Hello and welcome to the gifted life podcast where we have conversations about work in tissue and I donation. I'm Lori Steel. Hi, I'm Sally Gentry. Hey, Sal, and I'm Kirsten Heisler.
This is different. Joey's usually here. Here's a talk to me. What do we owe this leisure?
I had so much fun at the transplant games. I wanted in. Yeah, transplant games, Salt Lake City, Utah. So many people coming together for a common cause.
I mean, you can't go wrong with that, right? Now, were you in the luggage? Oh, no, unfortunately, I was not. I had to hold down the fort.
Oh, yeah. I'm not sure. Well, that's right. I sure wish I could have, but oh, well.
Yeah, he sent us there. We got some great stuff. We talked to some wonderful friends from across the country. The great thing is no matter if we speak the same language or not, the feeling about donation and the power of donation on the heroes, it echoes just across the world, which is pretty amazing.
So we're going to bring you those stories here on the gifted life, which is pretty neat. So you're going to be a part of that. So hold on to your hats. We want you to share this with your friends too, guys, because some pretty incredible stories come in your way.
You can find us on Apple Podcast, Google Play, your favorite podcast app, or thegiftedlife.org. Yeah, we're pretty active on social media, guys. Facebook, we're Donate Life, Louisiana, Twitter, and Instagram at DonateLifeLA. A lot of what you hear here on the gifted life will be there.
On the gifted life will be there on the social media page. And don't forget. Don't forget. Yes, you can always give us a call.
504, 648, 3477. We might even play your message, but we really want to hear from you. Yeah, I love that. Thinking about Transplant Games, we met in the past team, Australia, right?
And I love them, but they thought I had an accent. Do you hear it now? I'm trying to look on it. I'm working on it.
But those are on friends. So now we have a presence in Australia on the gifted life downloads, which is pretty cool because we met these friends. Now I don't know if they can understand us or not, because they can understand me. Really?
I thought maybe they'd have a hard time understanding Joey, right? I'm not throwing him under the bus there. But more from Transplant Games 2018, which is pretty cool here on the gifted life. The Donate Life Transplant Games of America 2018.
I love the games, guys. Yes, this is an incredible event. It happens every other year, and it's comprised of athletes that all have one thing in common. They've received the gift of life either through an organ transplant, tissue transplant, cornea, or even bone marrow.
And not only do these recipients get to showcase their athletic talents, we always honor the donor and make sure that those gifts are not forgotten. I love these families. I love these stories. Salt Lake City, Utah 2018.
Let's take you there. This is Kirsten Heinz with the Get to Life podcast, and I'm here with two new team members, the team of Louisiana, Mary and Dusty. I'm was a recipient in 2012 of a kidney. Very blessed to be here, and it's been the most inspirational moving if you have ever been to.
That's great. I'm glad y'all are having such a good time. How about you, Dusty? My first time also.
I attempted to come in 2014, but was not able to make it. In 2016, I mean, excuse me, 2018, I was lucky enough to come. I would do it over my sister. It's the most emotional and life-giving of any event I've ever been to.
In all made possible because a family was willing to become a donor. So, brother and sister, both received. Did y'all receive the same organ? Yes, kidneys.
Sorry if I missed that. Okay. So, have y'all, I guess that's kind of cool. You've been able to have somebody that really understands what you've been through.
Exactly. It's really interesting because Dusty is 13 and a half months older than I, but I received my kidney. First, just like everything else in life we did, including our careers, our first dogs, everything. So, he may be older, but I got it first.
She's not pacing you, man. You're gonna have to catch up. No, I'm not worried about that at all. I received mine in 2014, and the most, it's the most unbelievable story.
I mean, I can at least account for four miracles out of this. And the first miracle is being able to get this family because of the death that donated the organ back together again. They had not spoken in a year and a half. So, it was a healing process and though I feel wonderful, you can't help but feel hurt for the family.
So, you know, you reach out and try to do everything you physically can and then you find out it's not enough. So, you were able to get your donor's family back together? Yeah, it was kind of a weird situation. The family was sort of split because there was a lot of guilt in the family because of the way he had passed.
So, I became close friends with the sister and I told her I would name my best bread horse after the donor. And this horse was bred to a horse called Fusasi Pegas at one in Kentucky, Derby. And it was the first time in a year and a half when they all came to watch the horse run. A year and a half.
So, I got to meet the wife and the son. And, you know, I want them to know that I'm there for them. They've been there for me all this time. That's incredible.
I haven't heard a story quite like yours out here. And to have brother and sister, you want to hear something really weird? I was a horse ran yesterday and ran second and I came in second and got home. There's some sort of divine intervention there.
It sounds like it. It is no doubt about it. It definitely is. So, you know, my goal continues.
I'm going to try to get the donor family to come in 2020 so they can interact with other people to see how we tried to get her to come this time but she wouldn't let us pay. So, I said, okay, 2020, you're coming if I have to drag you. We'll work on raising money so we can get everybody here. So, what's your donor's name?
I know you had a shirt on. I'm a floral bershiron. Just a great guy. Again, so miraculous.
We had the same interest, loved the same foods. Really? Absolutely. I'm telling you, really, the whole story truly is a story of nothing America.
I wasn't supposed to get the kidney. They had told me I didn't want to get any pancreas transplant. I ended up in the OCEANER. You are that night and they called 145 and said the other transplant fell through.
That's incredible. And, Mary, somebody shared with me that you were part of a living chain like a parrot exchange? Yes, another miracle. I was a patient at OCEANER's and because I was so highly sensitized, they had recommended that I go to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, where they had a program where they had a program.
Plasma Ferrisis before and after transplant to make a match closer. So, we're not positive matches, but we're very close. And an altruistic donor, which is a donor that just wants to give to anybody, he started the chain. My friend Susan from work who just lost her mother to kidney cancer donated her kidney for me.
It went to somebody from Nebraska. So, Julian is the name of my altruistic donor and two days after transplant or three days he wanted to meet me. He was a very immediate connection. We became sister and brother.
He became uncle to my children and now great uncle to my grandchildren. And he actually told my daughter I was looking for a family and your mother was looking for a kidney. So, he is part of our family. The same year of transplant my daughter got married.
I was able to be there for the wedding. He came and was in the wedding. The next year at Thanksgiving he found his fiance and they both came to Alexandria, Louisiana and ate with us. And my husband texted him yesterday and said you have to be part of Team Louisiana.
Absolutely. In New Jersey. So, he is planning on going. That is incredible.
Susan, that I work with, she was moved into my apartment because half of our employees left. So, we became very close at work and she said Mary I want to be tested. Flew up to Baltimore. She was not close enough match for me.
So, she gave her organ, her kidney, to a man from Nebraska who is now enjoying a wonderful life. And he had been on dialysis for so long. And I told Susan you gave me your kidney and I gave you my heart. So, Susan, Julian and I are all very close.
That is an incredible story. I love hearing these stories. I mean both, both just so many coincidences. Yes.
The expansion of family. We have seen that so much here at the Games. So many people now consider part of Team Louisiana as part of their extended family. Exactly.
Exactly. So, make sure you bring your donor families and your living donor. Let's expand this family some more. That is right.
One additional thing. I think it is so important that the sponsors provide support for this whole program. Because without the sponsors we could not exist on private funds. And if they knew the reality of how close it makes us all.
And how it is improving the donor situation with people. I just want to thank them. Thank you so much for the donors, the sponsors who provided this wonderful, the best experience of my life. Thanks is not adequate enough.
We really appreciate it. Tons of gratitude from Salt Lake City. Lori, still here. Hone up a win at Trace White Games 2018.
Right? Yes. Let me see. Hold on.
I'm going to practice something real quick. Watch me. Watch me Warren. That's the Warren Mean mug right there.
That's why won the game. I think so. What do you think? I didn't know.
Did you watch him during the game? Yes. You might be at the 3-4 now. Maybe.
Oh, 3-4. Oh, there was still 2 out of that. This is Warren Transplant recipient representing here honoring his donor. These are his girls.
I love this. It's a family affair, right? Yes, definitely. Most definitely.
Yeah. But we're here honoring donors, especially your donor. You have a connection to that donor. And you're here to honor him.
So tell us about that. Well, my donor, he was healed in a tragic hidden run accident. And I taught him in the sixth grade. I coached him in Little League.
And unbeknownst to me, I just found out that it was him six years after the fact. What was the gift you received? I received the kidney pancreas. And life is so much different?
Yes. I feel better. I feel great. Yeah.
Much better than before, but not always the best, but I'm thankful. Yeah. I'm going to talk to your girls because of that donor. What does life become?
It's easier. We don't have to take as much care of him since he could be difficult sometimes. What? Wait, wait, wait.
This is new information, Warren. No kidding. I'm going to say I knew this all the time. But yeah, I really like that.
He's like off dialysis and stuff. I like it. You can be dead. Yes.
I just appreciate the second chance. Now that we're older and stuff, he can coach us along the way. And I'm not worried about traveling. Where's the dialysis machine?
We're going to find Ashen or blah blah blah. He's there sitting in the stands. I'm not worried about that. Just coaching me up.
Just the worry that comes with that. But I love it here at the Trans Black. You worry about these girls now. But as a dad does, but it's all about these girls for you.
It is. Definitely. And that's the reason why I fought so hard even on dialysis because I want to see my girls grow up. I love that.
So we're at the Trans Black Games. We come here. What does your main purpose? What do you want to come out of these games?
Well, really what I want to come out of this game is letting the world know about donation, organ donation. And I volunteer with local. I do local church events and things like that. So community events to promote organ donation.
And we actually have a 5K run. So in Hamming. Is it going to be me mugging during the run? Like what?
Well, I'm strategy. Sometimes I have to get into the start line. I have to get into the start line. I have to get into the start line.
So Trans Black Games are folks who haven't been. How would you describe it? Would you recommend it come? It's a really fun experience.
It's like the first year. My friend over here. Come on in. Come on in.
Come on in. We're adding this is suspense. Oh, how are you? I'm great name Ashley Young.
How are you connected to this? He's like a cousin to me. She's shy, right? Kind of sorta.
This is my first year coming to Trans Black Games. I did have a kidney transplant eight years ago. But I am back on dialysis now awaiting Trans Black number two. So donation to you means what?
Everything. This is amazing. This is my first time here. So I never knew like what I went on.
But just seeing this here in testimonies, seeing donor families, it's amazing. Oh my goodness. And so would you recommend folks attempt to come next time? Of course.
We're going to put that on the billboard or commercial or something, right? Alright, so for you, there's a lot of folks out there watching. They weren't able to come. VFH time.
Hey Kelly. Hey, Kelly. I'll substitute. Here we are.
Alright, what do you want to tell her? We love her. Love you, Mama. Love you, baby.
I love it. Alright, so Trans Black Games. It's a must. Definitely.
I mean, I work all year. Well, the two years span for this. And it's not just about the trip itself, but just the camaraderie that we have with Team Kentucky, all of the guys from Chicago, Illinois area, the guys from New York. Family, doesn't matter where you're from.
Family. And we play against two brothers. The Jarvis brothers. But actually, they're mothers.
Mothers are twins. So we play against the maintenance. So I look forward to seeing those guys. It's fun.
It's just like family union. I appreciate you guys paying it forward, saving more lives like these guys. We're going to work with you, right? Because you spread education and you hope that folks make an educated decision, right?
Tell your families. Definitely. Tell your families. In my case, my mother had gestational diabetes and I was born with juvenile diabetes.
And ended up, you know, she had a kidney transplant a year before I had mine. So, you know, diabetes was the cause. And, you know, it's not terminal. You know, once you're home dialysis with, you know, trying to kidney disease, anything.
So you can beat it. But you can beat it with the help of others. You guys live it. You breathe it.
You walk through it. And you encourage others. And we like that, guys. And that's what happens here.
Trans Black Games 2018. Guys, we'll have more stories like these. Everybody smile. Everybody say, don't eat life.
Don't eat life. Yeah, come in your way. Lori Steele here with the Get to Life podcast crew. And we are telling inspiring stories from Trans Black Games 2018.
This is one of those stories that we'll unfold today. So this is Isaiah. This is his beautiful wife, right? You're number one support.
That is correct. I love it. So you are just fresh from the bow and alley. I am.
How are your skills out there? Well, it could have been a little bit better. But I did my best. Yeah.
And have fun. That's what it's all about, right? That's what it's all about. They're at the Games.
We're honoring donors. We're celebrating life. Especially you. That's right.
Yeah. So heart transplant recipient. Heart transplant recipient back in 2013, October. It'll be five years this October.
And it's been a blessing. Yeah. So tell us about life before you had to be pretty sick, right? Well, yes, I was.
Before my transplant. And I have to say that I'm blessed to have a transplant. Before I was, I couldn't operate. I couldn't function.
I remember one morning, I walked in my mailbox and I had to stop to get back because I was out of breath. And then what really got me was the morning I got out of my bed and set up on, set on side of my bed. And I couldn't breathe. And something was wrong.
And once a doctor and they told me I was just as heart failure. And which was no cure. So they put me on medication to build me and then they give me a LVAD. And I'll be honest with you.
You know, I found out during my time at Arcana, how many young folks that need parts. And I didn't think I would receive a heart. I really didn't. I was, I had gotten comfortable with my LVAD.
I really had. I figured that was it. And I was satisfied there. And I, you know, the LVAD was giving me some problems also.
It seemed like every time I went to the, to the, my checkup, I would have problems with my LVAD. But that particular morning, that Thursday morning. Remember, like it was yesterday, right? I just liked it yesterday.
That Thursday morning that LVAD said you can go home because normally it kept me. So you can go home and I went home. But I went that morning. I wanted to get a flu shot.
Well, I forgot after they told me I could go home. I was excited about going home. So I forgot about my flu shot. So that next morning, Friday morning I called back and told the nurse I needed to set up.
I wanted to get the flu shot. And she kind of was nonchalant like, you know, like, yeah, you did a flu shot. I missed the douches. And I, you know, I kind of took a fence to that, you know.
I really did. Yeah. I said, well, yeah, I'll eat a flu shot. She said, okay, I'll set you up on it.
Well, when it was, she knew I had a heart coming in. But she couldn't inform me at that time. And that's like nine o'clock that morning. Around 11 o'clock she called me back.
Oh my gosh. I like it. You remember the date. You remember the times?
Yes. Yes. And it must be the same for you. I remember I remember I remember like I said, like it was yesterday.
It was like, and I just pushed out into years. And I think I think it was a struggle. We know. And then we see you doing all of these things, not only in everyday life, but when you come to the games and you interact with these folks.
But so tell us about life pre transplant post transplant drastically different. Yes, it is pre transplant. He was he was sick. The LVAD.
He had problems with it. The beauty being was okay, but eventually that stopped working. So then he went to the LVAD and so I'm thinking about it. He was always hurting.
And I say, probably because you don't have no meat. Oh, yeah. He's gave us thin. So he's healthy now.
Yeah, healthy. So he's healthy now. He's picked up his weight. So we're able to travel spend time with the family.
Then he was able to go back to work at the recreation center. He kind of likes that. And so we're just able to do normal things that everybody else can do. So a selfless someone we don't know the name of that person.
I don't. I don't. But I thank God for every day. So I'm just curious.
So you get diagnosed with heart failure. LVAD. You're going to be a transplant. Did you know anything about donation?
Did you see it in a positive light? What was your take? Well, you know, you know, being aware. No, I mean, I knew about it, but you never take that serious.
That's about one. You just said, you know, you know, because you think you go, we all think we're gonna live forever. You know, and I didn't think nothing about it until you lived it. I'm like, they say, till we hit my backyard.
And I tell them. And I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm just like, no, don't take donate donate donate. And where my shirts all the time, you know, they love that, you know, I mean, it's just a some sound so I think everybody should be aware that you should donate or whatever. You know, whether that particular night with my transplant.
I think we did that guy say that at least four people lives that night. So that's that's a blessing. And I'm thinking. Oh, you got this heart.
Yeah, this new lease on life. There's a purpose for you. I sure hope so. I mean, I just I sure hope so.
It's a perfect purpose. You know, you know, we had we had a pretty decent light before the, you know, but we have a wonderful life. I like that. That is beautiful.
So we're at the transplant games. A lot of folks on social media have been asking like, tell me about these transplant games. Is this something that I should look into? You guys say?
I think so. They're awesome. I mean, the first time we went, was it your veterans? Right.
We went to Houston and went to Cleveland and Elwyn and Salt Lake City. And just to see the people who have received transplants is amazing. I mean, because we probably came from a culture where people don't really do argument donation. So it's been educating.
It's been uplifting. It's been amazing. We get to see some of the people that we met, you know, we formed some relationships. But just to see the transplant patients get out there and compete at the level they compete is awesome.
I think so too. I mean, it's it's for me, I tell you, it's like a family reunion and what got me at the opening ceremonies when they done tribute to the ones that didn't make it back this year. And that's that's that's, you know, that gets it's home. It does.
It hits home. It really does it. And you get every time I tell my story, I get emotional. But the other night at the ceremony, when they did the tribute, it really hit home.
Because you know, you you hear now and you have to appreciate this time. You have to appreciate it. And that's it. Just yeah.
So at Lobo, we focus on educating. We appreciate. Yeah, I know you're going to make me start crying too. So we focus on education.
We use stories like yours to go out into the community. We want to push that message. We want to save more lives like yours, right? Yes.
And we appreciate you working with us. I appreciate you all. I appreciate everything. It's just been awesome.
Yeah. So they get to like podcast crew here in Utah, bringing you inspirational stories just like this when we've talked to folks in different states and different countries. Donations seems to be the same. These folks are heroes who save lives.
Yes, they are. Yes, they are. They are you. They're my hero.
And you're here on our viewers. Yes. Most definitely. We appreciate you guys.
I enjoyed watching you out there. It's crazy to believe that just five years ago, we didn't know this would be possible, right? No, we didn't know it. All right.
And I'm looking forward to my pickleball game. I like it. Let's bring home some medals and pickleball. I like that.
All right. We're at the Transvaite Games 2018 Salt Lake City, Utah, finding stories like this to bring home to you. Where'd it come? At this point of the Get to Life podcast, we will stop and we will listen and learn from our mental health guru, Miss Sally.
I'm good, Laurie. How are you? What are we talking about today? We're talking about slowing down to enjoy one's life.
Are you talking to Kirsten specifically or all of us? Well, I know you all are always, you know, running here and running there. So I think this might be hopeful. Okay.
Let me grab my pin. Okay. You ready? All right.
Let's do this. Okay. I'm sure you have noticed that many older people seem to have more time to enjoy their life. They're more engaged with people than younger folks are now, but you don't have to be older to enjoy what's going on right here and now.
Be in here now. That's it. Stay in here and now. And I think one of the most important things is live your own life.
You ever notice that when you're on Facebook, all these wonderful, fantastic things are happening to people? Now, I don't know. I'm just going to get a little bit of that. Okay.
Well, me too. Because you know what? We only want to show the really good parts of our life to say, look at us. We're just so engaged with everything.
But you know reality. That calls it take a book. Well, there you go. That's been as much time on those times as well.
That's right. Because everybody has their ups and downs. And sometimes we see in that particular arena, the really poor me sort of things, not making any judgment calls, but you do see that. But then you also see this wonderful things that people are doing to help others.
And that's giving them time to kind of rejuvenate, if you will. I think also, you know, you can only put people like to multitask, don't they though? But how good are you? When you are focusing, I never used to believe this.
I'm kind of talking over myself here. But I used to think well, I can do multiple things. I can do them all really, really well. But you don't like it?
Well, had you fooled, huh? But you know, we really cannot. Because your mind can only take in so much. You can only really dedicate so much of that to focusing in on specific tasks that you've got going.
So if you think that's really helping, well, it might be a good thing to say, yes, I can multitask. Well, okay. In the greater scheme of things, what does that really mean for anyone? Okay.
So then, you know, people spread, don't spread their work out. You know, it's like, okay, I've got all this to do and I've got to do it right now. I've got to do it right now. I've got to check this.
And I've got to check it off before. I've got to play. Yes, that's right. Really?
Think how many of us have done that or still do that? Still start my day with a list, right? Well, there you go. Now, there's nothing wrong with the list.
But if you're just like one, two, three, four, five, right down that list to go, then the problem is you're never giving yourself enough time to just take a break from it all. Give yourself a moment to relax. And again, staying in the ear and now. You know what happens to me?
So I have lots of children at home and I work. And so during the week, I operate off of lists. Like this is what I need to do today. I don't like to work with her kids.
And on the weekend, I have a hard time relaxing. My friend came over with her kids and I was standing up and had things to do, right? And she says, you're making me nervous. Just sit down and enjoy.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, hard time, but I had to force myself. It's amazing how hard it can be to unplug and be protected. Right. Yeah.
That's right. We're taking a picture with my phone. There you go. Well, and along the final point along those same lines is how many people have that phone always on them, always, always.
Now, I understand, you know, we have to have to have to have to have a duck face selfie. But you know, if it's part of your job that you have to respond to a crisis or an immediate situation in your work life, that's one thing. Look at all the people you know that constantly have that phone. Oh, I got to have it right here next to somebody.
Somebody important might call me. Now, whatever that somebody important is, we don't know. Now, Sally, I walk away from my phone. That's when my call comes in.
You know, it's me nervous. I have anxiety. Really? See, that's what happens when you can't unplug from some of this stuff.
And I think to the bottom line for all this is, you know, when we realize that the number of people who are anxiety written, it's because now they're brain, they're not just going to be able to have anxiety. It's because now they're brain has been trained. Oh my gosh, I got to be constant, constant, constant contact. I'm important, Sally.
Well, I understand that. I understand that, Laurie. And, you know, when I do text you, I want you to respond immediately. Okay.
And I know you're one of those that has a different ring. Okay. So, you know, maybe the advantage for me and all this is now I like all the technology. Don't get me wrong because I do like that instant way of getting in touch with folks.
But I also like the fact that I'm older and I do know what it used to be like way back when none of this was available to us. We just didn't have access. And I truly believe that that's what's causing some of again, the unhappiness and the anxiety and wondering, you know, what is wrong with me because I don't have this or that. So folks, just take a moment, take a step back, you know, take a couple deep breaths and say, you know, I don't have to answer that phone right now.
Right. So, I write a letter or pick up a phone and actually call someone or maybe read a book. Oh, read a book. I mean, really.
Yeah, at least to the Kindle still. Well, the Kindle still good. That is a good reminder though because I have to constantly tell myself this slowed. It's going to be OK.
That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right.
Yeah. Always a good lesson. So, Kirsten, let's just hold off on posting that. Selfie.
Is that OK? All right. So, for next time, yeah. Lessons learned from style.
Here on the Gifted Life. Here on the Gifted Life, we honor a hero in every podcast. Today's hero is Braden Brannley. And we learn about Braden from his family via Transplant Game of America's Reflection Room.
Brann passed away suddenly one afternoon when he was 19 months old. But that wasn't the end of his story. Your tissue donation, Bray was able to save two lives. His big brother then four said it best.
He woke us up one night just a few weeks after losing his brother. He confirmed that we donated parts of his brother's heart. And then because of that, his brother had saved two lives. Then, after a moment of very serious four-year-old thought, he looked at me and said, OK, so brother was a superhero.
He then nodded at me like this, settled everything, went back to bed and never had another nightmare about his little brother. And you can see a picture of Braden and read about more heroes on the Transplant Games of America website under a reflection room. And now we pause to say thank you to Braden for the gift of life. Today's question has been asked several times in the community.
But most recently, I had a family member approach me and say that they knew an organ donor family who wrote to their recipients. And their loved one was a tissue donor and one is to know if they could write to their tissue recipients. Sally? Well, yes.
This is somewhat of a dilemma for tissue donor families. And the reason I say it that way is many times we do get letters from our tissue bank and it will be coming from a recipient that's not really identified except by sometimes a first name. And that's it. Just like John.
Yes. And so we always call the tissue donor families with them. No, we've got a letter we send it out to them. And many times they will write a letter back saying, Dear John, thank you so much for writing.
Here's the information about my loved one. But the difficulty is many times people think we have that direct contact with the person who has your address and everything. It's a little bit different now for organ donor families in that many times we do have a transplant center or sometimes we do have their mailing address or email address. But we never received that at least to this date from the tissue bank.
So when people do respond, we cannot guarantee that when it gets back to the tissue bank, then it has to be forwarded back to the original person that would be writing the letter through their physician's office. So as you see, it gets very, very convoluted along the way. Now we will, of course, we always will forward it back to the tissue bank. But sometimes we do get the question, well, when why hear back from them?
And unfortunately, we just don't know if they ever will because that's just so many steps to go through. Maybe one day in the near future is we're all working through all this, how we can be better at more direct communicating. Yeah, perhaps it can happen because it seems like it's even been in the last five years or so that we started getting letters from the tissue or so. So hopefully it will just continue to progress and we will be able to establish more communication avenues.
Right. And just working with Sally, we know how hard you guys work and how many hours you put in to connecting those families. So we know that that is on the horizon and that's something that you're going to work towards. So that was a good question.
Maybe you have a question you want us to address here on the gifted life info at lopa.org. Shoot us an email there today. Another episode of the gifted life in the books and what a book it is. Transplant Games of America 2018.
We hope you are enjoying the coverage. Thanks for letting me tag along, Lori. We had a great time out there. Good team out there in the field.
I just want to encourage everybody to share this podcast, learn about all the stories from across the country and you can also check out the gifted life.org to see some of the video coverage we did while we were there. Yeah. And thanks to all the families who took their time to talk with the crew. Well, the crew meaning Lori.
The crew. Troy. Max. The S and D.
Magic behind the scenes. Yes. So it just made it all the better for our listening audience. Be able to hear all these great stories you brought back.
And when I think of Transplant Games, I light up in my heart warms up because one of my favorite images was Track and Field Day. And there's a donor family up there with a cell phone in one hand, a regular camera in the other hand yelling yelling because it's a great story. Yelling yelling because his son's heart recipient was about to cross the line when that gold medal. And I just thought, how cool is this, right?
So we're going to be bringing you and looking for more of those stories to bring to you here on the gift of life. But please share. Please talk about this because our main mission is making life happen. And we hope that you go out today and do something that you don't normally do to help us do that to make life happen.
You can do it. This is a production of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, Olova, the gifted life is hosted by Lori Steele, Joey Boudreau and Sally Gentry. Our producers are Kirsten Heinz and Jelon Caraway. We are recorded, engineered and mixed in our Metery Louisiana studio by Troy Perez.
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