Episode 41: We Love Your Heart, And Are On A Mission To Help You Care For It With Sandra Wright (Pt. 2)

On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson is talking with Sandra Wright. Sandra is a transplant survivor and the founder of The Greater Cincinnati African American Heart Association. She is back on the podcast today to discuss the importance of understanding organ donation because it extends life. Don’t miss it!

 

Episode Highlights: 

• Andi encourages the listeners to be educated about what organ donation is and how it impacts all of us. 
• March is National Kidney Month. Andi shares a few helpful ways to keep your kidneys healthy like staying healthy and fit, monitoring your blood sugar, monitoring your blood pressure, monitoring your weight, and more. 
• Delaying and denying when something is off with your body does you no good. Everyone should be as proactive with their health as possible.
• Did you know that African Americans make up the majority of people on the National waiting list for kidney transplants. Research shows that african americans may carry a gene that creates a higher salt sensitivity which increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Last time on the podcast, Sandra shared her story of being a heart transplant survivor. If you missed it, go back and listen! (Episode 40)
• Andi asks Sandra, “Why do you think so many African Americans remain opposed to organ donation?
• Sandra shares when she had heart failure what changed for her in her thinking on the path she was on.
• Andi asks Sandra, “Was registering to be a donor ever talked about around the time you were getting your license?”
• In the times we live in, we  are now inundated with information. Andi and Sandra share how everyone should take an active role in their health. We have to embrace how precious our lives are and do everything we can to be present.
• How do we begin the conversation about generational health?
• Andi discusses the criteria for being able to go with organ donation from a donor.
• Sandra encourages listeners to take this podcast seriously and if you want to, go do some of your own research.
• Have you thought about the ability to help others even after you yourself transition?
• Andi asks Sandra to talk about her organization, The Greater Cincinnati African American Heart Association. She feels an obligation and is so honored to share information from traveling the journey herself in a real way. She spreads awareness with authentic truth. 
• Today, over 106,380 people are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and more than 3,000 are in need of heart transplants. 

 

3 Key Points:

1. March is National Kidney Month. It is important to know how to keep your kidneys healthy and the warning signs that they are not.
2. Sandra Wright is a heart transplant survivor who shares her story to educate and give hope to others. She shares about barriers, lack of access, and the importance of understanding your heritage and family history. 
3. There are so many lies mixed in with a little truth that circulates in the community about organ donation and creates mistrust and opposition. Knowledge is key. Get educated about the topic and take a proactive role in your health.

Resources Mentioned:

• LifeCenter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube|  Twitter
• Andi Johnson  website |LinkedIn 
• Organ Donation Website
• Sandra Wright   |swright.gcaaha@gmail.com |513-484-4772 
• The Greater Cincinnati African American Heart Association