Dr. Russell Crew specializes in Nephrology, with a special focus on Transplant Medicine-Kidney and Transplant Medicine-Pancreas. He practices primarily in New York, NY, and is affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Crew graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1999, and completed his training at NY Presby-Columbia and NY Presby-Columbia. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology.
Dr. Nicole M. Ali is an assistant professor of medicine at the New York University School of Medicine, Medical Director of kidney and pancreas transplantation, and Director of Outreach. Following completion of her undergraduate degree at Brown University she joined the Americorp Program, Teach for America. She earned her Medical degree from SUNY – Stony Brook. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology and is an AST/ASN certified transplant nephrologist, trained at Columbia University Medical Center, NY.
She has held positions as the Chief of Transplantation at Hackensack University Medical Center for the kidney and pancreas transplant programs and the Medical Director of the kidney transplant program at North Shore University Hospital. She has extensive experience working with programs that experienced outcome issues including system improvement agreements and structuring transplant quality programs. She has published many articles in peer reviewed journals and presents lectures locally and internationally. Her current areas of research include increasing access to transplantation, improving organ utilization and novel desensitization strategies.
Michael J. Goldstein MD FACS Dr. Goldstein is Director of the Division of Organ Transplantation at Hackensack University Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Health. He is Professor of Surgery at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and the OPTN Surgical Program Director for adult and pediatric kidney transplantation, and pancreas transplantation. Prior to joining Hackensack Meridian Health, he served as Chief of Kidney Transplantation at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the Executive Director, Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency. With surgical, academic, and executive experience in both organ donation and transplantation, Dr. Goldstein focuses his career on improving patient access to organ transplantation with the goal of maximizing the utilization of living and deceased donor organs for transplantation. Dr. Goldstein is an advisor for the OPTN Expeditious Task Force, faculty member of the ESRD Treatment Choices Learning Collaborative, and active participant of the OPTN Transplant Center Growth Collaborative. In prior years, he served nationally with HRSA to improve transplant center quality on the Transplant Center Task Force and Co-Chaired the National Learning Congress for the Organ Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice. He also served as Vice-Chair of the UNOS Organ Availability Committee and the Medical Directors Council of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations. Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Goldstein is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, member of the American Society for Transplant Surgeons, and American Society for Transplantation. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania and his Doctor of Medicine degree at Temple University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in General Surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center and transplantation fellowship at the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center.
Dr. Newell came to Emory from the University of Chicago, where he had been serving as director of kidney and pancreas transplantation. Prior to joining the faculty of UChicago, he earned his PhD in immunology and completed an abdominal transplantation fellowship at the institution. He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan and completed his general surgery residency at Loyola Medical Center in Illinois.
Dr. Newell served as director of Emory’s living donor kidney transplant program from 2003-2014 and established Emory’s unrelated paired donor kidney exchange program in 2007. His various research pursuits have included optimizing belatacept as an immunosuppressant in renal transplantation, identification and mechanistic investigations of tolerant kidney transplant patients, and the development of transplant strategies uniquely responsive to the needs of children
Dr. Newell served as president of the American Society of Transplantation from 2014-2015, was an at large member of the OPTN/UNOS Vascularized Composite Allograft Transplant (VCA) Committee from 2013-2016, and chaired the Mechanistic Studies Subcommittee of the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation program of the NIH.
Dr. Katz has served as Chief Medical Officer of Eledon since November 2023. He joined Eledon Pharmaceuticals from eGenesis where he served as Chief Medical Officer. Prior to eGenesis, Dr. Katz was Vice President of Clinical Development first at Viela Bio and then at Horizon Therapeutics following its acquisition of Vielo Bio. At Horizon and Viela Bio, Dr. Katz led the clinical development of inebilizumab in multiple autoimmune indications and oversaw the regulatory submission and approval of UPLIZNA®(inebilizumab). Prior to Viela Bio, Dr. Katz served as Senior Director of Clinical Development at MedImmune Inc. and Senior Director of Transplantation with the Medicine Development Group at Pfizer. Before joining industry, Dr. Katz spent two decades as a transplant surgeon. He was director of the abdominal transplantation division at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, and an associate professor of surgery and the director of the liver transplantation division at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA. Dr. Katz earned his M.D. at Hadassah Hebrew University Medical School in Jerusalem.
As chair of the Department of Surgery and director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, Dr. Montgomery oversees a diverse team of medical and surgical specialists who provide a wide variety of surgery and transplantation services. He is well placed to talk about the skilled, compassionate experts at the Transplant Institute not only as its director—but also as someone who received a heart transplant here.
The structure of the Transplant Institute enables us to offer the most advanced patient care in a hospital that has earned top rankings for overall patient safety and quality from Vizient, Inc., formerly the University HealthSystem Consortium.
We are focused on bone marrow, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and facial transplantation. Our transplantation services have consistently led to outstanding patient outcomes. We are poised to introduce innovative programs I’ve helped to develop that will make us unique among New York’s transplant programs.
My primary goal is to use state-of-the-art innovations and technology to eliminate barriers that may be preventing people who need transplants from getting them. I was a member of the team that developed the laparoscopic procedure for live kidney donation. This minimally invasive procedure allows for a faster recovery after kidney donation and has become the standard throughout the world.
I also developed and performed the first “domino paired donation,” which is when two or more donors and recipients are paired in a kidney swap. This is often used when a donor and recipient have incompatible tissue or blood types. By bringing together multiple pairs of donors and recipients, we can ensure that all parties receive compatible organs.
I was the lead surgeon in the first 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 5-way, 6-way, and 8-way domino paired donations and in the first 10-way open chain donation. In 2010, I was credited in The Guinness Book of World Records with performing the most kidney transplants in one day.
I am considered the world’s authority on desensitization—the process of readying patients to receive incompatible tissue or blood type transplants—altruistic donation, antibody-mediated rejection, and kidney-paired donation. I have performed more than 1,000 kidney transplants and am often referred patients who have the most difficult and complex situations. This includes people who have had multiple transplants, are difficult to match with donors, have been on dialysis for a long time, have clotting disorders, or are at a high risk for transplant rejection.
I trained in general surgery and multi-organ transplantation at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. My research focuses on stem cell therapies and gene- and cell-based therapies in transplantation. I co-lead a clinical trial sponsored by the National Institutes of Health involving simultaneous donor bone marrow and live donor kidney transplantation. I also run multiple clinical trials for novel desensitization therapies.
I am honored to have received several awards recognizing my experience in patient care and research, including the American Society of Human Genetics’ Postdoctoral Basic Science Award, the Johns Hopkins Clinician Scientist Award, the Fujisawa Faculty Development Award from the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the Champion of Hope Award from the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland, and the Terasaki Medical Innovation Award from the National Kidney Registry.
Recap
Lyfebulb’s patient summit, “Empowering Lives: State of Transplantation”, brought together everyone involved in the transplant journey—recipients, donors, care partners, doctors, and industry experts with the goal to improve the quality of life and outcomes for everyone. We shared stories, learned from experts, discussed challenges, and discussed solutions.
Our event on October 4, 2024 at NYU Langone Health in New York City included:
- Inspirational Talks: Experts in the field of transplantation
- Engaging Panels: Discussions on important topics from both the patient and provider perspective, such as new treatments, care management, and future innovations in transplantation
- Networking Opportunities: Connecting with others who understand your journey
- Contribute to the Future: Offering your perspective through questions to panels and responses to a survey
- Peer-to-Peer Meet-Up: Meeting your fellow transplant peers in a closed session led by our TransplantLyfe Community managers (patients, donors and care partners only)
Takeaways
1. The Need for More and Better Matched Organs
Transplantation has huge benefits over life on dialysis. We need to take charge and educate patients on the choices they have in organ selection and matching. A much larger population does not even make the list and could benefit from transplantation.
We need to continue to examine new organ pathways (such as xenotransplantation and artificial organs) as an alternative to dialysis to expand the available organ pool.
2. Changing the Perception that One Year Survival is the (Only) Outcome of Measurement
The existing 93-98% one-year survival of the graft is a bar that is virtually impossible to beat for any new drug or care pathway.
Many of the current drug regimens are harming the transplanted organ long-term, while causing serious side effects and complications that reduce quality of life and create the need for more transplants to survive.
3. Engaging the Community to Record and Share Symptoms to Demonstrate, Clinically, Quality of Life Issues
Patient reported data will be required, ultimately, to demonstrate long-term needs and side effects.
SPEAKERS
Nicole Ali, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine; Director, Quality, Transplant Institute at NYU Langone Transplant Institute
Russell J. Crew, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Michael Goldstein, MD
Director of Organ Transplantation at Hackensack University Medical Center
Mark A. Hardy, MD, PhD (Hon), FACS
Director Emeritus and Founder, Renal and Islet Transplantation, and Surgeon, Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Islets at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD
Founder & CEO at Lyfebulb
Eliezer Katz, MD, FACS
Chief Medical Officer at Eledon Pharmaceuticals
Robert Montgomery, MD, PhD
H. Leon Pachter Chair and Professor of Surgery Director at NYU Langone Transplant Institute
Kenneth Newell, MD, PhD
Chief Medical Officer at Eledon Pharmaceuticals
Anne B. Lawler, CSW, LCSW, ACSW, BCD
Assistant Professor of Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Agenda & Video Recordings
Welcome Remarks & Introductions with Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD, Lyfebulb and Robert Montgomery, MD, DPhil, NYU Langone Transplant Institute (Watch)
My Transplant Journey by Jeanmarie Ferguson (Watch)
How to Own the Organ Selection Process by Michael Goldstein, MD, Hackensack Meridian Health (Watch)
Optimizing The Match by Bonnie Lonze, MD, PhD, NYU Langone Transplant Institute (Watch)
Best Use of Current Therapies by David Cohen, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (Watch)
Celebrities As a Vehicle to Influence Change in Healthcare by Mark Hardy, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (Watch)
Fast Tracking Treatment Options: Regulatory Environment and Clinical Endpoints with Eliezer Katz, MD Eledon, Ken Newell, MD, Emory University, moderated by Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD (Watch)
Aiming High: Less Drugs, More Organs: Tolerance by Ken Newell, MD, Emory School of Medicine (Watch)
Aiming High: Less Drugs, More Organs: Xenotransplant by Robert Montgomery, MD, DPhil, NYU Langone Transplant Institute (Watch)
Treating Patients Today by Nicole Ali, MD, NYU Langone Transplant Institute, and R.J. Crew, MD, CUIMC / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (Watch)
Ups and Downs in Caring for Your Transplant, Recipient Panel: LaVise McCray, Taryn Servold, Jeanmarie Ferguson, and Sam Dey moderated by Leslie Brille, Lyfebulb (Watch)
Quality of Life Panel with Anne Lawler, LCSW, Joan Kelly, RN and Jeanmarie Ferguson, moderated by Mark Hardy, MD (Watch)
Mind & Body by Alisha Hiebert, RYT, MBC, TransplantLyfe Community Manager (Watch)
Empowering Patients via Technology by Leslie Brille (Watch)
Closing Remarks by Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD (Watch)
Thank You To Our Supporters
Eledon Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage biotechnology company with immunology expertise that is developing therapies to protect and prevent rejection of transplanted organs, as well as to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Company’s lead compound in development is tegoprubart, an anti-CD40L antibody with high affinity for CD40 Ligand (also called “CD154”), a well-validated biological target with broad therapeutic potential.
Memo Therapeutics AG (“MTx”) is a late-stage biotech company translating unique human immune responses into superior medicines through the development of best-in-class antibodies to treat viral infections and cancer.
We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. Our team, across the world, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions.
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Lyfebulb is a patient engagement platform. Our mission is to reduce the burden of living with chronic disease through the power of the patient.
Under the leadership of Dr. Robert Montgomery, the NYU Langone Health Transplant Institute is a national leader in organ transplantation, excelling in heart, kidney, liver, and lung transplants. According to SRTR data, the institute boasts the fastest heart transplant rate in the Northeast, the top kidney program in the country, a 100% one-year liver transplant survival rate, and the highest-ranked lung transplant program in the U.S. These achievements highlight the institute’s expertise in treating complex cases.
Karin Hehenberger hosted a happiness luncheon at the Transplant Games of America 2024 and gave an excellent speech. Join TransplantLyfe.com to become a part of our close-knit transplant community.
Join us for an inspiring conversation at the Transplant Games as Karin Hehenberger sits down with Alexis Hartman. Together, they delve into the transformative power of organ transplantation, sharing personal stories and insights that highlight the profound impact on individuals and communities.
Welcome to LyfeTalks, a podcast that intimately explores the experiences of transplant recipients and those with kidney disease. Join us for raw and real discussions about getting a new organ and life afterward. Featuring a new guest each episode, this is your go-to podcast on everything transplant-related.
Jeanmarie, 18 years post-kidney transplant, sits down with Angelo Reyes, a professional boxing and MMA trainer and liver transplant recipient. They discuss Angelo’s transplant journey and the importance of men’s health, emphasizing the need to break the stigma around men neglecting their well-being.
Tune in for a new episode as Gabriel Cooper, a dual-organ recipient and a psychotherapist, chats with LaVise McCray about his unique perspective on survivor’s guilt. Gabriel suffered the effects of Type-1 Diabetes for 20 years and did 2-years of Peritoneal Dialysis, before receiving a kidney/pancreas transplant in 2022. His own experience inspired him to change careers and for the last 10 years, Gabriel has been helping other patients navigate their mental health and relationships. In his spare time, he is an avid runner and loves to travel with his husband and their beloved terrier.
In this episode, dialysis patients LaVise McCray, Emmitt Henderson, and Alex Berrios come together for a candid conversation about all things dialysis—from the emotional rollercoaster of starting treatment to the everyday challenges. Whether you’re on dialysis, considering it, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers powerful insights and advice that go beyond the medical textbook. Tune in for a deep and honest discussion that shines a light on what dialysis life is really like.
In this episode, Jeanmarie sits down with Tim Andrews, who made history by receiving a xenotransplant, a genetically modified pig kidney that sustained him for nine months. Now back on dialysis and waiting for a human kidney, Tim’s courage and selflessness have helped move transplant science forward and opened doors for future patients. His story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of putting others first.
October is Liver Awareness Month in the U.S. We’re bringing you a special conversation with two of our amazing community members and liver transplant recipients, Alisha Hiebert and Leslie Macnab. They open up about their transplant journeys—from the moment of surgery to the ongoing process of physical and emotional recovery. While at different stages, both highlight how the mind-body connection is key to healing trauma and moving forward. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt discussion!
LaVise McCray sits down with Jeanmarie to discuss her powerful transplant journey. Nearly 20 years after receiving her first kidney transplant at age 24, Jeanmarie reflects on her experiences with honesty and strength. Now awaiting a second life-saving transplant, she shares what drives her ongoing advocacy, the role of self-care in navigating chronic illness, and the heartfelt message she holds for her future donor.
LaVise McCray sits down with Christopher Bryant, a healthcare advocate, AKF Kidney Coach, advisory board member with NJ Sharing Network, trustee of the Sharing Foundation, diabetes ambassador, and motivational speaker. Christopher opens up about his journey with type 1 diabetes, leading to advanced kidney disease, and shares how his personal story fuels his mission to educate and empower others. They highlight the importance of getting the right information, building trust in the healthcare system, and taking proactive steps like regular screenings.
In this episode, dialysis patients LaVise McCray, Emmitt Henderson, and Alex Berrios come together for a candid conversation about all things dialysis—from the emotional rollercoaster of starting treatment to the everyday challenges. Whether you’re on dialysis, considering it, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers powerful insights and advice that go beyond the medical textbook. Tune in for a deep and honest discussion that shines a light on what dialysis life is really like.
Kevin Schnurr joins Jeanmarie to share his incredible story — from an unexpected urgent care visit to an urgent need for dialysis. Diagnosed with Alport syndrome in his mid-20s, Kevin’s journey took an unexpected turn that ultimately led to a life-saving kidney donation from a former work colleague. Listen in as he shares the whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and hope along the way.
Meet Caroline Laubach – a heart transplant recipient, cancer survivor, and T9 paraplegic. In this inspiring conversation, she sits down with Alisha to share her incredible journey of strength, setbacks, and perseverance.
Alisha sits down with Laszlo Mark, a pediatric heart transplant recipient now celebrating 33 years with his donor heart, for a thoughtful conversation about identity, survival, and the power of storytelling. Now earning his PhD in folklore, Laszlo shares how his transplant journey has shaped both his personal life and academic work.
A dual transplant recipient, Jamie Imhof, joins Jeanmarie to share the heart behind her passion project: Donate Life Rocks. What started as a simple way to raise awareness has grown into a community movement, spreading hope and donor awareness one painted rock at a time. Tune in to hear how it all began — and why it means so much.
In this inspiring episode, Elsa Chau, a heart transplant recipient, shares how saying ‘yes’ to new experiences has transformed her life. Hosted by Alisha, a liver transplant recipient, their conversation explores resilience, gratitude, and the power of embracing second chances. Tune in for a heartfelt story of strength and possibility.
What does it mean to live a vibrant life? Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Alison Conklin, a heart transplant recipient and founder of Bonus Days Magazine, as she shares her extraordinary transplant journey—finding beauty in the unexpected and redefining life after adversity.
The transplant journey is life-changing—but it comes with financial challenges that many don’t expect. In this episode, Mari Lopp, mom to heart transplant baby Bailey, joins Jeanmarie, a 19-year kidney transplant recipient, and Denise Redeker, heart transplant recipient from Heartfelt Help Foundation. They discuss the hidden costs, available resources, and how communities can support transplant families. Tune in for an insightful and uplifting conversation about the price—and incredible gift—of a second chance at life.
LaVise sits down with Emmitt and Manny Henderson to share an incredible story of love, sacrifice, and second chances. Manny and his siblings secretly tested to be Emmitt’s living donor—giving him the ultimate gift of life and 9 ½ more years of cherished moments. Tune in for this heartfelt conversation about brotherhood, resilience, and the power of organ donation.
Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Amy, a fellow liver transplant recipient, to share their journeys and insights. Amy, a former Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner at the height of her career, draws on her dual perspective as both a patient and a healthcare provider. Amy offers invaluable advice on advocating for yourself within the healthcare system. She opens up about how her life took an unexpected turn when she suddenly fell ill.
Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Carswell, who received a kidney transplant at 19 and is now 21. Together, they discuss the transition from pediatric to adult care in the transplant journey.
LaVise McCray, a kidney transplant recipient, sits down with Inka Nisinbaum, who underwent double lung and liver transplants in Germany in 2002. Since childhood, running has motivated her to maintain happiness and health. Inka shares how she incorporates fitness into her routine to improve her well-being.
Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Jillian Best from The Move for Life Foundation. They discuss Jillian’s achievements at the World Transplant Games and her efforts to raise awareness for organ donation.
Jeanmarie, a 19-year kidney transplant recipient, sits down with LaVise McCray to discuss how LaVise progressed from using a wheelchair to walking 8,000 steps daily. She shares her year-long journey with the support of her physical therapist, Dr. Aleksander Kowarz.
Jeanmarie was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis at 16, eventually leading to a kidney transplant in 2006. She sits down with Emmitt Henderson III, CEO of Male Lupus Warriors, to discuss his Lupus and transplant journey, which began in 1987.
Jeanmarie, a kidney transplant recipient, sits down with Kira Banks, a Community Outreach Coordinator from the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Network. Kira discusses the role of a local OPO, how to write a letter to a donor family, and ways to get involved with your local organ procurement organization.
Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, and Taryn, a kidney/pancreas recipient, sit down to discuss their shared transplant anniversary date. Alisha reflects on her four-year transplant journey, while Taryn shares her experiences from the past two years.
Jeanmarie, a kidney transplant recipient currently back on the waiting list, sits down with Randy Simpkins, a living donor inspired by patients on the national waiting list. Randy has made it his mission to find a way to end the wait for transplants.
Alisha, a two-time liver recipient, sits down with Danny Hiles from the Transplant Strong podcast to discuss being inspired, connecting, and bonding with other transplant recipients worldwide.
TransplantLyfe Community Managers, Jeanmarie and Taryn, had the privilege of attending the Transplant Games of America in Birmingham, Alabama. They share their unique experience of meeting many transplant recipients and recount stories from some of the individuals they met: Elsa, a heart transplant recipient; Jessi, the oldest surviving double lung transplant recipient; Emily, who underwent a modified multi-visceral transplant; Swapna, who received a small intestine; Janet, a 19-year heart transplant recipient; Kim, who received a heart and lungs; and Rhoda, who received a kidney/pancreas transplant. Each of them discusses their transplant experiences.
Dr. Karin Hehenberger, a kidney/pancreas recipient and founder of TransplantLyfe and LyfeBulb, gives a presentation on health and happiness at the Transplant Games of America in Birmingham, Alabama. What makes you happy?
Alex, who previously received a kidney transplant and is now on the waiting list for a second kidney, sits down with Advanced Nurse Practitioner Denise Goodman and LaVise McCray, a former dialysis patient and current kidney transplant recipient. With 39 years of experience as a dialysis nurse, Denise joins them as they discuss the journey from the dialysis chair to transplant.
Taryn, a kidney/pancreas recipient, sits down with Kristi Ouimet, a mother of two transplant recipients. Kristi shares how she balances being the best care partner for her children while also taking care of herself.
Alisha and Jeanmarie sit down with Gabriel, a kidney and pancreas recipient as well as a psychotherapist, to discuss the importance of seeking mental health support during the transplant journey. Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, and Jeanmarie, a kidney transplant recipient, share their experiences and insights on the significance of mental health care throughout their transplant journeys.
Jeanmarie, a kidney transplant recipient, and Chloe Temtchine, a singer/songwriter who has received a double lung transplant, discuss their transplant journeys. They share how they cope with tough times and highlight the importance of maintaining a hopeful outlook on the future.
Taryn, a kidney/pancreas recipient, sits down with LaVise McCray to discuss the crucial role of peer support among transplant patients. They share personal experiences and highlight how connecting with others who have undergone similar procedures can provide emotional strength, shared knowledge, and a sense of community. Through their conversation, they emphasize the positive impact that peer-to-peer support has on the overall well-being for transplant recipients.
Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Jeanmarie, a kidney transplant patient of 18 years, to discuss navigating the complex emotions of gratitude and grief throughout the transplant journey.
Alisha, a two-time liver transplant recipient, sits down with Jamie Imhof, a liver and kidney transplant recipient, to discuss goal-setting after a transplant. They explore how to establish goals for taking medications, maintaining good health, and adjusting to everyday life post-transplant.
Jeanmarie, an 18-year kidney transplant recipient, and TransplantLyfe Community Manager, engages in a conversation with Dusty Atchison, who underwent a kidney transplant at the age of 17. They explore their distinct strategies for handling doctor appointments and emphasize the significance of self-advocacy when interacting with medical professionals.
Alex Berrios, a community manager at TransplantLyfe and patient advocate, joins Mark Eisen and LaVise McCray to discuss their experiences with receiving kidney transplants. They explore the transition from dialysis to transplant and offer insights on how to effectively advocate for oneself throughout this process.
Jeanmarie and Taryn sit down for an in-depth discussion about how and when to ask other people for help during the transplant journey. Jeanmarie is 18 years post kidney transplant and Taryn is a kidney/pancreas transplant recipient, transplanted almost 2 years ago. Together they explore the complex topic of not wanting to be a potential burden to others. However, it is imperative to acknowledge instances wherein external support becomes indispensable throughout this transformative process.
According to information from DonateLife.com, over 100,000 individuals are currently awaiting a life-saving organ. In 2023, the contributions of over 23,000 donors brought renewed hope and vitality to recipients and their loved ones. In this unique episode dedicated to Donate Life month, we engage in conversations with liver, kidney, heart, and lung transplant recipients and someone waiting on dialysis, as well as a caregiver, to explore what organ donation means to each of them.
As they transitioned into the transplant world, Alisha and Taiylor discovered a newfound purpose in their experiences. Rather than allowing their pain to define them, they transformed it into a driving force for positive change. Both recognized the importance of peer support and advocacy in helping others navigate the complex transplant journey.
Jeanmarie sits down with Gabriel, a kidney/pancreas recipient and psychotherapist to discuss how to manage anxiety while waiting for a life-saving organ. Gabriel recently went through the process, waiting on the list himself for 2 years. Jeanmarie was diagnosed at 16 with Lupus. She had a kidney transplant at 24 years old. Although Jeanmarie has had 18 successful years with her living donor kidney, she is now on the wait list waiting for her second kidney. Listen to the conversation between Jeanmarie and Gabriel about the best ways to manage the rollercoaster of feelings that come with waiting on the transplant list.
Alisha sits down with LaVise to discuss how she never lost hope even when life looked dim. LaVise received a kidney transplant in March 2023. She has faced many challenges throughout her journey. In 2023 she was told she wasn’t going to live to see 2024. It’s 2024 and she is thriving! Listen to her incredible story about how she persevered through the challenges and never gave up.