Show Notes: On this episode, we sit down with donor mom and author Maggie Fanara, whose debut book is titled Beautifully Broken. Maggie opens up about the lies she once believed about herself, and how God met her in the depths of abuse, heartbreak, and loss to rewrite her story. Maggie invites us into her journey of healing and purpose where she discusses what it means to break toxic cycles and speak life over your future, even when you feel broken beyond repair. Don’t miss this empowering conversation. In our Mental Health Moment we offer tips for setting and communicating your boundaries and then, we circle back to our guest, Maggie, who honors her son and donor hero, Caiden Stokes.
--------
37:56
--------
37:56
Liver Transplants for Patients With Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer
Show Notes: In this episode, we spotlight a groundbreaking advancement in transplantation offering new hope to patients with stage 4 colorectal cancer. At Northwestern Medicine, surgeons successfully split a donor's liver to save two lives. One portion of the donor's liver went for a traditional waitlist recipient, and the other portion, for a patient with advanced colorectal cancer. This approach is part of a new trial called CLEAR (Colorectal Metastasis to Liver Extraction with Auxiliary Transplant and Delayed Resection). We’re joined by Barclay Missen, the first Northwestern patient to undergo this innovative transplant and Dr. Satish Nadig, who shares how the CLEAR program is reshaping outcomes for patients. In our Mental Health Moment, we discuss tips for navigating the ups and downs of your day to maintain positive balance in your emotions, and then, honor donor hero Katherine Thiels.
--------
37:39
--------
37:39
A Mascot and Advocate for Donation
Show Notes: On this episode of The Gifted Life Podcast, we sit down with Robert Boudwin who's a man known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off the court as the Houston Rockets’ beloved mascot “Clutch the Rocket Bear”. However, Robert’s story goes far beyond entertainment. He’s also a passionate Donate Life advocate with a personal journey of hope and healing. Our conversation is full of energy, heart, and purpose as Robert shares what drives him, the impact of donation on his family, and how we can all be heroes in someone’s story. Later in the episode, we explore how to find opportunities for growth while coping with loss in our Mental Health Moment, and we honor donor hero Michael Snider.
--------
39:34
--------
39:34
A Quest for a Lung
Show Notes: We’re joined by Ron Chapman — lung transplant recipient, author, and passionate advocate for those awaiting a second chance at life. In a powerful conversation, Ron shares his deeply personal story of resilience, fear, hope, and gratitude. Through his heartfelt discussion with our hosts and his inspiring book, A Quest for a Lung, Ron offers guidance and encouragement to anyone on the transplant journey. In this episode’s Mental Health Moment, we explore the power of resilience and share practical tips for overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Finally, we pay tribute to donor hero Asher Chavers.
--------
25:40
--------
25:40
A Soldier’s Second Chance
Show Notes: For our milestone 250th episode, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Louis Smith, an Army veteran and heart transplant recipient, alongside Dr. Benjamin Bryner, a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital who saved more than just his life. After serving in the military, Smith’s heart function declined to just 10 percent, leaving him in urgent need of a transplant. Within two weeks, he received a new heart but before the surgery, he had one special request: to preserve the tattoo on his chest that honored his late father. Hear his incredible journey and the unwavering dedication of his medical team. In our Mental Health Moment, we explore how our thoughts shape our paths, share tips on redirecting and reflecting on them, and honor hero Celestino Ornelas.
About The Gifted Life: Organ, Tissue and Eye Donation Podcast
Improve your knowledge about organ, tissue and eye donation as your hosts Lori Steele, Nila Schwab, and Joey Boudreaux have entertaining and informative conversations about donation. We address donation in the news, myths about donation, what's new in the community, new technologies, special guest interviews and much more.
South Africa