Hello, and welcome to the Get to Life podcast, where we have conversations about Oregon, Tissue, and I, Donation, and Lori Steele. I'm Joey Boudrum. I'm Sally Gentry, and we, the three of us, the trio, love new, creative ideas in order to make life happen, right? In one state, bells are helping to save more life.
Did you say bells? Southern bells? Maybe. Huh?
What? That's all coming up right here. On the Gifted Life, and guess what? We have another story.
Gentlemen, working with us as a partner. He's been helping us for the last 20 years. And then he needed to transplant. Wow, right?
Lows the mind. So we're going to tell you more about his story, and hey you guys, it's national DMV appreciation week this week. So we are saluting those team members across the country. The DMV partnership is the primary source of donor registration.
So it is very important, and we are here to teach you more about it. That's all coming up right here on this episode of the Gifted Life, and you know what? You, you, listen right there. We need your help.
If you help to share the podcast, more people learn about Oregonian Tissue donation. So we really need your help. We try to make it as easy as possible. It's easy.
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A lot of what we talk about here on the podcast, you can find there on those pages and you can also give us a call and that number is 504648347. Doesn't matter where you are, doesn't matter what time of the day it is, it works like a voicemail. Call in and tell us your story. We love the interaction.
Our goal here is to inspire healthy conversations about Oregon, I and Tissue donation. So join our team today. You guys ready? I'm excited.
Let's get going. All right guys here on the gift of life. We like to bring new ideas, we like to bring creative ideas to the table because this is all about learning and starting those healthy conversations about Oregon, I and Tissue donation. And this is a fun project.
We want to introduce you to the people who are behind this initiative to save more lives and this is happening in South Carolina. So Joey, Sally and our gifted live podcast listeners, I want to introduce you to Ms. Tracy Moore of donate life, South Carolina. Hey, Ms.
Tracy and Colonel Kevin Schwaido, director of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Hi, sir. Good afternoon. Yeah, God has covered Colonel.
We liked that. And first off, we here at the gifted life would like to say congratulations because you guys and your initiative received an award, the pinnacle, it's the highest level national award given to donate life, South Carolina and the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles for what you guys are doing to spread awareness about Oregon and Tissue donation. So congratulations. We know those are tough to get.
Thank you. All right. So tell us how you guys work together. Apparently you're a pretty good partner, right?
So tell us how this team came to be. Well, same on this and Colonel. Cheers. And I really initially until I went down and watched it happen.
And so basically the concept is if somebody walks into the DMV and agrees to be a donate life participant, they'll ask them to ring a bell. It causes a chain reaction. My employees will all clap and then instantaneously every customer at every counter will in fact ask the question, why are they clapping? And inevitably we'll get one, two, three or more bells.
As much as I hate gimmicks, what it provides us in the grand scheme of things is an opportunity to expand the number of donate life participants. And in the grand scheme of things, the DMV is not responsible for saving a lot of lives, but with donate life as a partner we are. And we've got to do what we can to increase the donation rate. So in the last about three years ago, even before this, we made a commitment to double the participation rate in the DMV's in five years.
And as of right now, we're still on track to go ahead and achieve that goal. Wow, that is incredible. So I'm sitting here and I'm thinking, were you in there when the first bell rang, when you're first trying this out and everybody kind of look at each other like, what's happening? Or how did that unfold?
If I were in there with their hands. There you go. When they clapped and every customer said, geez, what's that all about? It's about participating in the donate life program.
But what does that mean to me? They lay it on out and we get two or three more. So we're able to significantly increase the dissipation rate. In spite of it's through the way thing that I hate most, which is gimmicks.
Yeah, I can tell you from my own personal experience, when I hear things like that, a thing and I'll ask the question and you kind of feel like you've got to buy in, it encourages at least a brief conversation more than the simple ask that often takes place in the OMB. So I can see how that can increase your rates. Did you guys actually get a chance to capture the impact that it created? Yeah, for teen and ran a test through 2015, excuse me, June of 2015 through December 2015.
And what we saw right away with a 22% increase in the designation rate, which was phenomenal. It just flew. So we have our public here, the DMV, we are very blessed that they get a chance to make a monetary contribution too. So if they do that, they can also ring the bell for that.
And the numbers of our public monetary contributions in the DMV just increased substantially as well. So I cannot thank our DMV. They work with us on all sorts of funny events, our blue-green days. Anything that we have that come up, they're always game to help and they really are fantastic and enthusiastic group of people to work with.
What's really impressive about this thing is that when the bells ring, it's very interesting to look at conversations between mothers and sons, between husbands and wives, but truly the generational discussions. You know, in a ducky, there's no real friend to which one, if you will, is a little more ignorant, but that made a significant impact on the increase in participation. So what sort of feedback do you get from the workers there in the OMB? You've got birds and you've got extroverts.
And so there are some to that DMV during a blue-green to an action. There are more pretends to go ahead and override that. Right. So I'm trying to envision this, this bell.
So is it like the bells that the Christmas workers usually do? Or is it one that's on the desk? Is it colorful? Like how do we stop the stock?
I can ring it right now. Let's do it. Okay. Here we go.
So they're at each cubicle for the OMB workers and they're colorful. You guys have it set up like this is what this is for. Sometimes it's somebody saying, why is that bell on the counter? And that works too.
We know that ringing a bell and clapping all the time in an office can be nerve-wracking. Let's face it all day long. It really works. Yeah.
Yeah. And so I'm going to say that, you know, after a while, you know, start to wear on you, but they're happy to do it. They continue to do it. And I have people tell me all the time, hey, I went into DMV in such and such town and they were ringing bells.
And I saw, you know, all your boards and your posters. And it's wonderful when I hear, you know, the stories. And or even hear that some of the customers are rallying people in the way the customers are sitting late to get up there and ring the bell at your turn. That's a good thing.
So that just creates a fun festive atmosphere in the DMV office. Making work fun. I like it. And just kind of extrapolate that out.
If it would be mimicked and have a similar type of effect as what you guys have, you mentioned the 22% increase in the donation rates. When you consider there are roughly 30,000 or so organs that are transplanted lives that are saved through our organization, you're looking at thousands of people in addition to that, that would get that second chance if you'd be able to see the similar rates everywhere else. It's so amazing when I hear such innovative and it sounds like a somewhat of a basic idea, but the impact that that one idea could potentially have, you know, not only in South Carolina, but you know, the entire country. I can, I would love to see that, you know, maybe mimicked and followed through in other states.
And without that, all the bell campaigns in the world aren't going to do anything. And so being blocked is going to be that representation with each state between the donate life and the DMV. And the reason is so obviously simple in South Carolina is I actually have a legislative mandate to have a donate life presence in the DMV. And so it's actually a part of my core mission.
And so I'm able to jump on it without fear of being, you know, hit up by people that, you know, are uncomfortable with the concept in other states, you know, and I've talked to several states specifically to where they don't have the same relationship and they can't get their foot in the door and they're going to have problems until somebody from the legislature has the intestinal fortitude to make it a core mission for that organization. All right, guys, who's going to tell the colonel, no one. All right. Hey, Colonel, your bless, your Louisiana has some wonderful partners as well.
Let me know that it takes a lot on your part, takes a lot on Tracy's part. But when those partners come together and work on that same goal, it's so amazing. So I assume this bells for life is well projected, something that you guys will continue, correct? That's correct.
And I do that we can take from there and move on and we'll do that. But another Vince Lombardi expression, you show me a good list and I'll show you a loser. So we're going to do things until we make sure that we are continuing to add to that number, you know, in a perfect world, you want to see everybody as an active participant. But right now the focus is on incrementalism to initially double the rate and we'll take a look at a more reasonable goal once we've achieved that rate.
Well, we salute you guys. South Carolina, thank you for what you do to help us save more lives. If you want more information on what they do in Bells for Life, donate life SC.org. As you heard from Colonel and Tracy, partnerships are key.
And here in Louisiana, we also find that to be true. We want to introduce you now to a Louisiana OMB team member. Lori Steele here with the gifted live on location in the lovely Gonzales at the office of motor vehicles visiting with Mr. Ronnie Dugal.
How are you? Good. How are you? I hear you've been working here for 20 years, sir.
Yes, ma'am. 20 years and March. Yeah. And so for 20 years, we've been trying to save lives together, basically, right?
Yeah. So tell us what you do here at the office of motor vehicles. I row from office to office whenever it's my sake or their out of vacation. I'm kind of feeling it.
It's on the person you see when you walk in and some hands on with the customer. I also do this behind the scenes stuff like audits and paperwork and I do deliveries and you know, a little bit of everything. But you know, on the person you see when you walk in. A jack of all trades, we like that.
And what I also like is that you understand donation and you try to help folks through the process if they're unsure because you guys ask what do you want to be? An organ donor. An organ donor. An organ donor.
Right. And you know specifically how important that is. Oh, I missed a Ronnie. And I had one in two times in the end.
I've always believed in it. But you know, now I've got a testimony to tell people I was a recipient. Yeah. And so for you, in order for you to have that transplant, tell us some of the troubles that were leading up to that transplant.
I had something called carrot conus, which I was basically on the cornea, which I was shaped like a flip-off instead of like a regular. But cornea was kind of stretched. So I tried different options. I tried something called piggyback to where I put a soft contact on my heart contact.
Because basically my contact was rubbing the biggest my eye. It was causing ulcers. Was very, wasn't painful, but it was irritating. You know, I had to get up and put drops in my eye every hour, you know, when I had them.
So I kind of irritated. And one day my contact wouldn't fit in. It just kept popping out. So I went to see the doctor and the contact lady and she's like, he needs to the doctor.
And it was called high drop. So my cornea basically tore. So basically it was, it was no longer good. So I needed the transplant.
It was definitely a thing. Yeah, you needed the transplant. And so quality of life, like could you see, was it, you know, we always talk about improving the quality of life through transplant when it comes to cornea donation and that's, is that what happened? I was able to see, it was kind of irritating to have ulcers all the time.
I felt like I would go to my eye. The fact that what, you know, it kept doing that. And I also just came to be good. So, and I definitely see a lot better.
I know why I wouldn't even wear a white glasses at all. And I'm even a functional glasses, you know, for the first time in a while, about three years ago. I guess I know what happened, but at first I couldn't wear them. I mean, he said, well, maybe eventually, well, one day when he did my eyes, I am, it was working.
So now I could wear a license, you know, my contact breaks or I lose it or just the rest of my eyes, you know, I put my glasses on, so. Sounds like normal. Yeah. Problem.
And there's no slowing you down because that's why you be bobbing around here, right? Yes, ma'am. Normally. Not at all.
Yep. So let's talk about that. So you have the transplant style. You had two donors.
The donor families you shared, right? Not yet. That's something I always want to do. Just keep procrastinating.
And I found out today, I'm, you know, I can't know what to call now. Yeah. Us, our partners. We are partners, Ronnie.
And we know that you've been thinking about it. It's hard to write that letter and what do you say. And we understand that. But we love that you were here and people come and you have to ask me, you want to be an organ donor and you have the experience to help them through with that question.
So which I'm sure people come and they have questions and hesitations, right? Yes, ma'am. They always say I'm too old or I got X, Y, and Z or whatever. And I always say, well, you know, it could be somebody who will take a decision.
They could reciprocate. You know, if you need an organ, it's better to have what you got, then you know, you're living with it. It's better to have more of what you got, then not have one at all. Yeah.
So we're always telling them. And most of them, am I okay? That makes sense. So helping us increase the registering.
You know, most people sign up at the office and motor vehicles. Tell us what it's like for you guys because we know that you have to get through a lot. You have lots of questions. You have lots of transactions.
So when you get to that question, you probably put some emphasis when it comes to donation, right? Yeah, I try to. And we, and local always sends brochures out and stuff. You know, they got any questions or, you know, I can always give them that and give the website to find out, you know, more about it.
Yeah. And so if some were to come up to you today and say, hey, I'm not so sure about donation, I'll just put it off. You would say what? What's your goal?
I definitely try to stress it and try to say I'm important to this. I mean, a lot of you can save and say you saved nine lives, but I also emphasize the quality of life. Like, like the quantity, they say my life, but it makes a lot better. Yeah.
And prove that quality of life. So there's tissues in Oregon, there's not just saving life. And they always, and also they say, you might not save me. I say, well, hey, how do you know if something happens?
If you're an accident, chances are you can't be one because you have to be brain day. You have to be, you know, they want, you know, if you're Oregon is not working anywhere anymore. So I try to emphasize that they might not save me is what they always say. Yeah.
Number one name, Miss. So we try to debunk those myths. So we glad that you're glad that you're helping us on that side. And obviously, you know, a lot about donation because you've lived it.
Yes, ma'am. All right. I'm liking this shirt. I saw some of your coworkers too, but the big red heart, which is what we stress, please get that on your license and you're proudly sporting that.
Just get your heart on one donate life, leave a legacy. You believe that? Yes ma'am. Yes ma'am.
And thank you. Thank you. As we do in every episode of the gift of life podcast, we like to honor a hero. This episode's hero is Andrew Kennedy.
And we learned about Andrew from his family. He was the embodiment of the saying laugh, live, love. He was as country as a turnip green and like to make folks think he wasn't really smart, but he was blessed with a genius IQ. Everyone knew if he was around you, you were going to have fun and there was going to be laughter.
He was funny without even trying to be and I could never stay angry at him because he would always make you laugh. He lived life to the fullest, always active, always tearing something up, whether it was a truck or a muthole. He had many friends and not a day goes by that someone doesn't mention him in our community. He was very much loved and he loved.
He loved his family, his friends and God. I know he sits at the right hand of thought. And now we pause to say thank you to Andrew for the gift of life. In our question and answer segment, this is one that we get all the time.
What is life like after transplant? Laura, of course I have not personally had a transplant, but we do know many who have had transplants. And one of those persons is Wendy. She called into her hotline and she's going to let us know how she's thriving at this time.
All right, let's take a listen. I'm Mary, Joey and Sally. This is Wendy Litzby and it's a great day. I just wanted to say thank you for all you do for us with this local podcast, the gift of life.
I am a liver and kidney recipient 2015, received the best gift of life. I'm alive and well today. I am taking tap and jazz glasses. I've got a new job.
I do my volunteer work for Loba and life is starting over for me. There is life after transplant and I am grateful and I'm so happy to be alive today. My only son has gone off to college, the college of his choice in Charleston, South Carolina and he is thriving as well. Who would have thought two years ago I would be alive to see my son live out his dream and now I'm living out my dream doing all of the things and like that.
I never thought I would get the chance to do thanks to organ donation and thank y'all for this podcast to keep life going on. Keep on keeping on. Thanks everybody. Have a great day.
So much passion. Did you hear that? Oh, yeah. Inspiring.
I love it. Thanks, Wendy for calling in. If you have a question for us info at Loba.org or you can do like Wendy and use that hotline. We love it.
Oh, yes, we do. That number is 504834-647. We'd love to hear from you and we'd love to share your story. Always love learning new things.
That's what we try to bring to you here on the gifted life. Special thanks to Colonel Kevin Schuetto and Tracey Moore and for their partnership that they've developed in saving so many lives and another shout out and thanks to the rest of South Carolina DMV team members for showing that passion toward donation and increasing that registry by 22%. Yeah, proving that it works. If we all work towards that common goal, which is amazing and a special thanks to Ronnie Dugan and to our Louisiana DMV team members and to all DMV and DMV team members across the country for what you do each and every day to help us make life happen.
We inspire you. You want to sign up to be an organ, I and tissue donor. You can do that through your OMB or DMV where you are or register me.org. It's just that simple and we hope that you go out and do something that you don't normally do to help us make life happen today.
It can be done. This is a production of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency or Loba. The gifted life is hosted by Lori Steele, Joey Boudreau and Sally Gentry. Our producers are Kirsten Hines and Jelon Caraway.
We are recorded, engineered and mixed in our Metere, Louisiana studio by Troy Perez.