Ep.197 The Gift of a Kidney: One Woman’s Journey Through Grief, Service, and Second Chances

On this week’s episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele sits down with Cristina Fontana, registered nurse, health coach, living kidney donor, and author of Metamorphosis: The Gift of a Life Lived Twice.Cristina’s journey began with profound loss. When she was just nine years old, her father was diagnosed with kidney cancer—a moment that quietly planted the seed for a future she never imagined. Years later, after building a career in healthcare and raising a family, Cristina made the extraordinary decision to donate one of her kidneys to a complete stranger.In this powerful conversation, Cristina shares the deeply personal story behind that decision, what the donation process actually looks like, and how meeting the young man who received her kidney became one of the most meaningful moments of her life.But this episode goes far beyond organ donation.Cristina also opens up about navigating grief after losing her father at a young age, how loss shaped her perspective on time and purpose, and why she believes we all have the ability to transform hardship into something meaningful.Today, she continues that mission through her work as a health coach, author, and advocate for living kidney donation—while also climbing mountains around the world with other kidney donors to raise awareness and inspire others.This conversation is about resilience, service, and the powerful reminder that even the most difficult chapters of our lives can lead to extraordinary impact.Where to find Cristina Fontana and her book Metamorphosis:https://cristinafontanawellness.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criselba.wellness/Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sfociU_________________________________________If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies.https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fqLike to connect? Email me at [email protected] Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.