Send us a textWhat if a casual Sunday scroll through Facebook could save a life? In this heartfelt episode of Donor Diaries, Rich and Cali share the extraordinary story of how a social media post led to a life-saving kidney transplant and an unexpected lifelong connection.Rich, living with polycystic kidney disease, feared the wait for a deceased donor and the possibility of having to go on dialysis, and took a leap of faith by sharing his story online. Cali, grieving the loss of her brother to the same disease, stumbled upon Rich’s post and felt an unshakable pull to help. Neither could have predicted the twist of fate that would link them even closer—Rich had once been her brother’s boss.Their journey is one of vulnerability, determination, and the incredible power of human connection. From meticulously tracking spreadsheets to navigating emotions and medical evaluations, both Rich and Cali approached the process with equal heart and grit. In the end, their story reminds us that sharing our struggles can spark unexpected miracles—and that even the smallest connections can change lives.Rich and Cali represent a major milestone; they were the first successful kidney transplant to come out of the GiftWorks Program pilot. The GiftWorks Program is built on three core pillars that support both transplant recipients and those who step forward as living donors: Education, Support, and Advocacy. To learn more about the GiftWorks program that helped make this match possible, visit yourgiftworks.com and check out our show notes.Donor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on FacebookConnect with Laurie LeeGiftWorksDonor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on Facebook
--------
35:16
The Gift of Hope with Dr. Harry Wilkins | EP 32
Send us a textJoin us on Donor Diaries as we welcome Dr. Harry Wilkins, CEO of Gift of Hope, who transitioned from a 36-year career as a trauma surgeon to leading an organ procurement organization in 2020. With his unique perspective as both a physician and an industry leader, Dr. Wilkins offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complex and deeply personal world of deceased organ donation. From the moment of injury to the life-changing decisions families face, he sheds light on the critical role OPOs play in guiding and supporting donor families through the process.A Chicago native, Dr. Wilkins shares how his childhood fascination with car mechanics unexpectedly led him to a career in surgery, a path shaped by his family's strong values of faith and service. Now, he is driven by a bold vision: a future where no one dies waiting for an organ. He discusses the transformative potential of xenotransplantation, 3D-printed organs, living donation, and emerging advancements in organ preservation—what he calls a growing set of tools in the transplant toolbox.Throughout our conversation, Dr. Wilkins highlights the dedication of his team at Gift of Hope and their relentless work to save lives every day. He also explores the importance of dispelling myths about organ donation, increasing public awareness, and fostering a culture where donation is the norm.This episode is an eye-opening look at the challenges and breakthroughs shaping the future of deceased organ transplantation—and the innovative solutions that could one day eliminate transplant waitlists. Tune in for an inspiring and informative discussion with one of the field’s most passionate advocates.Gift of HopeNational Organ Donor Registry Sign-upHarry Wilkins BioThe Art of Effective Physician Education (Book)Donor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on FacebookConnect with Laurie LeeGiftWorksDonor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on Facebook
--------
59:25
Transporting Second Chances- When Kidneys Fly | EP 31
Send us a textJoin us as we welcome the extraordinary Mike Lollo, a former NYPD detective whose journey led him to become a passionate advocate for kidney donation. Mike's life took an inspiring turn in 2018 when he donated his kidney to a stranger. He shares his remarkable story with us, reflecting on how chance encounters with people like Ned Brooks shaped his mission to transform lives through the power of living donation. This episode highlights Mike's dedication and the profound impact his advocacy has had on individuals like Tommy Alexander and Mark Weiner.We also explore Mike's career transition from the beat of New York City streets to the intricate logistics of organ transport. His role as chief strategy officer at the National Kidney Registry and his current position with Mobile Network 24 underscore his commitment to the safe and efficient transport of organs. Mike provides an insider's perspective on the complex layers of planning and coordination required to ensure successful transplants, especially when time is of the essence. His insights shed light on the critical importance of reliable transport systems in saving lives.Mike Lollo is also the host of a new podcast called “Let’s Talk Transplant!” Mike was formerly co-host of the podcast “One is Enough,” an NKR podcast. You can find both podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!Links:Mobile Network 24Let’s Talk Transplant WebsiteLet’s Talk Transplant on FacebookOne is Enough PodcastDonor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on FacebookConnect with Laurie LeeGiftWorksDonor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on Facebook
--------
33:08
Find Your Kidney Donor Now: Taking Charge of Your Journey with Marilyn Day | EP 30
Send us a textJoin us as we sit down with Marilyn Day, a founding member of Transplant Village and a two-time kidney recipient who has dedicated over a decade to guiding others through the transplant journey.In this episode, Marilyn shares how her personal story highlights the transformative power of sharing your journey to inspire action and find living donors within your social network. Discover how platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become invaluable tools for connecting patients with potential donors—reuniting people with long-lost connections, activating supportive family members who simply didn’t know, and even forging bonds with complete strangers.Marilyn’s insights remind us that people can’t help if they don’t know how. She offers practical advice on building a supportive community and tapping into your network to create life-changing opportunities. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the power of hope, connection, and the courage to ask for help.Links:Donor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on FacebookConnect with Laurie LeeTransplant VillageNorthwestern Donor Champion ProgramLiving Kidney Donors NetworkGiftWorksMarilyn’s Faith StoryThe Big Ask the Big Give (NKF)Johns Hopkins Donor Champion ProgramOrgan Transplant SupportTools for Patients at NKR Transplant CentersDonor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on Facebook
--------
29:18
Healing, Sobriety, and Connection with Triple Donor Anthony Cernera | EP 29
Send us a textIn this episode, Anthony Cernera, a three-time living organ donor, opens up about his transformative journey of giving and personal healing. His story began with a simple Facebook post that sparked a deep desire to help others, leading him to donate a portion of his liver, kidney, and stem cells. These selfless acts not only changed the lives of his recipients but also had a profound impact on Anthony's own mental health, helping him navigate struggles with depression and addiction.Anthony shares his powerful connections with his recipients, including Lance, his kidney recipient, and a leukemia patient in California, and how these bonds have supported his commitment to sobriety. He emphasizes the role of support systems and the importance of being transparent during the donor evaluation process. This episode highlights how service and connection can be healing, providing a sense of purpose and belonging, which Anthony has found through both organ donation and his involvement in recovery work.Listen in for an uplifting reminder of how kindness and selflessness can create positive change, not only in the lives of recipients but also for the donors themselves. This episode is a great source of hope and inspiration for kidney donors who may have to jump through some extra hoops due to their mental health history.Connect with Laurie LeeGiftWorksThree Time Living Donor Hopes to Inspire Others to DonateAnthony Cernera in Men’s HealthFairfield Man an Organ Donor Three Times OverDonor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on Facebook
Donor Diaries is a podcast that delves into the beauty and complexity of living organ donation. Tune in to hear extraordinary stories of people who choose to share their organs and give the gift of life. The world of kidney and organ donation is a powerful testament to kindness, love, and the human spirit.With over 90,000 individuals on the kidney transplant waitlist and about 13 people dying each day while waiting, the urgency is real. One in three Americans is at risk for chronic kidney disease, and one in nine already suffers from it, often unknowingly.Donor Diaries offers unfiltered narratives from living donors and candid insights from transplant experts, aiming to elevate the conversation around organ donation. Our goal is to bring this crucial issue to the forefront, so no patient has to wait in vain or suffer needlessly.
Ireland