A Lasting Legacy

In this episode, we're diving into an important and often misunderstood topic: directed donation and paired exchange donations. These procedures involve matching willing donors with compatible recipients, facilitating organ transplants among individuals who may not be compatible with their intended recipients. Join us as we sit down with John Babbitt, whose unwavering positivity shines through as he shares his firsthand experience with paired exchanges and sheds light on the myths and misconceptions surrounding organ and tissue donation, particularly within multicultural communities. 

Faith also plays a significant role in this conversation. While we respect that faith is deeply personal, we explore its connection to the donation process and how it shapes individuals' decisions. John's journey serves as a beacon of hope, especially for men of color who may be hesitant about donation.

Tune in as we navigate through the complexities of donation, challenge common misconceptions, and strive to foster greater understanding and inclusivity in the donation community. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey.

Diagnosed with a rare autoimmune kidney disease at just 22 years old, Jennifer has since undergone four kidney transplants. Now, she uses her platform as Board Chair of the National Kidney Foundation in Minnesota, Donate Life America volunteer and author of Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope to advocate for organ donation and kidney disease prevention. Listen to Jennifer’s remarkable journey on this episode of Let’s Talk Hope.

Ieesha Johnson entered the organ procurement industry more than 15 years ago as a Hospital Services Coordinator and has been supporting the multicultural aspect of organ and tissue donation since. Hear how Ieesha, now the Director of Community Outreach at Infinite Legacy and President of the Association of Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT), has made it her life’s work to educate and build trust within multicultural and underserved communities and empower a new generation of leaders in the industry.

Finding out her mother was a registered organ donor upon her passing was no surprise to Taylor, “she would give whatever she could.” Months later, her partner would need a stem cell transplant. “You just have to have compassion and that passion to help somebody,” she says reflecting on the gift of donation. Listen to the full story on this episode of let’s talk hope.

The holiday season may be a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one. Renata Krzyston, manager of Gift of Hope’s Donor Family Services and a donor family herself, shares different ways you can honor the memory of your loved one during the holidays, and the ongoing support her team offers donor families during the most critical times.

“On Christmas Eve, I got a letter from a tissue recipient...he would not be able to walk again without her," says Jaquel as she talks about her daughter DeNae, a young athlete who left a legacy as an organ & tissue donor. Listen to Jaquel’s story of navigating loss and finding hope and healing on this episode of Let’s Talk Hope.

Kidney disease is one of the leading causes for kidney failure and the need for transplant, and is especially prevalent in communities of color. State Senator Mattie Hunter and Nephrologist Dr. Kalyani Perumal—who both witnessed family members struggling with kidney disease—are members of the Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force. Creating a positive culture around disease prevention is at the forefront of their work to bring awareness and education to African American and Latino communities.

“When I found out that no one in this country believed that an impact could be made and that we could change minds, I took it to heart.” On this episode of Let’s Talk Hope, Jack Lynch, former Senior Advisor at Gift of Hope, reflects on his triumphant 35-year career in the field of organ & tissue donation, and how “getting into good trouble” led him to changing the public perception of donation.  

For two-and-a-half years Alicia Stewart wasn’t able to work or take care of her son. She was undergoing kidney dialysis due to complications caused by Type 1 diabetes. This double transplant recipient shares how she overcame her own misconceptions about donation to become an organ & tissue donation advocate, and her experience connecting with her donor’s family.

The most inspiring conversations of 2022 are brought together for one powerful episode. Hear from transplant recipients and families of organ & tissue donors about their life changing experiences with donation. Stay tuned for a new season of Let’s Talk Hope starting on October 25, 2023.