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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 Aug 03, 2021
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
During this episode of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson talks to Robin Tackett and Monica Weakley. They share from raw, personal experiences of how organ donation has touched their lives; this is a beautiful inspirational story that you don’t want to miss!
Episode Highlights:
- In 2006, Monica’s friend Katie got sick from a virus that attacked her kidney. Monica voluntarily decided to support her friend and donate her kidney. It has been 14 years since the donation both Monica and Katie are doing great.
- A couple of years ago, Monica realized that her mother was going through an early stage of kidney failure. She and her mom both have a rare blood group. For a moment, she felt certain that her kidney would have matched for her mother. But she kept her calm, knowing that karma was on her side.
- Monica’s mom is 73 years old, her condition kept deteriorating, and during Covid, she was in the stage of renal failure. Her mom was reading too much information on the internet and getting misinformed.
- One day, Monica put out a video on Facebook to friends and acquaintances asking them if they would get tested for kidney donation. The initial response was great, but as the talk progressed, people started dropping out. When the time for actual testing came, there were only a handful of people left. Finally, Robin, who got tested and was a perfect match.
- It is unlikely to find someone outside the family circle with such a perfect match; Monica and her mom Nancy were overwhelmed with emotion. Andi inquires, “Was there a time when your mom said no to going ahead with the surgery?”
- Andi shares a concern that older people often say no to kidney transplantation.
- Monica shares how Robin and her mom got very close when she was taking care of Robin’s dog. Her mom was relieved when she heard that a known person was donating her the kidney.
- Andi asks, Talk about the days leading up to the transplant and how you were preparing for that. “Was there anyone in your circle or your family that said, ‘Hey, maybe you want to think this through a little bit more?” or anyone trying to dissuade you from making the decision?
- Robin shares her situation during the pandemic, how the hospital was vacant, and the fear of getting infected. For the surgery, she said, “We checked in on Monday night to get a COVID test. Surgery was at 7:00am Tuesday morning, and I was home by 3:00pm Wednesday.”
- Monica talks about her nervousness during the surgery and the emotional ride that her entire family took.
- Nancy is really grateful to Robin; She loves and appreciates her constantly. Robin shares her motivation to educate people about kidney donation.
- Andi asks, “How is Nancy doing these days? Is she feeling good?” She is living the life of a rock star, says Monica. But they are taking precautions because of Covid.
- Robin has no regret post donating her kidney; She feels it is like a badge of honor. She celebrated with them afterward!
- There are thousands and thousands of more stories like Nancy’s, and the reality is that many people will not survive because their story didn’t end with them receiving a transplant.
- In the last few months, Andi has lost two friends who were waiting for kidney transplants that just did not come in time, but the other reality is that we can prevent this and have a wonderful donation experience like Robin or Monica.
- Andi asks the listeners to visit Lifepassion.org and check out the many stories about donation. You can learn more about the people who became donors, read about the recipients who received the miraculous gifts of organ tissue and cornea donation, and how their lives have changed, and you can also read about the individuals who are living donors.
3 Key Points:
- Monica Weakley, a kidney donor, talks about what she experienced when her own mom’s kidney failed and she had to look for donors.
- Robin shares her side of the story and how people discouraged her once she got tested for kidney donation.
- At present, Robin is trying to raise awareness around kidney donation and educating people from her own personal experience.
Resources Mentioned:
Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
Healing through the gift of tissue donation, an interview with Lincoln Ware on WDBZ
Lincoln Ware and Andi Johnson discuss Life Centers involvement in the community educating and advocating for those in need of a transplant. The key is making sure there is accurate information about donation being discussed and the conversation is driven by facts not myths.
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 Jul 20, 2021
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
During this episode 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 Jul 13, 2021
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
The Journey Of Kidney Disease And The Impact On A Family & Community
This week’s episode explores the journey of Mr. Todd Cade, who is in need of a kidney. It all started over 13 years ago when Todd received a kidney donation from his brother. This episode explores the fears, relationships and struggles that occur to an individual and their family as they manage this next phase of the journey.
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 Jul 06, 2021
Tuesday Jul 06, 2021
In today’s episode host Andi Johnson talks to Rick Greene about his decision to be a living kidney donor. He shares his personal story of taking step by step to line up for a perfect match.
Episode Highlights:
- Andi asks Rick to share his story and what led him to the place where now he wants to help someone as a living kidney donor.
- Rick says he had a habit of grabbing the TV remote when he got home. In 2014, one night on entertainment tonight, he saw Marvin Gaye seeking a kidney donor. Rick reached out and called the number, after 4 days he went for the testing.
- Marvin’s wife informed Rick that six people before him were rejected because of poor matching.
- Rick says he doesn’t believe in his body anyway, and he only believed that all belongs to God.
- Post donating his kidney, Rick says his surgeon told “The more you walk, the more you will heal.” Slowly he started feeling better each day.
- In seven years, “Have you had any issues as a result of donating a kidney?” asks Andi.
- Andi asks Rick, what would he say to someone who is considering being a living kidney donor?
- Rick says he and Marvin Gaye III talk all the time, and he is doing great. By the grace of God, he got his life back.
- Andi applauds Rick for all he has done and says he is a giver, and it feels like God has moved him to a place where he can help people.
- Rick and Andi agree to a simple and right message that is “Choose Love.”
- Rick says we make things more complicated than they need to be.
- Everyone should pray about it and talk to God about it; If you can be considered as an organ donor and if you are comfortable donating, do it, says Rick.
- Do you feel like you inspire other people to do what you do by sharing your story? Andi asks Rick.
- Rick says he prays that people would consider donation and how it could bless someone to move forward in life.
3 Key Points:
- Rick talks about the donation and healing process so that people can understand more about what it means to be a living kidney donor.
- Andi asks Rick for his opinion about “Why many people of color, specifically American African’s, don’t want to donate their organs?”
- We learn to share and exchange information, and that is how we help and support one another, says Andi.
Resources Mentioned:
- LifeCenter website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube| Twitter
- Andi Johnson website |LinkedIn
- Organ Donation Website
Tuesday Jun 29, 2021
Tuesday Jun 29, 2021
Advocacy For Organ And Tissue Donation In The Community, an interview with Lincoln Ware on WDBZ
Lincoln Ware and Andi Johnson discuss Life Centers involvement in the community educating and advocating for those in need of a transplant. The key is making sure there is accurate information about donation being discussed and the conversation is driven by facts not myths.
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 Jun 22, 2021
Tuesday Jun 22, 2021
During episode 23 of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson talks to Bobby Schrichten; He is a manager at the Tissue Services Department and a long-time staff member at the LifeCenter. Andi and Bobby discuss how organ donation happens and the moving parts that contributes to giving the gift of life. Tune in for this important, informative talk!
Episode Highlights:
- Bobby talks about his journey at the LifeCenter, where he joined 15 years ago as a Perfusionist.
- A perfusionist is an individual who is available in the operating rooms and makes donations happen from respective organizations and teams for recovery.
- A perfusionist is also a transporter and logistic role who travels all over to recover organs and bring them back to the center.
- Andi confirms that so much happens for an organ to recover from the patient. Transporting an organ requires a lot of effort; It also has to be matched with a patient in a short period of time.
- Bobby says he took a short time break from the Perfusionist position and joined the community center, which is now a donation support service center.
- The donation support service team manages and deals with all referral aspects of individuals and hospitals.
- Andi informs that the law requires hospitals to report every death to LifeCenter and other organ procurement organizations throughout the country.
- Bobby’s career journey led him to return to his role of perfusionist and after 3 years, Bobby got the responsibility of the Tissue recovery center at the LifeCenter.
- Andi asks Bobby “Before working at the LifeCenter, what did you know about organ or tissue donation?”
- Bobby shares about the EMS program that he has created.
- The person who dies on the scene are tissue donors, not the organ donor, because in order to become an organ donor, you have to be in the hospital.
- Ensuring that his team is emotionally and physically well is the most challenging thing for him at the LifeCenter, because they have to make a recovery and also have to cope with families who have lost their loved ones.
- Andi addresses organ, eye, and tissue donation in regards to the LGBTQIA community. She asks Bobby to share his insights and what the restrictions are around donation?
- Due to a lifestyle that is allegedly associated with gay men, the Tissue Banking industry has decided that we can’t donate tissue, says Bobby. They allow donated organs, but not eye or tissue.
- There are so many tests to make sure that everything is safe and can be transplanted.
- As demand is increasing, we will see many changes in the coming years when it comes to tissue, eye, and organ donation. It will allow more people to help more people, and that’s what is most important.
- The HIV Organ Policy Equity act was passed, and it allows organ donation between HIV-positive individuals.
- Bobby says that due to the HIV act, required organs are available for needed folks to live on, make changes, and be the people in society that they were supposed to be.
3 Key Points:
- Bobby talks about his love to help people, save lives, and change lives forever. He also talks about the motivating factors that push him forward.
- Andi refers to Bobby as a compassionate leader who truly cares for every person on his team. He comes every day and gives everything to the LifeCenter.
- Bobby says he loves everything about LifeCenter, not because of his position but due to the people he works with, the team he has, and the overall mission and vision of the LifeCenter.
Resources Mentioned:
- LifeCenter website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube| Twitter
- Andi Johnson website |LinkedIn
- Organ Donation Website
- Bobby Schrichten | https://lifepassiton.org/who-we-are/leadership/
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
Melissa Armstrong and Andi Johnson join Liz Bonis for an interview on What’s Happening In Health that airs every Sunday on WKRC TV. This interview focuses on the 40 year anniversary celebration and the planting of live trees at Mt. Echo Park creating the Path of Life. Melissa shares her story of her battle with a genetic kidney disease and how long she has been waiting for a kidney. We all can learn something from this very powerful message.
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 Jun 08, 2021
Tuesday Jun 08, 2021
During episode 22 of This Thing Called Life podcast, host Andi Johnson talks to Audrey Holtzman, Diversity Outreach and Educator Associate at LifeCenter. Audrey is educating high school kids about organ donations so that they can make an informed decision.
Episode Highlights:
- Audrey is working with LifeCenter as a Diversity Outreach and Educator Associate and recently celebrated her second work anniversary with LifeCenter.
- When students get ready to get their driver’s license, that is when they decide if they are going to register as a donor.
- Audrey wishes to empower young people just to be the best they can be.
- She came to know about organ donation through her brother Henry. Henry had an accident while riding his bike.
- Sadly, Henry suffered severe head injuries and was in ICU with a life support system. Her sister-in-law told Audrey that he was a registered donor.
- The doctors asked Audrey’s mother’s permission to recover Henry’s organs as he was a registered organ donor, and it was his decision.
- The fondest memory of Henry for Audrey is the way he interacted with his friends and the way he loved being a teacher.
- Donation is not a topic that people talk about, which makes her job in high school more crucial because it is a conversation the community needs to have to help save lives.
- Henry saved the lives of 8 people with his choice to donate his organs.
- It is a personal choice to be a donor but people need to have the clear and correct information.
- More conversations about donation and also about the process will help encourage people to be willing to register as organ donors.
- Audrey says, “We do a great job here at LifeCenter to walk our families through the whole process even when we know they are grieving. “
- Andi says it is important to have the conversation with our family members so that if something happened suddenly, the family would know what to do.
- When talking to leaders of different communities and asking what their faith believes about donation, not a single one of them said no we don’t believe in donation because if it is as a gift, it is not against our religion.
- People just need to take a moment to look into the information and get to know what it means, and that could remove apprehension about being able to do something beautiful.
3 Key Points:
- Audrey shares about her life journey. She was born in Liberia, West Africa came to America at the age of thirteen, and in 2016 received American citizenship. Before joining LifeCenter she was a registered organ donor, and it’s been about 10 years now.
- When it comes to organ donation, parents have both cultural and religious thinking. There is a lot of helpful information to consider about being able to donate.
- Andi asks about Audrey’s experience while working in this field, being immersed in the community and talking to people about donation, especially in the community of color and the areas where people are poor and underserved. She inquires “What stood out to talk to them about the donation?”
Resources Mentioned:
- LifeCenter | website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube| Twitter
- Andi Johnson website |LinkedIn
- Organ Donation Website
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
The Path Of Life, For Those Who Donated
Andi joins Radio One’s Lincoln Ware for a conversation about The Path Of Life at Mount Echo park that honors 40 years of Organ Eye, and Tissue Donation. This episode also honors the Nurses in our community for the service they provide.
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