This Thing Called Life

Title: "Legacy in Life and Loss: Adria Johnson on Her Son’s Gift of Hope"

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this powerful and emotional episode of This Thing Called Life, we sit down with Adria Johnson, President and CEO of Metro United Way in Louisville, Kentucky, as she shares the deeply personal story of losing her son, KJ, in a tragic car accident. KJ made the selfless decision to become an organ donor — a choice that gave the gift of life to others even in his passing.

Joined by Barry Massa, CEO for Network for Hope, this episode also sheds light on the critical difference between DCD (Donation after Circulatory Death) and brain death, offering clarity and compassion for families navigating organ donation.

Together, Adria and Barry bring heart, hope, and understanding to a conversation that touches every aspect of life, love, and legacy. 

✨ Episode Highlights

1. Guests introduced: Host Andi Johnson welcomes Barry Massa and Adria Johnson, who share their experiences with organ donation.
2. Adria’s story: She recounts losing her son, KJ, in a car accident and the remarkable impact of his donation — his heart saved a 36-year-old man, and his kidneys gave two mothers renewed life.
3. Barry’s perspective: He reflects on how KJ’s story fuels his passion for the mission of organ donation and inspires his work every day.
4. Support from COTA: Adria and her family received compassionate care from the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, which walked alongside them during the most difficult moments.
5. KJ’s decision: Paperwork revealed that at just 18 years old, KJ had already elected to be an organ donor, a decision that turned his loss into hope for others.
6. The Honor Walk: KJ’s hospital held a moving ceremony to honor his life and gift of donation, a moment that deeply touched his family.
7. Hospital partnerships: Barry stresses the critical role of strong hospital relationships in ensuring organ donation success.
8. Understanding donation: The episode clearly explains the difference between brain death and DCD. Brain death occurs when all brain function ceases, while DCD is donation after the heart stops — both allowing for organ donation under specific conditions.
9. Family acceptance: Adria shares how she fully supported her son’s decision, finding comfort in his selflessness.
10. Aftercare support: Network for Hope’s Aftercare department provided Adria’s family with ongoing emotional and memorial support, helping them through grief and connection with recipients.
11. Organizational challenges: Barry speaks about recent challenges in the field, including investigations, corrective action plans, and congressional hearings around organ procurement modernization.
12. Medical recommendations: HRSA guidance calls for neuro exams every 12 hours for DCD cases to ensure accurate assessment.

📝 Key Takeaways

1. The power of one decision: At only 18 years old, KJ’s choice to register as an organ donor transformed his tragic passing into a legacy of life, saving and improving the lives of multiple recipients.
2. Compassion and support matter: From COTA’s care to Network for Hope’s Aftercare team, Adria’s family experienced how vital emotional and practical support is for donor families navigating both loss and healing.
3. Education brings clarity and courage: Understanding the differences between brain death and DCD helps families make informed decisions, reduces fear, and fosters greater trust in the organ donation process.

📢 Tweetable Quotes

“You know, it was hard enough to prepare to say goodbye to my son and know that KJ would no longer be here, but he had elected at the age of 18 to be an organ donor, unbeknownst to us, and certainly, I consider him probably the premier selfless hero that I will know in my lifetime because of that gift.” 

- Adria Johnson

“You know, it really takes a lot of dedication, and if you're just in it for a job, you'll never make it. You have to be passionate about the mission.”

- Barry Massa

“And when that decision was made, what I really appreciated was, again, just the tenderness, the comprehensive way in which they prepared us for all of it, you know, just what needed to take place for the duration of K J's hospital stay.”

- Adria Johnson

“And very early on in when I became Executive Director of Life Center, before becoming CEO of Network for Hope, I felt like relationships with their hospitals were going to be the key for our success to honor those gifts of donation.”

- Barry Massa

“ I didn't have any reservations, like I said, from the minute all of this started for us, and even just in being made aware that you know your son did elect to be an organ donor, and if you know that is something you all want to pursue.”

- Adria Johnson

“I mean, from the minute we had to get through all of that painful episode, and you're now kind of adjusting to life without this person, it was. I mean, just consistent check-ins:

 ‘How is your family doing?’ I mean, even the you know, helping us in terms of, ‘do you want to try and have some connectivity with the folks that have been the recipients of his gifts?’ So there's all of that also added an element of support. “

- Adria Johnson on receiving support from the AfterCare Team

Resources:

Donatelifeky.org

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/

https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/

https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope.

https://aopo.org/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

Donatelifeky.org

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/

https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/

https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope.

https://aopo.org/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Celebrando el inicio del Mes de la Herencia Hispana (Celebrating the start of the Hispanic Heritage Month)

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/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Episode Title: Remembering Reco Gunnels: Turning Legacy Into Lifesaving Action

 

Episode Description: 

In this powerful episode of THIS THING CALLED Life, host Andi Johnson welcomes Kelly Gunnels, Ashley Smith of Hoxworth Blood Center, and Officer Johnson with the Cincinnati Police Department Community Relations Unit for an inspiring conversation about community, remembrance, and the power of giving.

The conversation shines a light on the 8th Annual Reco Gunnels Senior Memorial Blood Drive, taking place September 26, 2026—an event created to honor the life and legacy of Reco Gunnels, who was tragically killed in 2017.

Before his passing, Reco often reminded those around him of the importance of “Go Big or Go Home”—a call to be intentional, purposeful, and meaningful in everything he did. Today, that message continues through a community coming together to save lives, build relationships, and turn tragedy into a lasting legacy of service.

Join Andi and her guests as they discuss the heart behind the memorial blood drive, the importance of community collaboration, Reco’s impact as a tissue donor, and how one person's message can continue to inspire meaningful action years later.

Episode Highlights

• Andi Johnson introduces the episode and explores the importance of community through the story of the Reco Gunnels Senior Memorial Blood Drive.
• Kelly Gunnels shares the personal story behind the memorial blood drive and her desire to honor her brother Reco, who was tragically killed in 2017.
• Kelly reflects on Reco’s personality, his commitment to community, and the meaning behind his familiar message: “Go Big or Go Home.”
• The guests discuss how the annual blood drive has grown into a community tradition that turns remembrance into meaningful action.
• Kelly shares how Reco became a tissue donor and how his donation has continued to make a difference, including through his cornea and ongoing research.
• Ashley Smith of Hoxworth explains how mobile blood drives bring donation opportunities directly into local communities and help make blood donation part of everyday community life.
• The conversation highlights why maintaining a strong blood supply before an emergency happens is so important.
• Officer Anthony Johnson discusses the Cincinnati Police Department’s Community Relations Unit and its efforts to build relationships with residents and support crime victims and their families.
• The guests discuss how community events can create opportunities to celebrate life, strengthen relationships, and provide education beyond moments of tragedy.
• The conversation highlights the importance of bringing organ and tissue donation education into communities, particularly communities of color.
• Kelly shares why she believes people should know their health numbers, including blood pressure, and take changes in their health seriously.
• The guests discuss the importance of talking with family members about organ and tissue donation decisions before a crisis occurs.
• Kelly also shares about her book, A Widow’s Guide, and how her experiences with grief, trauma, faith, and healing have shaped her desire to help others.
• The episode highlights the upcoming 8th Annual Reco Gunnels Senior Memorial Blood Drive, taking place September 26, 2026, at the Holloman Center, 3539 Reading Road, Cincinnati. Hoxworth currently lists the event as a memorial blood drive and notes that the donor bus will be located at the Holloman Center.
• Dr. Calhoun from UC College of Medicine will also be part of the event, helping provide education and demonstrations related to lifesaving practices.
• Kelly, Ashley, and Officer Johnson reflect on how Reco’s story continues to bring people together and create opportunities to serve others.
• The conversation closes with a powerful reminder that legacy is not only about how someone is remembered—it is also about what their life inspires others to do.

Key Takeaways

1. Legacy can become a source of service.
Reco’s life was tragically cut short, but his family has chosen to honor his memory by creating opportunities for others to give, serve, and make a difference.

2. Community participation can save lives.
Blood donations are an essential part of caring for patients during medical emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment, and other critical situations. Hoxworth notes that blood cannot be manufactured and depends on volunteer donors.

3. Conversations about donation matter.
Making an informed decision about organ, tissue, and eye donation—and sharing that decision with loved ones—can help families understand and honor a person's wishes during an incredibly difficult time.

Tweetable Quotes

“Finally, got a letter from Katie saying how many people were blessed around the world, not just in the United States, around the world from Reco's donation and how his cornea is still being used for research today for blindness.”

• Kelly Gunnels

“You know, with these mobile blood drives, we can come into the community and literally be a part of it, even if it is just for a few hours. But then, maybe people remember.”

• Ashley Smith

“But if people hear Reco's story and that you know Kelly's a donor, and that he had checked that box to be a donor himself. That he'll just remember that it does take those volunteer blood donors to get that blood on the shelf and make sure it's there when that tragedy does happen.”

• Ashley Smith

“We know how important this is for Reco because his story doesn't end on that day. It goes beyond that.”

• Officer Johnson

“So get your numbers. Know what they are. Get checked. If you're having heart palpitations, you're having something going on. Go to the doctor, go get checked. Don't take it for granted that it's just anxiety.”

• Kelly Gunnels

Event Information

8th Annual Reco Gunnels Senior Memorial Blood Drive
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location: Holloman Center, 3539 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45229
Blood Drive: Hoxworth Blood Center donor bus

Hoxworth's current event listing confirms the September 26 memorial blood drive at the Holloman Center. Appointments are encouraged for blood drives, although availability for walk-ins may vary.

Additional episode notes: Reco's twin brother, Ramone Gunnels, also helps Kelly with the memorial event. Kelly's book is A Widow's Guide by KRV Gunnels.

Resources:

Donatelifeky.org

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/

https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/

https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope.

https://aopo.org/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

This Thing Called Life podcast host, Andi Johnson, announces that the podcast is taking a summer hiatus to recharge and prepare for the upcoming season.

Reflecting on Past Seasons: Andi highlights the diverse stories shared in the library of episodes, which include:

1. Donor families finding purpose through loss.
2. Recipients who received a second chance at life.
3. Living donors who made extraordinary choices to help others.
4. Individuals awaiting life-saving transplants.
5. Conversations with medical professionals and advocates about the donation process, myths, and the humanity behind medicine.

During the break, please explore the existing library of episodes via podcast platforms. We plan to return with new guests and conversations that continue to inspire hope.

Resources:

Donatelifeky.org

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/

https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/

https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope.

https://aopo.org/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

 

Episode Title: A Community of Hope: Sera's Journey to a Life-Saving Kidney Transplant

Episode Description: 

In this inspiring episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson sits down with Hali and Sera Davis to share their family's remarkable journey from uncertainty to hope. They reflect on the power of resilience, the unwavering support of their community, and how one young stranger's decision to become a living donor gave Sera the opportunity to live the childhood every parent dreams of. It's a heartfelt reminder that one act of generosity can transform an entire family's future.

Episode Highlights

• Host Andi Johnson welcomes Hali Davis and her daughter Sera, who share the remarkable story of Sera's journey from critical illness to a thriving life after kidney transplantation.
• Hali reflects on Sera's difficult birth, explaining how a placental abruption caused significant brain, liver, and kidney damage shortly before delivery.
• While Sera's liver healed on its own, her kidneys were permanently affected, requiring dialysis throughout her early childhood as her family waited for a transplant.
• Sera, now 12 years old, shares that she has very few memories of dialysis and instead enjoys talking about the life she's able to live today—from spending time with friends to looking forward to moving to a farm and finally getting the pet pig she's always wanted.
• Hali explains that she made a conscious decision not to let kidney disease define her daughter. Instead, she encouraged Sera to focus on being a child by dancing, attending sleepovers, participating in activities she loved, and celebrating life's everyday moments.
• As transplant became the next step, family members and close friends volunteered to be tested as potential living donors.
• One promising donor was ultimately unable to proceed after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during the evaluation process—a reminder that donor screening can also uncover previously unknown health conditions.
• After exhausting many personal connections, Hali turned to social media, sharing Sera's story in hopes that someone would step forward.
• The post quickly spread throughout the community, being shared more than a thousand times and eventually reaching employees at Hali's husband's workplace.
• Among those who saw the post was Alex, a 21-year-old who had watched his own mother endure two kidney transplants and felt called to spare another family from a similar journey.
• Alex volunteered to be tested, was found to be a compatible living donor, and ultimately gave Sera the life-saving kidney transplant she desperately needed.
• Hali and Sera reflect on the emotions surrounding transplant day and the overwhelming gratitude they continue to feel for Alex's extraordinary act of generosity.
• Sera shares one of her favorite post-transplant memories: throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a University of Kentucky softball game—a milestone celebrating both her recovery and her new beginning.
• Hali expresses heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Ancheta, the pediatric nephrology team, and the many healthcare professionals who cared for Sera throughout every stage of her journey.
• Looking back, Hali encourages other families facing serious medical challenges to trust their healthcare team, advocate for their children, ask questions, and never lose hope.
• Sera offers simple but powerful advice to other children experiencing difficult health journeys: stay hopeful, believe in yourself, and remember that brighter days are possible.

Key Takeaways

1. A Child's Diagnosis Doesn't Have to Define Their Life

Hali intentionally focused on giving Sera a joyful childhood despite years of medical treatment, reminding families that children are more than their diagnosis.

2. Community Has the Power to Change Lives

A single Facebook post—and one stranger's willingness to help—led to the living kidney donation that transformed Sera's future, demonstrating the incredible impact of compassion and community.

3. Hope Often Arrives in Unexpected Ways

From medical breakthroughs to unexpected donors, Sera's story is a powerful reminder that perseverance, faith, and generosity can open doors when families least expect it.

Tweetable Quotes

“I didn't want her to feel like all she is is kidney disease or getting a transplant. We took our medicine. Really focused on keeping our body healthy, good foods and stuff. And then we danced. We slam. We did all the things that Sarah enjoys, and really kept her going on that positive track.”

• Hali Davis

“I took that next step: family, friends, and because there are so many people that rally behind Sera, so family friends got tested as well, and we had a match.”

• Hali Davis

“I shared it on Facebook, and then it got shared over 1000s of times. So it really kind of made it throughout the community and even out to other states. And my husband's company also shared it with their employees.”

• Hali Davis

“He (Alex, living donor) said his reasoning for wanting to do this is because he watched his mother go through two transplants, through two kidney transplants, and he didn't want a little girl to suffer like that.”

• Hali Davis

Resources:

Donatelifeky.org

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/

https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/

https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope.

https://aopo.org/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Network For Hope is in the community this weekend sharing information about Organ, eye, and Tissue donation and registering new donors to join the mission of saving lives.

 

Resources:

Donatelifeky.org

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/

https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/

https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope.

https://aopo.org/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Episode Title: From Waiting to Living: Maria Valentina Almeida’s Journey After Kidney Transplant

Episode Description:

On this weeks episode of This Thing Called Life, just weeks after receiving the life-changing phone call she'd been praying for, Maria Valentina Almeida returns to share what life looks like after a successful kidney transplant. From years of declining kidney function to receiving a life-saving transplant through the National Kidney Registry's Voucher Program, Maria reflects on the journey that has transformed not only her health but her outlook on life.

Maria opens up about the emotional day she received "the call," her recovery, the generosity of her living donor, and the faith that carried her through every step of the process. Filled with gratitude, hope, and renewed purpose, this episode is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact of living donation and the importance of sharing stories that inspire others to become organ donors.

Episode Highlights

• Host Andi Johnson welcomes Maria Valentina Almeida back to This Thing Called Life to celebrate her remarkable recovery following a successful kidney transplant.
• Maria shares that she received her transplant on April 2 and has experienced an incredible improvement in kidney function—from just 9% before surgery to approximately 90% afterward.
• She expresses profound gratitude for her living donor and reflects on the priceless gift of receiving a second chance at life.
• Looking back on the months since her transplant, Maria shares how restored health has transformed her mindset, giving her renewed energy, optimism, and excitement for the future.
• Andi and Maria celebrate several life milestones made possible by her improved health, including attending her sister's wedding and eagerly anticipating the birth of her first niece.
• Maria reflects on the spiritual significance of receiving her transplant during Holy Week, describing the experience as a powerful reminder of God's timing, hope, and renewal.
• She vividly recounts the emotional moment she received the long-awaited transplant call, sharing the shock, excitement, and overwhelming gratitude she felt as she told her family the life-changing news.
• Maria describes the emotional reactions of her parents and sister, highlighting the unwavering support they provided throughout her health journey.
• The conversation honors the late Liz Bonis, who gave Maria the opportunity to publicly share her transplant journey and advocate for organ donation. Maria reflects on Liz's generosity, kindness, and lasting impact on her life.
• Maria explains how the National Kidney Registry Voucher Program made her transplant possible after a compassionate donor, who was not a direct match, chose to donate on her behalf.
• She breaks down how the voucher program works, illustrating how one act of generosity can create a chain of life-saving transplants for multiple families.
• Maria speaks about the deep gratitude she feels toward the donor whose selfless decision forever changed her life.
• She also reminds listeners that transplantation is a treatment—not a cure—and discusses the lifelong commitment required after surgery, including medications, regular monitoring, and managing side effects.
• Maria shares the unforgettable moment she woke up after surgery and immediately noticed the physical difference, describing increased energy, improved appetite, and a renewed appreciation for everyday life.
• Inspired by her experience, Maria hopes to use her testimony to encourage others facing kidney disease and to advocate for organ, eye, and tissue donation.
• She emphasizes the importance of faith, family, community, and self-advocacy, encouraging listeners to seek support, ask questions, and never lose hope during difficult seasons.
• The episode concludes with Andi celebrating Maria's incredible journey and expressing excitement for the meaningful future that now lies ahead.

Key Takeaways

1. A Living Donor Can Change Multiple Lives

Maria's story demonstrates how one selfless act through the National Kidney Registry Voucher Program created a pathway to a life-saving transplant, proving that generosity has the power to impact far more people than we often realize.

2. A Transplant Is the Beginning of a New Journey

Receiving a transplant is not the end of the story. Lifelong care, medication, and healthy habits remain essential, but they also open the door to renewed health, new opportunities, and a brighter future.

3. Faith, Community, and Hope Sustain Us Through Life's Hardest Seasons

Maria's journey highlights the incredible strength found in faith, supportive relationships, and the willingness to share one's story to encourage others facing similar challenges.

Tweetable Quotes

“I definitely have been just way more passionate about my future, about life, knowing that I have new restored health. My mindset of everything has completely shifted. I have so many goals set up. Every single day I'm just like trying to get better and better so that I can hit the next milestone.”

• Maria Valentina Almeida

“It was just such a blessing and such a relief to hear. I was waiting for so long for those words. I wasn't sure if it was going to be a kidney, a diseased donor, or a living donor, and the fact that my national kidney registry voucher donor, her decision to donate on my behalf paid off because they found my match. It's just so incredible. I it just it really leaves you speechless.”

• Maria Valentina Almeida

“I was just completely in shock, and yeah, I was. It just made me respect just the the the the value of life so much more, and respect her as a person, knowing that she was struggling with something, and still being such a selfless human.”

• Maria Valentina Almeida on Liz Bonis’s loss.

“t all started was that there was this woman, who was interested in giving me the gift of life. However, she wasn't a direct match for me, so she couldn't donate her kidney to me. She decided to continue on and find resources to still give the chance and put me higher up in the list for for that kidney match. And so that's how she found out about the National Kidney Registry.”

• Maria Valentina Almeida

“I'm just so humbled by the the opportunity that I got to be part of that voucher program and to have someone willingly want to give to someone else in order to help me. Like you don't see that every day.”

• Maria Valentina Almeida

“I know that this is just confirmation that there is a plan for me. That God definitely wants me to do something with my life, and you know, use my testimony to continue, you know, bringing hope to people, giving faith to people that are struggling with the same disease”

• Maria Valentina Almeida

Resources:

Donatelifeky.org

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/

https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/

https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope.

https://aopo.org/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

Episode Title:

A New Lease on Life: Jim & Kim Wildenmann's Journey of Hope, Love, and an Intestine Transplant 

Episode Description:

For years, Crohn's disease slowly took more and more from Jim Wildenmann—until his body could no longer tolerate any nutrition, not even liquids. With few options remaining, Jim underwent a rare intestine transplant at the Cleveland Clinic, one of only a handful of centers in the country performing this life-saving procedure

But Jim's story is also Kim's story.

As Jim's health declined, Kim became his unwavering source of strength—working full-time, caring for Jim, raising their two children, and keeping their family moving forward through uncertainty and fear.

In this heartfelt episode of This Thing Called Life Podcast, Jim and Kim share their journey through illness, resilience, faith, and the incredible gift of organ donation. They reflect on the generosity of Jim's donor and the donor's family, whose selfless decision gave Jim a second chance at life.

This is a powerful conversation about perseverance, unconditional love, gratitude, and finding hope even in life's darkest moments.

 

Episode Highlights

Show Notes

• Host Andi Johnson welcomes Kim and Jim Wildenmann to discuss their path to receiving a rare small intestine transplant
• The Medical Diagnosis: Jim discusses his struggle with Crohn's disease and poor motility, which meant food could not move through his digestive system.
• The Impact on the Family: Kim explains the challenge of Jim being hospitalized over 40 times in three years, often during COVID, while she balanced a full-time job and raising two children.
• The Last Resort: After surgeries and liquid nutrition failed, a transplant became Jim's only chance for survival.
• Seeking Specialized Care: Jim was referred to the Cleveland Clinic, one of the few places performing rare small intestine transplants—only 15 to 20 are done there annually.
• Getting "The Call": The couple recalls receiving a midnight phone call in June 2022 and rushing to Cleveland to receive the organ.
• Reflecting on the Donor: While waiting for the surgery, the couple reflected on the donor's family, acknowledging that their hope for life was connected to another family's grief.
• A Life Restored: Jim describes the joy of being home for Thanksgiving after missing three years of holidays and attending his son's senior high school activities.
• Connecting with the Donor Family: Jim shares that he wrote a heartfelt letter to the donor's family to express his gratitude for the gift of life.
• Success as a "Model Patient": Jim’s surgeon now uses his recovery photos to inspire others, showing him eating pizza and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and ziplining.

Key Takeaways

• The Rarity of Intestinal Transplants: Small intestine transplants are exceptionally rare, with specialized centers like the Cleveland Clinic performing only about 15 to 20 per year.
• Resilience of the Support System: Chronic illness impacts the entire family; Kim had to manage her career and children while taking on a nursing role and coordinating family visits during Jim's long recovery.
• The Profound Impact of Organ Donation: Beyond saving a life, organ donation restores the recipient's ability to participate in major life milestones, such as high school graduations and family holidays.
• Inspiring Others: Jim uses his experience to encourage others facing similar medical struggles, including successfully talking a client's husband into a necessary surgery.

Universal Need for Donors: Over 100,000 people are currently waiting for life-saving organ gifts. One donor can save up to eight lives and heal 75 others through tissue donation.

Tweetable Quotes

 

"Nothing worked, and it was our last resort.  We had to have a transplant or he would not have been able to live.”

 

• Kim Wildenmann

"We're here waiting for life, and they're dealing with death... and it's really hard."

• Kim Wildenmann

"Thank you is never enough, right? But... it gave you your life back."

• Jim and Kim Wildenmann

"I bore the cross for [my family]. But yeah, a lot of people just say... I'm a walking miracle."

• Jim Wildenmann

"Just being able to do things that normal people do... the little things we take for granted."

• Jim Wildenmann

 

Resources:

Donatelifeky.org

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/

https://www.networkforhope.org/about-us/

https://www.networkforhope.org/stories-of-hope/

https://www.facebook.com/NetworkForHopeOPO

https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkforHope.

https://aopo.org/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope

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/

RegisterMe.org/NetworkforHope