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This Thing Called Life is a podcast about acts of giving, kindness, compassion, and humanity. Host Andi Johnson, will introduce you to powerful stories about organ, eye, and tissue donation from individuals, families and front-line health care teams, whose experiences will hopefully inspire you and remind you, that while life is hard and unpredictable, it’s also beautiful. We hope this podcast serves as a catalyst for you to register to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
Episodes
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Episode 21: A Families Mission to Find A Kidney with Robert Wilder
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May 25, 2021
During episode 21 of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson talks to Robert Wilder. Robert shares his story and who he is fighting for in this season of his life. Andi reminds the listeners that our nation is in the midst of an organ shortage, and in order to minimize that, more people are needed to register for organ donation.
Episode Highlights:
- Andi asks Robert to share about his beautiful, spunky, fun-loving wife and also about his family story.
- Robert's wife developed kidney disease which pushed her to a point where she was not able to work anymore.
- A couple of months ago, she had a heart attack due to a lack of oxygen in her organs and instigated the need for a kidney transplant.
- Privacy sometimes has to do with embarrassments; some people don’t want to tell others what’s happening inside their homes.
- Going through mental health struggles, people don’t want to talk about that because of the stigma of appearing weak.
- Lupus is what destroyed her kidneys, which is typical for patients with the condition.
- Robert says his daughter is the biggest blessing for him and his wife; she lives her best life and is a rock for their family. She trusts the process.
- His wife is now becoming healthy and bouncing back, and he is excited that she is going to be home in a few days.
- Andi asks Robert, “When you were growing up, what was your view about donation?”
- Their daughter is 11years old now, and he has to be strong for her because she depends on him and his wife. There are so many responsibilities that keep Robert going in hard times.
- Robert shares about his faith and says you must believe and try to give it up to God.
- They are excited for Tysha and the progress she has made with better communication.
- Andi says his wife is a fighter, a beautiful partner, and a beautiful mother to their daughter, and she is blessed to have him as her champion.
3 Key Points:
- Robert talks about his personal journey to get his wife a kidney.
- Andi refers to the love and support from family and his daughter’s school friends, and what it means to him.
- Robert says he has learned that people genuinely want to help if they know you need help.
Resources Mentioned:
- LifeCenter | website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube| Twitter
- Andi Johnson website |LinkedIn
- Organ Donation Website
- Robert’s Story
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Tuesday May 18, 2021
A Mothers Beautiful Gift To Her Daughter
Tabatha Allen and her daughter Emma were featured on WKRC TV and shared this special story of a mother’s love.
Community Heroes is a special extension of This Thing Called Life’s podcast. In this series we talk to community leaders, share important information about organ and tissue donation, and honor those who have been instrumental in saving lives through the gift of donation.
Resources
https://lifepassiton.org/
https://lifepassiton.org/who-we-are/leadership/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH
513-558-5555
Tuesday May 11, 2021
Episode 20: Surviving The Death of a Child with Ickey Woods
Tuesday May 11, 2021
Tuesday May 11, 2021
During episode 20 of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson talks to Ickey Woods, a former American football player - Cincinnati Bengals Fullback. Sadly, he lost his son, Elbert Jovante Woods, 10 years ago. Now Ickey and his family are trying to make a difference in the world by educating others about organ donation and asthma.
Episode Highlights:
- Ickey shares his story about being outside doing yard work when he received a call from home that his son, Elbert had collapsed.
- As Ickey rushed to the spot, he saw an ambulance, and in that, they were trying to resuscitate his son. They all soon headed to the hospital.
- The moment Ickey entered the hospital and opened the door, he saw a Chaplain.
- His son’s brain had been without oxygen for about 30 minutes while he was being taken to the hospital
- Due to lack of oxygen, Jovante’s brain had started to swell, which the doctor said was not a good sign.
- A couple of days later, in a heart-breaking turn of events, the doctor pronounced Ickey’s son as Brain Dead. Ickey and his wife decided to pull the plug.
- Two women from the life center visited them and informed Ickey and his wife that their son had said yes on the driver’s permit that he wanted to donate his organs.
- Ickey had never heard anything about organ donation, and in the African American community, there aren’t many organ donors. So, he was really taken aback hearing about his son’s choice.
- Ickey discussed organ donation with his wife, and they mutually made their decision based on what Jovante wanted.
- Ickey talks about the foundation that he and his family members have created in memory and honor of Jovante.
- Through the foundation, Ickey and his wife’s goal is to educate people about asthma and organ donation.
- Ickey shares details about the scholarship that they provide to students through the Jovante Woods Foundation.
- Andi asks Ickey how he coped with Jovante’s untimely demise.
- Ickey talks about his heart-breaking efforts to stay strong and support his family.
- Finally, launching the foundation in Jovante’s memory gave Ickey some direction and peace of mind.
3 Key Points:
- Ickey Woods takes the listeners on an emotional ride while sharing details of his son’s death. He also talks about Jovante’s decision for organ donation.
- Jovante saved 4 lives with his organs and countless others with his tissues. Ickey felt really proud of his son and had registered himself and his family members for organ donation.
- Andi and Ickey talk about the misconceptions surrounding organ donation and the importance of educating people.
Resources Mentioned:
- LifeCenter | website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube| Twitter
- Andi Johnson website |LinkedIn
- Organ Donation Website
- Jovante Woods Foundation
Tuesday May 04, 2021
Tuesday May 04, 2021
Community Heroes is a special extension of This Thing Called Life’s podcast. In this series we talk to community leaders, share important information about organ and tissue donation and honor those who have been instrumental in saving lives through the gift of donation.
Resources:
https://lifepassiton.org/
https://lifepassiton.org/who-we-are/leadership/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH
513-558-5555