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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
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
A Guide Through Loss And Transformation, With Kelly Gunnels Valines
In today’s episode, we want to introduce you to Kelly Gunnels aka author K.R.V. Gunnels as she discusses her story of advocacy and activism following the murder of a family member in 2017. Through the passing of her brother, she shares the importance of addressing systemic issues affecting black communities and how you can help others through organ donation. Kelly also talks about her book “A Widows Guide” and the inspiration behind it.
Episode Highlights:
- Kelly Gunnels shares her story of advocacy and activism following the murder of her brother Reco in 2017.
- Reco just renewed his license and when he was asked to be an organ donor, he said yes. Reco’s decision gave Kelly the confidence and comfort to contact Life Center.
- When Kelly was asked to speak about stopping gun violence in the community her journey of activism and leadership began.
- So often, in the black community, organ donation is not discussed but when Reco died, his family was able to honor his wishes and donate his organs, which helped several people in need.
- Kelly recalls the moments when Reco was brought to the ER, and how the hospital staff fought for his life.
- Kelly also experienced the loss of her husband which inspired her book; a Widows Guide. Her journey in writing made her recognize something about herself, she writes when she’s in pain.
- She recounts her journey through grief after losing her husband suddenly, including an investigation which enhanced her struggle to come to terms with the loss.
- Kelly met a fellow author who introduced her to a spiritual mentor, who helped her find faith and surrender to God's plan.
3 Key Points:
- Kelly Gunnels talks about the passing of her brother Reco and how the tragedy launched her journey to use her voice and talk about the reality of violence in the community and the importance of organ donation.
- She talks about her family’s legacy and how she started writing. The passing of her husband and the difficulty of the situation inspired her to write her book “A Widows Guide”.
- Organizing a blood drive and healing after loss.
Tweetable Quotes:
- “We're all working to be the best that we can be.” - K. Gunnels
- “Everyone's not going to be a match for you. But you have to decide.” - K. Gunnels
- “So yes, they will fight for you, even if you sign up to be a donor they will still fight for your life.” - K. Gunnels
- “What I recognize about myself, is that I always write when I'm in pain.” - K. Gunnels
- “God shows up for us all the time.” - K. Gunnels
Resources:
https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH
https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=widows+guide+journey+through+insanity
Facebook: Kelly Gunnels - https://www.facebook.com/kgunnels