, about writing books, about having normal eyesight in life.”
- Jamie Mahaffey
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega.
This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation.
Resources:
https://getoffthelist.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
https://aopo.org/
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega.
This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation.
Resources:
https://getoffthelist.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
https://aopo.org/
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
EP 134 Title: Honoring the Gift of Life: Erica Randall’s Journey with Network for Hope and Organ Donation
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt episode, Erica Randall, Community Partnership and Events Manager at Network for Hope, shares her inspiring journey in building stronger communities and advocating for organ donation. Erica opens up about her role within the organization, highlighting the rewarding experience of organizing the annual Network for Hope Community Breakfast. But the conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Erica reflects on her family’s connection to organ donation, including the passing of her cousin Jason, who became an organ donor after a tragic car accident, and her mother-in-law Gail, who gave the gift of sight through cornea donation. Erica also discusses the creation of the SODA (Student Organ Donation Advocates) chapter in Cincinnati, which has now grown to 7-8 thriving chapters, and her deep passion for honoring both donors and recipients. Tune in to hear about Erica’s mission to spread awareness, inspire others, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those touched by organ donation.
Episode Highlights
- Erica Randall discusses her role at Network for Hope as the Community Partnerships and Events Manager, where she builds bridges between communities and the life-saving mission of donation.
- They recently held their annual breakfast event, themed “Voices of Hope,” where speakers reflected on the joy, resilience, and positivity of children and young adults impacted by donation.
- The event was visually brought to life through participants’ paintings surrounding the word hope, creating a powerful representation of lived experiences.
- Andi and Erica highlight Keegan, a young boy waiting for a lung transplant whose optimism and enthusiasm inspired everyone in the room.
- Erica shared the story of Jaylynn, a cornea recipient who is now thriving as a high-school senior, illustrating how donation restores independence and possibility.
- Erica has spent nine years in the OPO field and is deeply committed to educating communities about how the donation process truly works.
- Erica shares how the loss of her cousin Jason, who became an organ donor after a fatal car accident at 23, introduced her to the world of donation.
- She reflects on more than a decade of donation support services, building meaningful relationships with donor families during their most vulnerable moments.
- Erica explains why specific medical questions are asked during tissue donation, emphasizing safety, ethics, and protection for recipients.
- Erica’s mother-in-law Gail was diagnosed with liver cancer yet still became a cornea donor at age 66, restoring sight to two people in Saudi Arabia.
- Gail’s story highlights the importance of educating the public that certain donations are still possible—even with active cancer diagnoses.
- Erica shares her work with the Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA) chapter in Ohio, where over 550 students registered as donors.
- She emphasizes how today’s teenagers are setting a powerful standard for social impact and advocacy.
- Andi thanks Erica for her transparency, leadership, and dedication to sharing knowledge that empowers informed decisions about donation.
Key Takeaways
- Education dispels fear. Accurate, compassionate education helps families and communities understand donation and make informed decisions rooted in truth—not misinformation.
- Hope has many voices. From children waiting for transplants to recipients thriving years later, each story demonstrates the ripple effect of donation.
- Legacy lives on through giving. Personal loss, like Erica’s experience with her cousin Jason, can transform grief into purpose and lifelong advocacy.
Tweetable Quotes
“So our theme is voices of hope. And we did feature children and young adults. And I liked that idea because I wanted to show people it's not just adults who go through this. It does impact, you know, children at birth, or it does impact children very young age.” - Erica Randall
“So Jalen scratched her cornea when she was two years old and had to receive a cornea transplant. She is now a senior in high school in cosmetology. I'm so proud of her, and she is a signed professional Fisher woman. Oh, my God, and to see her just thrive all because of a cornea transplant, and how her life, I mean, she could be 17 years old with no eye, or she could have no vision.” - Erical Randall
“At 23 years old, he (Jason, Erica’s cousin) became a superhero, and he was able to donate his heart, his liver, his kidneys, and he was a tissue donor. So that completely flipped our lives upside down, but introduced me to a world of donation I had no clue even existed.” - Erica Randall
“I think it's an honor to give them the chance to have that light that somebody gave me when Jason became a donor. It gave us some positivity to his death. It gave us some glimpse of hope, some light in our lives, and to give that, to pass that on to somebody else, to have that chance was a great privilege.” - Erica Randall
“She (Gail, Erica’s Mother-in-Law) became a cornea donor at the age of 66 in her corneas, or in Saudi Arabia. So two people in Saudi Arabia have the gift of sight because of her. So, again, great moment here to educate people that can be cornea donors and have active cancer.” - Erica Randall
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Title: EP 133: “Walking by Faith: Maria’s Story of Survival and Purpose”
🎙️ Episode Summary
In this episode of This Thing Called Life, we meet Maria Valentina Almeida — a college graduate, a passionate advocate, and a woman whose faith has carried her through a lifetime of medical battles.
Born with sepsis and a rare Colecta malformation that led to kidney failure, Maria now shares her story to bring hope, dignity, and strength to others living with disabilities. Her journey is still unfolding, and she is in urgent need of a kidney donor — but her spirit remains unshakeable. This conversation shines with resilience, purpose, and the power of believing in something bigger.
✨ Episode Highlights
- Maria shares her background, including her mother's history with kidney disease and transplants.
- Maria's mother was diagnosed with kidney failure at 19 and underwent multiple transplants, inspiring Maria.
- Maria's mother had Maria and her twin sister during her second transplant, highlighting her resilience and determination.
- Maria was born in Venezuela with sepsis and underwent emergency surgery on her first day of life.
- She spent 45 days in the NICU and faced alarming prognoses from doctors, but she has proven them wrong.
- Maria had her kidney removed at nine years old during a surgery in the United States in 2011.
- Despite her health challenges, Maria has always tried to live a normal life and take her treatments seriously.
- Maria discusses the impact of her chronic illness on her life, including feeling different from her peers.
- She emphasizes the importance of not seeing herself as a victim and using her challenges as a strength.
- Maria shares her faith and how it has helped her through her difficult times.
- She talks about the power of sharing her story and connecting with others who have similar challenges.
- Maria graduated from college early due to her kidney failure symptoms and received two degrees in journalism and public health.
- She also has a minor in health behavior analysis and plans to use her education to advocate for others.
- Maria's faith and family support have been crucial in her journey, and she aims to continue sharing her story.
- She expresses her desire to use her platform to help others who may not have the same resources or support.
- Maria's twin sister has been a strong advocate for her, creating a Canva campaign and getting billboards to raise awareness.
- Maria's parents have also been very supportive, attending her appointments and taking care of her.
- Maria's faith and family support have helped her stay positive and hopeful through her challenges.
- She shares her dreams of receiving a transplant and how it would change her life.
- She encourages others to reach out for help and support, and to continue dreaming and achieving despite their challenges.
- Andi Johnson concludes the podcast by thanking Maria and reminding listeners of the importance of living donation and kindness.
📝 Key Takeaways
- Resilience is cultivated, not accidental. Maria’s journey — from emergency surgery at birth to kidney removal at age nine and ongoing health battles — reflects a life shaped by determination, faith, and a refusal to see herself as a victim.
- Family support and advocacy can change outcomes. From her mother’s perseverance through three transplants to her sister launching awareness campaigns and her parents accompanying her to appointments, Maria’s story is a testament to the life-saving power of community.
- Sharing your story can create purpose and hope. With degrees in journalism and public health, Maria is committed to helping others navigate illness and disability. By speaking boldly about her own journey — and her need for a kidney donor — she offers courage, information, and connection to others on the same path.
📢 Tweetable Quotes
“She is a third-time transplant survivor, and she's just my biggest inspiration. But something that stands out a lot about my mom is that she had my twin sister and me during her second transplant, after her second transplant had happened. It's just so motivating to see how she persevered and how she had this goal of being a mom, even despite what she went through since such a young age.”
- Maria on her Mother’s experience with Kidney Disease
“The doctors gave my parents a lot of alarming prognoses of just my future, and even told them that it would take a miracle for me to just live to make it. And if I were to make it, I would have a lot of complications. I would not be able to walk. Talk, talk, I would not be just a normal human being, and I have just proven them wrong. I am so blessed, and that just comes to show how much God loves me.”
- Maria’s first day out into the world and her first surgery
“I went through a couple of surgeries from the very beginning to correct my condition that I was initially born with, which was cloaca malformation to colorectal malformation, and my kidney was removed at nine years old when I came to the United States in 2011.”
- Maria on her surgery to remove her kidney at 9 years old
“So I was managing finishing school and symptoms and just life the last four months, five months of the year of 2024, and it was a challenge, but I made it. I walked across that stage with two degrees and a technical.”
- Maria Valentina Almeida
“Yes, I I know that I'm called to share my story, to continue to do this as a as a long term thing, as a lifelong thing, just stand and raise my voice for for my vulnerability, but also the vulnerability of others that are not able to have this platform, that are that don't know where to start, that don't have just the motivation, or don't have the support or the resources. “
- Maria Valentina Almeida
“I dream of my kidney. I have had many dreams where I am literally lying in a hospital bed waiting to go into the or and I wake up, and I say, Maybe today's it. So I'm not gonna lie. I'm very eager, and sometimes I get very desperate, but that's normal.”
- Maria Valentina Almeida
Resources:
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Luis Santiago from NFH on La Mega.
This monthly interview will inform the Spanish Community about Network For Hope and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation.
Resources:
https://getoffthelist.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/
https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/
https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO
https://aopo.org/