Join us as we delve into Angela Voisard’s heart-wrenching story about her fourth child, Bella, a beautiful baby whose life took an unexpected turn after two months. An emergency visit to Akron Children’s Hospital brought to light the stark reality that Bella’s life was hanging by a thread. Don’t miss our enlightening conversation with Bella’s mom and her Pediatric Cardiologist from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Dr. Shahnawaz Amdani. We’ll discover the unique complexities of pediatric transplantation, Bella’s extraordinary journey, and the pressing issue of dwindling pediatric organ don ..read more

As Father’s Day approached, we had a conversation with Ryan Dornon, a father who lost his almost two-year-old daughter, Kinsley. Ryan shared their unimaginable story and talked about his journey through the immense grief he feels. Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Bereavement Services Manager, provided insights and information on the grieving process and ways to recognize specific differences of grieving men ..read more

The Kidney Foundation of Ohio has assisted hundreds of individuals burdened with kidney disease since the 1950s. It has an esteemed but surprising history and a direct connection to organ donation and patient assistance programs that put dollars in the hands of those who need help the most. Learn more about this “little organization that could” on this episode, featuring guests Kelly Dowling, Executive Director, and Jennifer Clegg, Client Services and Community Manager of the KFO ..read more

Lifebanc Bereavement Services Department has a stellar history of providing support and care to grieving families. We’re committed to continually enhancing our services for relatives of organ, eye, and tissue donors, a key part of which includes facilitating correspondence between donor families and recipients. Over the years, some common questions have been asked, such as why some donor families or recipients haven’t received any communication from the other party. Dena Balk, our Bereavement Services Coordinator, and Counselor addresses these complex matters in a dedicated episode. After tuni ..read more

Relax in a cozy chair at Rival Barber Lounge and immerse yourself in the ambiance. You’ll feel like you’re part of an engaging conversation. Edmund Wilson III, the Lifebanc Community Outreach Program Manager, assumes the role of podcast host, exploring the neighborhood and discussing organ, eye, and tissue donation. Edmund and the owner of Rival Barber Lounge, Aaron Turpin, are joined by Michael Fordham, a kidney transplant recipient. They have an honest and open discussion about his transplant experience, the mistrust in the medical field, and the importance of everyone making a donation deci ..read more

You can hear Abbie’s echo in Matthew Carey’s voice if you listen very closely. Matthew Carey, a former firefighter and EMTP-P, knows firsthand through his whirlwind experience of needing a heart transplant to survive that life is fragile. His 15-year-old daughter, Abbie, echoed the hero who saved her father and decided to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Matthew never expected the heartwrenching circumstances of agreeing to fulfill his daughter’s decision. Listen to this moving story about life received and then given ..read more

Tanya’s journey as a kidney warrior began when she was only eight, diagnosed with a condition known as IgA nephropathy. This disease significantly altered the course of her life. Despite the challenges, she was fortunate enough to receive a kidney donation from her mother. As we commemorate March, recognized as Kidney Awareness Month, we highlight the narrative of Tanya Stehler. Tanya is not just a long-time kidney patient, but she’s also a passionate advocate in the kidney community. Listen to her story now ..read more

The Fashion for Life Show is just around the corner. This exclusive event, a collaboration between MOTTEP and TRIO, is unlike any other, featuring models and escorts whose lives have been impacted by organ donation. Whether they’ve received the gift of life or are still waiting, these special people are a testament to the urgency of our cause. We must seize this opportunity to raise awareness. Our guests, Linda Kimble, Executive Director of MOTTEP, and Fatima Wood, a dialysis patient eagerly awaiting a transplant, understand this need better than anyone. They embody our mission, and their part ..read more

Each year-end, Lifebanc reviews the number of lives impacted by the generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors in northeast Ohio. It is humbling to report that organ donors saved 570 lives, and an additional 1,185 lives were enhanced through the gift of tissue. Although these numbers are incredible, we know that our work is not yet complete, and challenges have to be overcome to make “saving more lives” more than just something we say. Lifebanc CEO Gordon Bowen and Lifebanc COO Micah Davis join us for this episode. Gordon and Micah are the guiding forces for Lifebanc and what ..read more

It was a beautiful day on the shores of Lake Erie. Lee Weber and his two sons, Alex and Jacob, who were 9 and 7 at the time, were spending time on a family camping trip. Some of the group, including Lee and Jacob, decided to check out the Conneaut Light House. Part of the adventure was to get to the lighthouse, which required a quick swim through a gap of missing boulders in the break wall. While walking and exploring the lighthouse, the winds began to shift, and Lake Erie kicked up swiftly, as it is known to do ..read more