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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 Mar 26, 2024
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
From Transplant to Triumph: A Nurse's Journey of Healing, Giving Back and Finding Love
Today we introduce Asia Werner, a transplant recipient and nurse with UC Health. Tune in to hear Asia's incredible story of receiving her heart transplant as an infant, her decision to become a nurse, and her advice for young people who might have to go through an organ transplant journey.
Episode Highlights:
- Andi introduces our guest, Asia Werner.
- Asia shares that she received her heart transplant on her 1st birthday
- Andi asks Asia how she felt after receiving media attention as she grew up
- Asia tells us that when she received her heart, it was around Christmas, and that made her story more interesting to the public
- Andi asks Asia about her nursing career decision
- Asia's love of taking care of others and making people feel better
- Asia worked with many spinal cord injury patients, which she sees as a sign of the universe guiding her toward this role.
- Andi asks about Asia’s participation in the Transplant Games
- The Transplant Games are the Olympics but for the transplant team, so recipients, donors, and even some medical professionals participate.
- Asia tells us that everybody who participates in the games goes through the same situations and they can all relate to each other and agree that they shouldn’t take life for granted.
- Andi asks Asia what her advice would be for young people going through the same situation as she did
- Asia advises people who will go through the transplant journey that they can still do what normal people do but with caution. The most important thing is to make sure that they maintain follow-up doctor visits for check-ups and listen to their doctor's recommendations
- Asia reflects on her transplant experience, which provided her the freedom to pursue a normal life, and the importance of donors
- Asia expresses gratitude to their donor's family, acknowledging their life-saving decision
3 Key Points:
- Asia tells her amazing story about receiving her heart on her 1st birthday, which was close to Christmas, and how it got media attention
- Asia explains what got her into nursing. She tells us that at first, she thought she wanted to be a doctor but when she witnessed the difference between the direct impact of patient care nurses provided, it made it more clear what her choice would be.
- Asia shares her experience in the Transplant games and how the people participating relate to each other.
Tweetable Quotes:
- “So it was really nice having somebody that I knew and was comfortable with because I was able to kind of open up a little more with him.” - Asia Werner
- “I know what it's like to have good nurses and I know what kind of a difference a good nurse can make.” - Asia Werner
- “Basically, it is the Olympics but for transplant people, so recipients, donors, and even some medical professionals are there.” - Asia Werner
- “Everybody is kind of in a similar situation. My theory is that everybody knows how precious life is there and they understand, kind of, just how precious it is and how they don't take life for granted. They don't use their life to be mean to people.” - Asia Werner
Resources:
https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH
https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Julie Luebbers on La Mega. The monthly interview will provide the Spanish Community with information about Life Center and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation.
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
This episode of TTCL will feature an interview with Julie Luebbers on La Mega. The monthly interview will provide the Spanish Community with information about Life Center and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation.
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Heartbeat Chronicles - Pioneering Heart Transplant at Christ Hospital With Guest Terri and George Cecere
February is American Heart Month, where women are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. In today’s episode, we want to introduce you to George and Terri Cecere. Tune in and hear about their journey together managing heart disease and ultimately a heart transplant as Husband and Wife.
Episode Highlights:
- Andi introduces George and Terri Cecere
- George and Terri tell the story of how they met and Terri being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma early in their relationship
- In 2002, Terri was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy at 43 years old
- Terri found a cardiologist with experience in heart failure treatment, which helped manage her condition until the time she needed a heart transplant at age 62
- Andi asks about the symptoms of Cardiomyopathy
- Terri explains her symptoms and relates them to common heart failure
- Terri lived with cardiomyopathy for 17 years, receiving treatment and care from Dr. O'Brien and the advanced heart failure team
- Her condition gradually worsened over time, leading to the recommendation of a heart transplant
- Terri received a heart transplant at Christ Hospital Health Network, becoming the first recipient of the program
- Andi asks Terri about how she feels about all the media attention
- Terri shares her story and advocates for heart health awareness with the help of her husband George and Life Center
- Terri expresses gratitude to the donor family for giving her the gift of life, acknowledging their difficult decision to donate
- Terri also talks about how the reality of having to care for someone with heart disease is challenging and the gift George has been through this journey
3 Key Points:
- Terri and George talk about how they thrived through 17 years of Heart Disease
- They share their experiences for 17 years leading up to the heart transplant and express gratitude for how they were cared for by their doctor(s) and hospital
- Terri now advocates for heart health awareness with the help of her husband George and Life Center
Tweetable Quotes:
- “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.” - Andi Johnson
- “I decided I needed a cardiologist who had experience with heart failure in particular, because it makes a huge difference.” - Terri Cecere
- “But I do think that intellectually we knew that at the end of the journey, the heart transplant was possible.” - George Cecere
- “Since Terri's transplant, which was, you know, only about 15 months ago, they've completed 19 heart transplants, which is an astounding number considering you know, how new the program is.” - George Cecere
- “And there's not a better person to have as your caregiver than George. I mean, he's, he was amazing.” - Terri Cecere
Resources:
https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH
https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
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. In this episode, we talk with Don Juan Fasho from 100.3 Cincy's R&B station.
Resources:
https://lifepassiton.org/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH
Life Center Phone # 513-558-5555
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
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
This episode of This Thing Called Life will feature an interview with Julie Luebbers on La Mega. The monthly interview will provide the Spanish Community with information about Life Center and the incredible miracles that happen with Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation.
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
The Four Year Journey Of Waiting For A Kidney Donation
In today’s episode we want to introduce you to Carmelita C Jones. Carmelita discusses how she dealt with the realities of kidney failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, adulting, and why it is important for her to be an advocate for her circumstances. By understanding the real struggles of kidney disease and the symptoms associated she hopes to help the next generation avoid long term damage to the kidneys and help them live a better and healthier life!
Episode Highlights:
- Carmelita Jones shares her story of needing a kidney transplant and her passion for giving and loving others
- She shares about career changes and medical challenges after a car accident
- She talks about her diagnosis and treatment options for Kidney Failure.
- Life before the accident, Carmelita knew she had diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Carmelita discusses diabetes, the organ transplant waitlist, and the black community.
- “Make better choices, eat to live, not just live to eat.”
- She points out the importance of teaching the next generation about nutritional value because they risk making the same mistakes as the past generation.
- There is a rise in children being diagnosed with diabetes at a much younger ages.
- There are more organizations to help with better nutrition, such as fresh fruits and vegetables in grocery stores, cooking classes, community gardens, etc. that could help with the problem.
- Carmelita describes her dialysis routine, including early morning appointments and time spent in the bathroom. She also describes how COVID-19 affected her financial situation.
- Carmelita shares her struggles with kidney disease and the impact on her daily life, including the importance of regular dialysis treatments and the need for a kidney transplant
- Carmelita advocates for normalizing conversations about mental health and wellness in the black community, emphasizing the importance of being open and honest about one's struggles.
- She reflects on the importance of a supportive tribe in navigating adulting and its challenges.
- She provides contact information for those interested in learning more or donating, emphasizing the anonymous process and the positive impact on donors' lives.
3 Key Points:
- Carmelita Jones shares the reality of having Kidney Failure and how she found it out after an accident. She also shares that prior to the accident, she knew she was diabetic and had high blood pressure.
- Carmelita discusses a brief connection of the african american history and how we pass on the generational curse of bad choices when it comes to our health.
- Carmelita advocates for normalizing conversations about mental health and wellness in the black community, emphasizing the importance of being open and honest about one's struggles
Tweetable Quotes:
- “High blood pressure is another major factor. Not to specify one particular group, but you know, African Americans suffer from high blood pressure because of our history literally on slave boats.” - Carmelita Jones
- “We need to teach our children first and foremost. So we don't give them our bad habits.” - Carmelita Jones
- “If you look at obesity, and our young people, it's off the charts. It's ridiculous. And it's because they're following our habit.” - Carmelita Jones
- “Adulting is hard. It requires so much patience. And a lot of times we take that time to take care of ourselves.” - Carmelita Jones
Resources:
https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH
https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH
Christ hospital call Bree @ 513-585-1427 for answers to any questions about the process of kidney donation for Carmelita
Facebook: Carmelita C. Jones - https://www.facebook.com/carmelita.c.jones
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Todos Pueden Ser Donantes
During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson speaks with Courtney Schapier, a liver donor, the sister of a liver recipient, and one of the Organ Donation Coordinators at LifeCenter. Upon learning about her brother’s need for a liver, Courtney made the incredibly brave decision to make a difference. Her story is simply amazing!
Episode Highlights:
- Courtney has been an Organ Donation Coordinator at LifeCenter for the past 6-7 years.
- Donation Coordinators handle the medical management and evaluation for organ donors.
- Amongst other responsibilities, Courtney plays a large part in matching organs to donors.
- Sometimes, organ donation acts as the silver lining to families that are going through an incredibly hard time.
- Donation coordination is a 24-hour job because donation does not run on a 9-5 schedule.
- From the time that a case opens to the time it closes, Courtney is on the clock for 36 hours.
- Courtney uses CrossFit and a great support system as outlets for the high stress levels of this job.
- With such a high-stress job, it’s no surprise that there is a high level of turnover.
- There have been times where the stress of the job has made Courtney question her desire to be here.
- COVID brought everything to a screeching halt when it first exploded back in March.
- The sheer amount of unknown information has made the ongoing global pandemic that much scarier.
- Things have finally begun to get back to normal, meaning more lives are being saved via organ donation.
- In 2016, Courtney’s brother discovered a huge mass on his liver that required a transplant.
- Unfortunately, Courtney lost her father when she was only 2 months old, so her brother acted as a father to her.
- Courtney was informed that she was a donor match for her brother while supporting a family that was pulling life-support.
- The weight of the situation started to feel heavy when Courtney sat on the pre-op table.
- Sitting outside the OR doors on the pre-op table, Courtney was rolled back for surgery after only 20 or 30 minutes.
- There were a handful of signs that something was wrong with Courtney’s brother’s liver long before the doctors caught it.
- After everything was said and done, it took a 10-hour procedure for Courtney to donate over half of her liver.
- The first thing that Courtney can remember is getting sick immediately after surgery.
- Courtney finally got to see her brother when she was transferred to the ICU.
- It was a complete shift in lifestyle for Courtney from the moment that she found out she was a donor match for her brother.
- Finding living liver donors is more rare than finding living kidney donors.
- Both Courtney and her brother fully recovered and are as healthy as they can be today.
- TX Jet was kind enough to donate its services to fly Courtney and her family out for surgery.
- After her donation, Courtney was sure that she was at the right job at LifeCenter.
- Courtney was comforted by the knowledge that everything in her life made her the perfect donor for her brother.
- This year, Courtney is focusing on being more present when she is with loved ones.
- The amazing thing about donation and transplantation is the opportunity to potentially save a life.
3 Key Points:
- Organ Donation Coordinators manage everything from the moment a donor decides to donate, to the time that the organ is sent to its recipient.
- It takes a very special person to not only manage the responsibilities of being a Donation Coordinator, but also the rollercoaster of emotions that come with the job.
- Courtney donated just over 50% of her own liver, which was oversized, to begin with, to save her brother’s life.
Resources Mentioned:
- LifeCenter (website) (Facebook) (Instagram) (YouTube) (Twitter)
- Andi Johnson (website) (LinkedIn)
- TX Jet (website)
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Episode 76: MAY 2023 Appreciation and Community Impact Events
It’s been a minute! April was National Donate Month, and we honored and celebrated our donor heroes across the region. Now sliding into May, we extend our gratitude to nurses and teachers, Happy National Nurses Week, National Transplant Nurses Week, and National Teacher Appreciation Week!
Episode Highlights:
- Life Center partnered with Hospitals across the region to honor donors, healthcare teams, and recipients.
- They also celebrated the donor heroes from 2022 with the Anual Donor Family Recognition ceremony.
- Life Center also partnered with the Center For Closing the Health Gap to discuss generational health and the Black Community at the Annual Health Expo
- A partnership with the Cincinnati Reds also kicked off by honoring a donor hero
- Sliding into May, we extend our gratitude to nurses and teachers, Happy National Nurses Week, National Transplant Nurses Week, and National Teacher Appreciation week!
- 103,871 Men, Women, and Children need life-saving organ transplants, and 21 people will die because what they need isn’t available.
- Learn the importance of registering to be a donor, and why it matters!
3 Key Points:
- Life Center partnered across the Region to honor and celebrate donors, healthcare teams, and recipients.
- May will be a month of gratitude towards Nurses and Teachers!
- We must learn the importance of registering as a donor, why it matters, and the truth about organ donation.
Tweetable Quotes:
- “Today, 103,871 Men, Women, and Children need life-saving organ transplants, and 21 people will die because the organ they need isn’t available.” - Andi
- “Take a moment to learn why donation matters, and why registering to be a donor absolutely matters.” - Andi
Resources:
https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH