Hello, and welcome to the Gifted Life Podcast, where we have conversations about organ tissue and ideonation and transplantation. You can always buy Disguise at the GiftedLife.org. I'm Laurie Steele. I'm Sharon Raymond.
I'm Sid Williams. And I'm Cheryl McGee Hills. I love all of these guest hosts. We have an important topic that we're talking about here on the Gifted Life today.
We're talking about LOPA and all the changes we made towards being more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. You'll hear all about that right here on the Gifted Life Hang with us. Here on the Gifted Life Podcast, we're talking about LOPA and changes we've made toward equity, diversity, and inclusion. To have that conversation, you heard in the intro.
We have some firecrackers in the studio. We have Sharon. We have Cheryl. We have Sid, some LOPA veterans, some great humans, and I'm honored to call you ladies' friends.
Together, you girls make up about 45 years of experience, wisdom, just about life, and about donation. Tell us a little bit about that, Sharon. Well, you know when we first started, it started out with a grant to educate five parishes in the Great Anualians area and the Outlying Areas on minorities and educating them about their health and also encouraging them to become organ, ion tissue donors. And with that comes it was a great hill to climb and it still is in some instances, but we have been able to break down some walls and some barriers.
And we are lucky to have a lot of people on board today. And with our EDI committee, we want to be more inclusive internally to reflect our community that we serve as well. A lot of hard work have done some great accomplishments and more to come, which is pretty neat. One of the things that we were talking about is myths and misconceptions when it ties to donation.
Things we all hear out in the community and how do you overcome that? What do you do? So that's something that you guys tackle, right? We tackle it every day out in the community.
You know, 20 years and we're still being asked, well, if I sign up to become an organ donor, they're going to kill me. They're not going to save my life. Or can I have an open casket? A lot of people still feel that, well, when I die, I'm going to take it all with me.
So it's our job to explain to everyone, no matter what community we're in, the process. The importance of not only signing up, but to talk to your family about it, because it's one person that the information is given to, but if you're a family, you're the next person that can, there's a no about organ tissue donation, we're at a loss. So it's an everyday battle, I would say battle because just when you think you've reached one milestone, there's another. And health and wellness.
Also we need to share with them why is it so important to take care of your health, know what your family's gone through, know what your medical history is all about, because that will determine what to do next. And we're finding more and more people that have diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and those diseases will place you on not only waiting list, but we have more and more people on dialysis. So I find that the best way to tackle this, let's talk about health. Then from talking about health, when you have someone saying to me, I want to take it with me, it's a spiritual connection there.
And that's why it's so important, yes, to get out in the community at some of the health fairs, at a deputy bench, but also the connection with the church, to make sure the leadership and the church understands the challenges that we have, and also recognize in their church, in their community, those individuals on dialysis, those individuals suffering from kidney disease, heart disease. And it's important to talk about that every day to connect with organ tissue and eye donation. And you know, Cheryl, you mentioned that the different ways that ones faith or spiritual connections may influence their perspective on donation, but I know when I first started at LOPA, one of the things that I found most interesting was the different ways that people's cultural backgrounds and lived experiences influenced their perspectives on donation, which, to me, fast forward a few years later, and now that we are being a lot more intentional with our EDI efforts, you know, to see it come full circle has really been impactful and powerful, and I think it's even all the more important, you know, that we take the time to educate our staff internally about different cultures, about different things that may influence a family's decision to donate or not to donate. And I think it's a piece of the conversation that's often left out when we're looking at the statistics or numbers or demographics.
We see the numbers for what they are, but we don't often dig deeper into the why, you know, to see that African Americans make up over 60% of the waitlist for kidneys or, you know, why? Why is that? Because of the health disparities that are known to plague our communities more than others, or if you look at, you know, those registered African Americans are at least likely to register well, why is that? And often it's because of the medical mistrust that go all the way back to, you know, Tuskegee.
No, exactly is right. They go all the way back to Tuskegee. And there are all these things that, you know, we see played out today that have historical context and references that we don't often think about or that people leave out of the conversation when they're talking about different people and cultures, perspectives on donation. I love watching all of you work because when you go out, like you talked about stats and we make and throw out stats all day, but watching you guys, you connect with these people and that's something that's a special gift, right?
Because we talk about health. We talk about tell me about your family background. Let's talk about this. It's hard conversations that probably you don't have with anybody else, which is pretty neat.
One of the things that we focused on here on the gift life is we had a representative from the Sloan group that we've been working with here at LOCA. So tell them, our listeners about the Sloan group, how we've been working with them. How do you think that's played into all these things that we were talking about here today? The Sloan group has been great.
Ronnie Sloan, his daughter, Diane Jackson, we've also worked with Jessica. They are a third party that came in to train and develop, help develop our EDI. One of the things that when we talk about the health disparities, when Sid broke it down, the bottom line comes to trust. That's not just in the community talking about health.
That's pretty much across the board. It is a cultural thing. The reason we're able to connect, a lot of people will look in the audience and will look for a face that looks familiar. Just to give you an example, if you've ever written a school bus and when the buses pass by each other, you notice the bus driver's wave at the other bus driver.
There's a connection there. Or you see guys on a motorcycle. They always give leeway to other guys. You don't recognize it.
Exactly. The people that have jeeps, they connect with each other. It's the same thing. If I tell you, if I tell you to look for a yellow car, that's all you're going to see today is a yellow car.
But if you never see one, then you don't even come to your mind. But when you see someone that looks like you make it to a certain level, it becomes manifest destiny is what it is. You actually see somebody that looks like you that has made it, or you see a heart recipient that looks like you and you realize that I am not determined to live on dialysis for the rest of my life because it can't happen. This person has a transplant.
I can get that weight too. I can survive too. Great points. I think one of the things that just screams out to me that you said is that representation matters, seeing someone that looks like you occupy spaces that you're in.
So two things come to mind. A, I don't think that we've quite mentioned a really important milestone that just took place here at LOPA is that you are in a new role and in a new position. I was wondering what you were talking about. We've got EDI, EDI, and we have it now.
We have an agreement EDI, but I think we can't go any further without noting that you are LOPA's new EDI officer. So can you tell us a little bit about that for a minute? Well, I kind of feel like I was already doing it. Right.
That's right. That's right. That's so natural. Thank you guys so much because we have a committee that started with strategic planning a long time ago and it really kind of morphed into being so much that we felt that we had so much to do and so much work that needed to be done that I couldn't keep straddling the fence.
I'm never going to get away from communications. No, you're not. No, I'm not. No, I'm not.
No, you're right. No way. You're so hard. You're so hard.
That is my heart. And that's what I love to do. Right. But I do recognize we do have some more work to do.
So with this particular position, I'll be able to work closer with the departments within LOPA, and to make sure that every department has some type of representation for the community that we serve and has training on how to deal with the different cultures that we have to communicate with. Let's do it all day. That's so exciting. It's needed for our community.
And you know, still speaking on representation, I know there's been another change that's occurred here at LOPA with us trying to intentionally diversify our philanthropic board and our governing board. And so with that in mind, we approached a really active long-term long-standing volunteer of ours to be a part of our governing board. And with the thought of that, we want to make sure that our governing board represents the communities that we serve and if our board doesn't look as diverse as the communities that we serve them, we're doing our communities a disservice. And so, Keenan Shields, a heart recipient and volunteer of ours is now a member of our governing board and we are so excited and proud to see it.
And he said, yes. So grateful for that. Grateful for Keenan. I'm so happy, Keenan.
Good morning. Good morning, everybody. Good morning. So Keenan is a very active volunteer, heart recipient.
He's now part of a LOPA governing board and he's part of Team Louisiana and he just brings it, right? Ladies? Yes. Like that spirit, positive attitude, just an all-around great human.
Tell us a little bit about your Tydodone Nation, Keenan. Thank you, first of all, for having me here. I thank God for all of the opportunities that I've had and that I'm having at this moment now. And my background would become in the recipient of a heart.
So, I did in 2006 right after Katrina. We didn't have heart attacks. A lot of things going on, work, pressure, stress, and I've always had a stress job. I always thought I was the pitcher of health prior to this play basketball place, we broke away for hours.
So, over a period of time, I had four attacks between 06 and December 23rd or 14 in which I was admitted to the hospital. And I would not be able to leave there until I received a heart transplant. And for 33 days, actually, I did receive that heart transplant, which gave me the second chance at life, which I'm planning to live to the fullest. And I am happy to be a part of this organization that is at the forefront here in Louisiana for all in the donation and transplantation.
I became fully involved in this. The general recruited me for the essence and I was fresh out from my transplant that July, which I had gotten in January, six months. And I became so passionate about telling people my story and what happened and how important it is to become an organ donor. Some people are fortunate enough to receive the information and know they don't know their family.
I haven't received that information, but I'm grateful for that to happen if not to understand. So I just love being a person to give and I started that actually in my job as law enforcement was 40 years now. I became a police and I would have shared the problem first, but everything was sitting around me giving back from where I come from, which was a long income family, one mother, household. I grew up in the design housing projects.
And I wanted to make sure that my people had an opportunity at proper policing because that's what I became. And I wanted to make sure anything that I was tied to able to do to help my people that I wanted to do. And I've been given an opportunity and it continues with, especially with being elected to the government board for MOPA. And I'm very excited about it.
And I mean, I can't wait to do more work. So I'm not thankful to everyone and this opportunity. Thank you so much, Keenan. This is Sharon Raymond.
And I had the awesome opportunity to work with you and your wife during essence. And I just wanted to say that, you know, we really appreciate everything that you do in giving back, not only being a hard recipient, but also an NOPD officer because we know you're not just representing a black man, but you're also blue. And you know about the disparities in our economics and how the city and the society as a whole has been going on these past few years, has been very difficult. And that's pretty much what kickstarted our EDI committee was with the murder of George Floyd.
And it's great to see that we now have representation on our board. And we also are committed to serving our communities as well as internally here at Lopa by our EDI committee. And I just want to give a shout out to our committee members. And we have been working very hard to bring about change within our organization as well as in our state.
And it includes myself, our chief administrative officer, Chrissy Hagen, Sid and Cheryl that are here with us today as well as Chandra Williams, Chavon Trehan and Chloe Washington. And just if you can just give us a highlight, when you're working with us at Essence, I know we are approached, we talk to people about being donors all the time. And we still get that pushback or negativity. Some people still are having problems.
They still believe in the myths and misconceptions. And what would you say to those people? I say to those people what I've been saying to them for a very long time. They have to educate them on what's going on.
But the thing is, and I don't know if you have enough time for me with this podcast. I'd love to hear your talk. When it comes to EDI, it's an every aspect of life for minorities. So first of all, they have to have trust in non-monoids.
They have to have trust. And they don't see that based on the history of all the things that took place. Even the things with George Floyd. And I can relate to that because I've been stopping my police.
I've been wrong with accused taking the jail, taking that because of my eyes glassy. I was arrested for speeding because I just woke up. But that was just because back in the days, I mean, I'm 18 years old. I'll be 16 years old.
So that affected me. So I know how the police were. Some of them, not all of them. Not all of them.
But this EDI thing needs to have been something a long time ago. But I'm happy that it is here now. And explaining the myths or the spelling of those myths to minorities. It's not going to be easy.
Trust me, it's not going to be easy. But they have to gain trust in us. And have their people that look like us tell them. And in order for them to believe it, and you're not going to get everybody.
And I can tell you this is going to be, this is not going to be an easy job. But let's do it. Keenan, Cheryl. Hey, Papa.
Let me tell you this, Keenan. You know, we speak today about Essence Festival. Do you remember we met months before that because there was a fundraiser. And also we had a program at your church.
And guess what? No, no, no. Essence is such a huge event for us with the help of volunteers. But I just wanted to remind you, I met you prior to that.
And I was just so impressed by your church and how they embrace you. And then at the fundraiser with NOPD, those officers, you could see the camaraderie amongst you guys. So meeting you then, I realized your support system and your family. I just fell in love with you guys.
And now that you're a full-time volunteer and on the board, I just want to say thank you. Because one thing I know about volunteers and recipients, you guys are always willing to give back. That's your heart. And of course, you have a special heart.
We know that. I want to say thank you so much for being part of our team and congratulations on being part of our executive board. Thank you. I really appreciate it.
And I do look forward to doing my best. And I don't want to leave my church out. Of course, that plays an important part. Yes, it does.
And those churches have to be committed as well. It's not a self-thing. It's a us-thing. It's a we-thing.
It's a people thing. And that's why I will always have you on board with me out in the community. You can sit on the big board, but you're going to be out in the community board. We like when you travel to all the areas, Keenan, all the areas.
But I do want to say, whenever he's out, no matter what it is, I got a chance to watch him at Transplant Games. He is a team leader. He is positive. He gets people working in the same direction.
All the time. So awesome. A little too competitive on the basketball court. But we always went like a great representative for Louisiana and for LOPA.
And what does he say? Does he have a little saying in the ladies, right? Yes. What is it?
Great that later. I love it. Keenan, you always inspire. You always lift us up.
And I always leave you with a smile. Thank you enough. My greatest supporter. And I've been blessed for many years to have my wife, Beverly.
And my wife is the backbone of all this, me. So I could not do this without a home. I just thank God for my wife and my family and all my friends. And I can't think of nobody that don't like or care to me.
Because I love everybody. You do. And it's always great to leave. Always.
Oh, man. I think the wife. I love it. I love it.
And we're going to make sure she hears that. Thanks for your time. Thanks for saying yes to being on our governing board. Thank you.
Thank you. You know, we're so grateful to have Keenan on board, not only as a board member, but someone going into that position that understands our community. You know, being a police officer, he's covered the majority parts of the parishes and also being a recipient. And I feel as an African-American male, stepping up saying, you know, I have this problem.
I need a transplant and seeing the support from his family and his co-workers and the community, it just added to what we're trying to get out to our community and the public. It's that, you know, seek medical advice. Take care of yourself. And when that time comes, let's talk about it.
Let's give them something to talk about. Let's dispel all those myths and misconceptions about organ donation and transplantation. It's so important to remove the fear. And that's why I focus so much on the church because when in need, everyone needs a prayer.
In the hospital, you want to see your pastor. In the community, you want to hang on to those leaders and have the support of your community and your family. So it's just so important that we continue to reach out to the public, reach out to those communities that we haven't had a chance to step into, especially since Katrina. So many people have just gotten back from Hurricane Ida.
So it's a challenge, but as always, Lopa, we're, we move on those challenges. And I'm just so grateful to be here to continue the work that's needed in our community. We serve so many different communities and so many different cultures. It's just so important that we work together and our department and this new EDI group.
And thank you, Sharon, for taking that on because we need leadership that's going to move us forward. I'm learning. We're all listening. It's so amazing and more changes to come.
And more changes to come. Lopa is not just progressing in a boardroom. When we talk to talk, we're also going to have to walk the walk. And this year is the first time ever we are given a paid holiday for Juneteenth.
And we will be celebrating Juneteenth at home, not at work on Monday, June, June, June, June, June, June, June, June. It'll probably be on the community soon. It'll probably be on the community soon. No.
No, no, no, no. Not this time. Last year we know that President Biden for the first time made it a federal holiday. So he did so after he was a, it was already after June.
We get our holidays in November, December for the upcoming year. So this year we will celebrate it. we will just acknowledge the fact that Lopit is walking the walk. And so I'll be honest here.
While yes, we're getting the day as a paid holiday, I think it's really important that our Lopit team, Lopit family, and our audience know why we're getting the day off. You know, we get the day off as a paid holiday, but why? What is the day? And so I did think that it was important for us just to take a brief moment for those listening who don't know the history of Juneteenth or aren't as familiar with that I know it.
Last year, I got a lot of media attention after it was declared a federal holiday. But what is Juneteenth? On June 19, 1865, actually about two months after the Confederate General, Robert E. Lee, surrendered in Virginia, a union general by the name of Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African-Americans of their freedom, and that the Civil War had indeed ended.
General Granger's announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had actually been issued more than two and a half years earlier. On January 1, yes, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. So while the Emancipation Proclamation legally freed the slaves, enslaved African-Americans in the South didn't get news of that until two years later on June 19. And so the holiday gets its name from the dates.
And then you may sometimes hear it referred to as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, but for the African American community, Juneteenth is our fourth of July. It is the day that we got our freedom. And so it is largely celebrated and holds lots of significance within our community and is celebrated in different ways. So I did want to take a minute and ask you guys, since we get the holiday this year to observe it, and celebrate it, are you going to be celebrating in any unique ways?
I know across the country, and even historically, there have been parades. And in Galveston, there's Emancipation Park, which was a space in Tennessee to hold the city's annual Juneteenth celebration. So I did want to ask, are you doing anything cool? Do your families do anything cool to celebrate?
No, not really. What's the day itself? It's Saturday. It's going to be the June 19.
June 19. It's June 19. The other day, June 19. I know they have the weekend.
It's kind of like what we use the whole weekend. And I know it should be a day of reflection, but mostly it's just with families. I know if you have noticed that a lot of African-American families have their family reunion. That's the day of the family reunion.
And it's really, if most people just think, oh, well, that's the day we have family reunion. Well, it's the reason for that. And it's to celebrate, to be thankful, that we are free and have these opportunities that our children possibly didn't have before. Our ancestors didn't have everything that I do now.
And so my kids can have a better like than I had. And I was born in 1970. So I mean, still, I wanted to be easier than that. Well, I was watching you talk.
You mentioned your kids. That's what I was thinking about. Do they know? Does your grandson know that you guys are part of this movement, that you're part of this positive change for us all?
Do you have that conversation? Oh, yes. Yes. You know, one thing about the young, as they would say, they now know about Juneteenth, but now is our time to educate them.
Oh, we have this day off. So now we're sharing why we're having this day off. What happened? What caused this to happen?
So this should be a part of our history lesson. But you may not see that in school. So it's our job to educate them. It's our job to be in the forefront.
In April, we celebrate National Dontan Awareness Month. In June, it's a family reunion personally for me. But I get a chance to set up a table for organ teachers. You and I donation.
See, I knew she would. I knew she would. I knew she would. I knew she would.
You know, when I got the letter and they said, well, we can't do it because of COVID at the hotel, let's have a family reunion in New Orleans. I said, that's a great idea. And I'll be glad to set up a table about organ teachers in our donation because, you know, in our family, we have people with high blood pressure, people with diabetes. And I'm not afraid to talk about it.
Are you? No way. This is an opportunity for people to volunteer. Yeah.
Yes. This is an opportunity to let everyone know, hey, cousin, you're taking the same pills I do, don't you? You know, we need to open up like that. And it makes it easy, not only for us, but look out kids.
You know, I think about my family. I tell my son and my daughter, have you had to check up this year? Because you know, I got it. You may have it.
And it's something, you know, back in the day I was born in 1957. So my grandmother did not tell me why I would catch her in the corner in the bathroom with a needle up her side. I didn't know. So had I known that, I would avoid those pound cakes every time the pies every week, you know?
So it's one way that we continue to educate the family and community. And if you don't adhere to this policy, there's another policy. It's called a waiting list. So Juneteenth is to be celebrated.
I am so happy to be off, but just like any other holiday, we work. There's a mission to accomplish. It's part of who you are. It's just, I thought I want to go with it.
You don't even get table like you're going to be saying it. Anyway, but you're right, since we were born so much has changed information wise, how is your information technology? Science, so many advancements. And this is just part of that forward movement.
So I do believe you guys will be back on the Get to Life podcast. Yes, of course. You guys have more stuff to get done. We are still working with this long group.
They are training us and we have some virtual training. They will be rolling out. So we'll get ready and community get ready because we are still kicking. We are all right.
We are all right. We are all right. Ladies, it has been a pleasure. Cheryl, Sid, Sharon, thank you.
It's a pleasure, Hori. It's a pleasure, Hori. Thanks for the work. Great hostess of the mostest.
Mordecom here on The Get to Life. Today on our mental health moment, we are talking about stress, how to deal with stress. Right, Tara? Yes, we are.
That's a new voice here on The Get to Life podcast, Tara Alexander. We love her here at Loba, but tell our listeners a little bit about your background. What you do? Oh, thank you, Laurie.
She mentioned to my name is Tara. I am a licensed professional counselor. And I have a few certifications, but what I like to focus on that helps me here with Loba and our amazing coworkers is I am certified to do telemental health and anxiety counseling. A lot of us have taken advantage.
We like to talk to you. I love it at conversation and just working through it. So we all love that. And today, our focus is on stress and changing the perception you said.
It is. So tell us about that. Yes. Well, changing our perception can help us a lot when we become stressed.
I got to take notes on them. You might be a bad girl. Well, first let's define perception. Yeah.
Right. So perception is how we interpret things. But no two people have the exact same perception of the world. So you and I see things completely different.
Different seats at the table. That's what I say. Yeah. And our perceptions are created throughout our lives based on what we experience, which is why no two people have the same, because we don't all experience the same.
And it's also created by how we process those experiences with our thoughts and feelings. Some examples that come to mind right now when I'm thinking about it is being afraid of heights. That's me. Check.
Is it? OK. So tell me, Lori, how does your body react whenever you do get to a high floor somewhere? OK, so like the hair on the back of my neck, shortness of breath.
And I feel like when you're on those rides, or you're in a high rise building, like I stand back. Like I don't go towards the glass because I'm my fault, right? Yes. I'm always back and guarded.
Right. Yeah. Well, you know how I mentioned that we all have different perceptions? So if it was the height that actually caused the hair on the back of your neck to rise for you to get nervous, maybe shake or even sweat, then I would also do that whenever I got to a high height.
But I don't because it's our perception and how we're thinking about it. So you're pretty cool, right? Well, it fires with you. I mean, as long as I'm not stuck upside down, I think I'm OK.
You're good. OK. Because then it's a little hard to change my perception on that. So knowing everybody has a different perception helps in knowing why people respond differently in different situations.
But we have to remember that no perception is wrong. So just because I see heights different than you, does not mean I'm right, does not mean you're wrong. No perception is wrong. It's just different than ours.
The more open our mind is to other people's perceptions, the more likely we're going to become calm, less stress, less anxious. And what do I mean by that? Well, if you see me completely calm about to go on that ride with you, then you might start thinking, what is wrong with me? Why am I getting so nervous?
But knowing that we all have different perceptions can help you become less anxious and just know, OK, she sees this differently than me. So why is that perception so important? Well, perceptions shape a person's outlook on our life. And our perceptions are meant to keep a safe and stable.
I mean, literally, our brain was created to do whatever it is to make it stay safe. Sometimes those perceptions can actually be causing a stress. Yeah. No, I can see that.
I'm thinking about, like, if we have a busy work week and I have all kids in different places, and I get short, I get loud, right? Because I just wanted to go right. And I was like, that's probably a better way. I like to show my kids, like, be cool, mom.
Well, do our kids everything were cool? Yes. No, no, you're not. So we need to be open to changing our perception.
And it starts with our actions, behaviors, our thoughts, our words. So guess what, Laurie? I do have some tips for everyone else. So the first tip I have is modify the meaning you attach to the stress.
Some of the repeat that we've got here. Modify the meaning you are attaching to your stress. When we believe that we won't be able to cope with a situation, our fear then leads to stressful reactions to stress. The way to change this reaction is to think of a past experience that you've had.
And you've overcome it. Or even someone you know that there is similar situation and they were able to overcome it. And this is going to help you build that self-efficacy and give you hope that you can do the same. So know that it's possible.
Yeah, after every stressful episode, I'm like, all right, let's rethink this. I could have just taken a deep breath or calmed down a little bit. So I'm always working on it. It's hard.
It's hard to change what you've been doing. It really is. And speaking of work, whenever we go on vacation and think, that's where I have to use it really is. Because it's just a relocation of when you're taking care of kids, especially.
But we think, OK, I don't check my email. Stuff is not going to get done. But I'm on vacation, but I need to check my email. So you choose not to check your email.
And guess what? The world still function. Everything was OK. Yeah.
You're thinking back to those moments. It's OK. It's going to be OK. And another tip is appreciating the larger perspective.
Reflect on why a particular situation is stressful for you. Why is that situation important to you? If something that's not important to us, most likely we're not going to really stress about it. I mean, taking a pie, it's your life is important to you.
Right? Yeah, so you will become stressed. Think of worrying as a signal that that situation is very meaningful to you. Something worth addressing wholeheartedly.
Not like that. Yeah. Yeah, because then you can start to help you change that perspective. Why is this so important to me?
So I want to share a quick example with you guys. Many years ago, I had a client, a counseling client. And when we were talking, she started telling me about how every time she changes her light bulb in her house, she cries. Oh.
Well, what I didn't share with you at first was that her husband passed away. So as we continue to talk, turns out her husband changed the light bulbs. So since her husband changed the light bulbs, every time she changed the light bulbs, she thought of him, which was signed to it. Exactly.
So we were looking at the larger perspective on that. I like that. It'll take some talking through with a buddy or a friend or something to get to that. I like that.
But that's what I'm here for. And I love to talk. And I'm glad you actually said that, because the last tip that I have is utilize your outer resources and build your inner resources. So recognizing that the ability to cope starts with practicing self-compassion.
Like what would you say to your friend if they were feeling that way? We are blessed to have a great support system, great tips, great topic. Maybe you have a topic you'd like us to cover here at the Gifted Life, just email us info at thegiftedlife.org. In our question and answer segment today, if I register through the LA Wallet app, which we love, does that put me as registered on my driver's license?
Yes, it does. Technically, the LA Wallet is your driver's license. So you register there, and you are registered as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Now for those looking for some type of physical change on their license, you won't see it while you may register on the app.
You won't see that heart on your license, but you are indeed registered. I just love LA Wallet. And the most important thing, when you do that, please discuss it with your family. LA Wallet, the best.
We love it. It's the legal, digital license for Louisiana. We're leading the effort when it comes to that technology. They accepted us, took us under their wing, and pushed that out through LA Wallet, and more to come from that.
So we like that. Great question. Maybe you have a question for us here on the Gifted Life. Give us a call, 504-648-3477.
On every episode of the Gifted Life, we honor a hero. Our hero today is Jaden Ramirez. Today we learn about Jaden from his family. Jaden was loved by everyone he ever met.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved to get with friends and ride his four-wheeler. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He was taken from us too soon, but he wanted to give the gifts of life to others.
It was his decision to become an organ donor. He was a son, brother, grandson, a great-grandson, and a friend to many. And now we pause and say thank you to Jaden for the gift of life. And that is gonna do it for episode 189 of The Gifted Life.
Thank you so much for having us today and allowing us to talk about EDI. And we appreciate LOPA so much for allowing us to continue with this process and incorporating EDI in everyday life here at LOPA. Thanks for the hard work. And thanks for the visit.
It's always fun when we have these guest hosts. You guys did a great job. Thanks for listening to all of you at home. Remember, you can register as an organ tissue and I donor anytime at registerme.org.
And remember, the best place to find us is at our website to giftitlife.org. Listen there and find links to listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, our heart radio, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you listen on Apple Podcasts, please leave us a five star rating. It really helps others find our podcast.
On social, like our page on Facebook, the Gifted Life Podcasts, and follow us on both Twitter and Instagram at GiftedLifePod. Cheryl, Sid, Sharon, thank you. Thank you. Have a good time.
Awesome time, always. Enjoyed you. Enjoyed the show. You're gonna be back on the Gifted Life.
Only if you have us. Oh, me. Open invitation. You guys work well together.
I love it. Thanks to all of you for listening. It's the Gifted Life. Our ask is that you go out and do something you wouldn't normally do to help us make life happen.
Have a good one. This is a production of the Louisiana Oregon Procurement Agency, or LOPA. The Gifted Life is hosted by Lori Steele and Joey Boudreau. Our executive producer is Kirsten Heis, producer.
Ischilong Caraway. Intern is Rebecca Rana, and we are recorded, engineered and mixed in our Covington, Louisiana Studio by Troy Perez.