Hello and welcome to the gifted life podcast where we have conversations about Oregon tissue and I donation I'm Roy Steele I'm Sally Gentry and I'm Kirsten Hain so by day here at Lopa. What is it that you do? Here's a little bit of everything I think that's true. We all do that.
Yeah, but your official title director of marketing and communication This is perfect for you transplant game 2018 is what we're talking about. It was incredible. Yeah, we had to do two episodes I know because we already featured some of the transplant game stories. Yeah, that was what back on what episode 89?
That's right. Okay, so that was our first taste of transplant Yeah, I'm here that one go check that one out. That's right and our goal is to just tell those stories because you and I on the ground along with I'm Troy Max part of the get to like podcast group. Let's go and find those interesting stories not only here in Louisiana But those across the country all over the world these partners and bring it to our listening audience, right?
Absolutely We just had such a great time and got to hear so many different stories different perspectives. It was incredible There's nothing like it. Yeah, no matter what language you speak or from where you come from donation across the board is the same because you want to honor the heroes you want to celebrate life and it's pretty incredible so much Gratitude. Yeah, we're gonna have more of that here on the gifted life, but listen we need you you listening right there Please share what you hear here.
It's as easy as just pressing that little square with the arrow one Like just press your a goes back in the day that had cassette On the record that's right. No, you can find it anywhere Apple podcast Google Play your favorite podcast app or at the gifted life Dot org and the beauty is that via social media we're able to share pictures and Just fun things with you and our YouTube channel donate life Louisiana Facebook donate life Louisiana Twitter Instagram or at donate life Just lots of content they are all for you and maybe you're teaching a class or maybe you have something going on where you can share These with that group that would be incredible. You can also give us a call five zero four six four eight three four seven seven We might even play your message on the podcast. We'd love to hear from you.
Here's an idea here now I think she started the singing five or six for it. I'm not sure it's that little jingle I'm not just something about that that kind of just you know gives me a little bit of You know, yeah, a little peppy stuff. Yeah, that's it Yeah, be part of the team leave as a voicemail always say you can do it in your jammies at like one o'clock in the morning while you're eating some That's right with us. It works like a voicemail We want to use your stories to inspire others to make life happen one person can make a difference that could be you guys ready To get to the transplant games and these stories that we have to tell absolutely Yes, let's do it here on the gifted life a special episode if you will the gifted life through travels to Utah That's from Utah, right?
All kinds of stuff But we particularly went for the donate life transplant games for those of you that aren't familiar with it It's an athletic competition kind of like the Olympics But it's for recipients of organ tissue cornea or bone marrow the games highlight the importance of organ tissue and eye donation while also Celebrating the lives of donors and recipients and here on the gifted life. We're honored to share these stories Let's take a listen Laurie's deal here for the gifted life podcast at the transplant games 2018 Salt Lake City with miss Ellis are how are you I'm great? All right mom Brittany to Briggs the youngest member of team Louisiana But we were had a series of three years going mama. What are those three?
Yes, so he's a three-time livery recipient three years ago And he's in three competitions and he's held and he's three four three. Oh man, you were trying to say on that three I like that. So I enjoyed watching your face at these games watch your son do these things that You say you never thought this would be possible three years ago, right? But that is my joy So I always leave these images in my head the transplant games like your face watching him perform amazing So tell me what that felt like for you to see him compete with these kids from across the world Yeah, it's it's amazing to see because you know I still picked her two three years ago as being in the hospital room and then just you know all the doctors coming in and saying like We're not sure if he's gonna make it We're not sure how much longer he has and all this kind of stuff And then all that floods in with today and it just gets overwhelming because it's without this huge miracle We would not be here today So it gets me goosebumps like even saying it out loud again It gets in good song while I'm watching it and it gives me goosebumps while I'm saying it So it's just really really cool and a lot of the events you would look over Just emotional right now.
I'm just emotional right it's a lot to take in it is it's overwhelming, but it's a good overwhelming It's not about overwhelming. Yeah, and first transplant games experience So I say you're very active on social media So a lot of your friends are saying how did you get involved like what do you think about it? So what do you think about all of it? I think it's great I think this is a place where we feel like home because there's not a lot of people that you know have had three transplants or any Transplants that we know and so for us to just be around people that understand us and know what we're going through is You know a once in a lifetime kind of thing for us because we just don't get that every day kind of feeling And then I think just being here and seeing everyone's so thankful and just being so you know inspiring and everyone is just so amazing And everyone just is so thankful for their donors.
I think that's the coolest thing It's like every person you meet they want to tell you about their donors. I think that's super cool Yeah, no matter where you're from we just ran into all this team Australia. No matter where you're from like donations the same It's love it's goodness, which is amazing, right? And I love one thing to love about you is that whenever you go out to speak in the community in Louisiana or wherever We always mention the donors right and you're very big on that We want to thank our donors and you know one of your donors Yes, we know our second donor is Trinity.
She is an amazing young lady She was 16 when I happened her 15 and she is just our absolute hero We really believe that she gave Briggs his fighting spirit that he that carried him over to the next transplant and I mean every day It's just like okay. This is Trinity over and over again So we love that we're honoring donors were celebrating life We're spreading awareness for organization so we can save more lives, right? So it all makes sense and then we get to have a little bit of fun while doing it. Yes, we get to have a lot of fun Yeah, I know and your face so don't hit like Louisiana Facebook page We posted the video of Briggs swimming that was one of his competitions But your fit like I was smiling so that my cheeks were hurting because you were And dad did a great job to dad do it.
I do it. He stepped in he took one for the team He's the way of across. He's a great swimmer. It's a problem.
Yeah, and then mom helped in the youth will be at Yes, I was wedding. Yes. Yeah, and then track and field who knows maybe radio step in and help big brother out Yeah, I'm working out from transplant games. It's a lot of fun guys Lori's deal here that get to like podcast all locations salt lakes in Utah for transplant games 2018.
We are making friends. Hello, Texas I like that row and you saw she took control. All right, so tell me your name Rowan Rowan Who is this Rowan my mom my mom? Hello?
Tell your name my name is Megan. All right, so I heard this is your first transplant games Yes, it is. Okay, so tell me about it. What are your thoughts about all of this?
I think basketball is gonna be fun. Yeah, and I thought everything was gonna be like outside but instead of the size Yeah, we're still learning how it all goes and mama you overwhelmed by all this most definitely I think humbled and inspired and the ceremonies last night. We're just they're really amazing So yeah, this is our first experience and something that we won't forget Yeah, of course they're referring to the opening ceremonies, which was amazing. We honored our donors We celebrated life and we're talking about spreading awareness for organ tissue and eye donation Which is why I'm introducing you to this child.
Why are you here at the transplant games? Did you receive a transplant? Yes? Tell me about it.
Um whenever I was a little girl, I was a baby and um, I felt sick because my liver was it I did my liver was bad So did I had to get the new one and then a little girl also had to but they gave it to me instead because a little child But I'll have it and so that's my angel donor. Oh, and so what do you think about that person? Um, I feel grateful for it. Yeah, and so it always say it depends on where you sit in your perspective So we heard her story So you're a mom you have a baby and you're thinking healthy baby being born and then you get this news So tell me about that.
Um just kind of blindsided. We didn't know anything about it Um, my husband and I are actually both nurses so we kind of understood The sickness part but didn't really understand I guess the why part But through this journey we we have a really strong faith and and just know that it was all for God's plan And we've met some amazing people through this journey amazing nurses doctors, you know physical therapists everybody It takes it takes a village and we've had great family support and so Fortunately, we're just very blessed that we're on the other side and that she's been doing very well Yeah, and so do we know about donation at all you said you were a nurse and had you heard about it? Yes before my husband and I are both organ donors. Well, we actually hadn't donated but registered to be organ donors So there's something that we were super passionate about we both actually worked in the ICU and so we've been a part of taking care of patients Who were donors and so it's just something that's really near and dear to our heart And so then you know just having our daughter go through that process was obviously not something that we had anticipated But just something that gave us more passion for organization.
Yeah, so she talked about an angel donor We've written to that family. What do you think about that family? What do you say? We we are just ever so grateful and thankful for that family We pray for that angel donor every day hoping that we'll get to meet her someday And we just hope that that maybe we can meet them someday meet the family Yeah, and so in Louisiana We have a lot of families and we say man You must have a lot of work here to do on earth, right?
You were saved and so we want to know what grade are you going into when you get back to Texas? Third grade. Third grade. Are you excited?
Yes favorite subject? Reading right I like that a smart girl. So what are we gonna do when we get older like what do you want to be? A fashion designer?
Who can you help me? I need a lot of help. Yes You want to with colors and different kinds of fabric and all kinds of stuff is that what you like? Yes, mostly glitter.
Yeah glitter. I like that now Are you thinking about nursing at all because mom and dad are nurses? A little Little so we'll see maybe we'll check in with you in two years of the next games, right? So this is your first games.
We hope to see you again But tell us about donation what how do you guys see donation? Do you see it as love? Do you see it as hope? What do you think?
I see it as both love and hope because donation helps children all across the world I'm feel better if they're sick or they're lonely or they have nothing it helps them. I love it I think you're gonna do great things. Maybe she'll run for office. I don't know mom What do you think?
You got anything? Yeah, she's pretty outgoing. So we'll see I like it well We enjoy visiting with team Texas. I just love you miss Rowan.
What I'm sports did you do? Obviously you're gonna swim soon. I'm thinking swim. Yeah quick on you down there Rowan.
Yeah Silver hi, but are you proud about that? Yes, are you a swimmer? Yes, are you on a swim team or you just like to swim? I just like to swim a lot and you got a silver medal.
Yes must be really good We appreciate you about thanks for sharing you guys story more to come from the Transplay games guys Lori steal here Transplay games 2018. Where are we guys? We didn't even practice that's how good these people are you guys are veterans right? Right Adrian is mom.
She's our leader here. All right. Who all is here mom? This is Miss Fame Club Smith you travel with an entourage bud.
Yes. All right So why are all these people here for you because their family and they're here to support me Yeah, why you are you the transplant games man cuz I had a transplant yeah when I was six months old six months old Alright, so he doesn't remember much about it mom and dad you do so walk us through you you have this beautiful baby boy And then you find out that he's sick right yeah, he was sick But I mean so it was the car's weird else we just dealt with it best we could and luckily somebody was generous enough to give a liver So he's still here. Yeah, we call that person as Miss Angel donor. Yeah, so we don't know who specifically But I love how you kind of talk about them and you make Smith learn about donation Well, and that's why we're here We don't know his donor family, but we appreciate them and we love them just like they're they're basically here They're just invisible so they're right along with us every day part of the thing it does everything it does Alright, so I watched him swim and I watched him run and I watched it you didn't swim I didn't watch you swim It has been a long transplant.
Okay, so what did you do Smith? Oh, right? I'll tell you run you jumped I saw the year what else two places at what I was okay technology is amazing man, right? Yeah, so you've been doing a lot of things.
Can we just say that every cool? Yeah, it's giving me a hard time nice Oh me kisses right all right, so there's a little boy how old is he he's nine nine years old so typical yeah typical Little great good great Boom boom, okay They are tough, but yeah, he's active. I mean he loves basketball baseball is his favorite He loves my son's brother and his all his cousins so yeah Grandma everybody I always say it depends on what seat you have when something goes through when someone goes through this So here's the transplant, but we know that impacted mom and dad grandparents brothers and all them So we're gonna get to the kid and just a bit but I see grandma over here. He plays what he plays the piano That's pretty big deal.
That is a big that means he's pretty smart. Yes He's actually there's six perfect people in this crowd six am I what can I count as a lot? Oh Projection, okay They're the only perfect people grand babies. Yes, I figured that out pretty quickly right all right So talk about what donation means to you guys.
This is not your first rodeo here the transplant games What is this like and what's on your heart now? Oh wow? This is so tremendous to all of us everyone here whether you're a donor recipient family But as grandparents it is just so amazing that we can see this child the same as the other five in this group Doing all the things that you want your grandchildren to do and the best part is giving hugs and kisses To me right Smith. All right.
I see another grandma back here because she keeps telling me she belongs to this kid Oh my who who wants to be a square mother? The grandparents are loud. I love that taking pictures and video. I love it.
Um, so what are the transplant games to you? But we have a wonderful time watching Smith competing so many different things that are just awesome to watch because he does an outstanding job But all the participants it's fun to watch each one of them and smiles on their faces and watching the parents watching the kid Grandma's and grandpa's yeah, exactly. I'm not forgetting that girl. All right, so I know that we have Adrian sisters here Let me see how to get to the you guys have a Large crowd.
I love that travel together. All right. So this is your first transplant games This is my first transplant games. Um, yeah, so we're lucky enough to attend because we live here in Salt Lake City And so we've been able to join the entourage family time fun and fun It's so heartwarming.
I just cannot talk well enough about the games and how it's put together and how you get to spend time with all the recipients and the donors It's been a lot of fun. Yeah, and you guys were crawling in the grass trying to get pictures and angles of this dude Awesome, right? All right. What about you?
I know you're in Louisiana helping us out paying it forward So what if if you had to describe donation? What is it to you? Oh, it's everything to us This is and the most ultimate gift we could have ever received and um as we saw the signs from some of the donors You know seeing them here when I see one of them I have to go up to them and thank them because We don't know our donor. However, them being here makes us appreciate our daughter even more And um the people who they're donors here.
I think they're here because they want to see their person Their child or their brother their sister whoever Um live through these other kids and adults and whoever it's magical. It's magical. I love it. I love watching everybody's on faces And I like how they say this is our donor, right?
Because it saved our family. Oh, yeah, I say their whole family It's not Smith's donor. It's it's all of our donor for sure. Yep, the family together.
Oh, definitely All right, so I understand that Smith has a big brother and anybody who's a big who's a big? Oh, oh, oh, oh, hey, hey, razz, right? Cool name. How do you?
It's been a long transplant days or hell they're gonna burn 11 11 you just had a birthday. Happy birthday. Oh, all right looking good All right, so tell us about your brother. What some of the things you like to do together He wrestles with me who wins me?
Of course you were gonna say that. Of course you're gonna say that What else you guys like to do? Anything like a where you'll skate? Play outside basically outside boy stuff.
Yeah, so what does donation mean to you? Does it mean life? Does it mean hope? Does it mean love?
What would you pick? I mean, I have a brother. Yeah, so it means life. Yeah, I guess and hope I guess good answer hi, five That's what I'm talking about.
All right. There's a bunch of people who are watching back home who couldn't be here We want to say thank you to them. We want to say donate life, right? Yes.
Yes. You said that life donate life. Oh, so cute. This is your first game.
Yes Yes, I love meeting the family. All right, so we're gonna say donate life on three one two three And we're gonna say thank you one two three. Thank you. Yes.
Thank you more for the transplant games 2018 to come All right, sally hold on to your hat. We're gonna turn the floor over to you on this podcast man Mental health professional. What are we talking about? What we're gonna talk about three of the less known reasons That's less known that men don't talk about mental health men suffer from mental health conditions at a similar rate to women Not sure if you were aware of that or not But four out of five people who die from suicide are men Many men have difficulty using words mental health in relation to how they feel in part That's the gender norms social taboos and cultural context, you know Some of the things like well, you know men usually don't ask for help because they think they're being weak or they've been told as kids You know boys men don't cry, but that's not true Everyone will cry at some point in time.
So, you know, lorry men usually prefer to either fix something or try to fix something When possible before they even want to reach out for help. I mean, you know, that's just how I think duck cake fixes everything You know that sort of mentality and you know that there is a road sign that man therapy.org has up that has that same thing So which is kind of interesting So, you know one of the recommendations was of reframing the issues in a context of mental health like, you know, you fix your car You fix the hole in the wall or you know, you fix the kitchen sink, you know, why not fix you? And that right there seems to help guys get a little bit. Okay, I'm fixing myself It's not like oh, I'm gonna have to go talk about my feelings, you know, which makes a difference And you know too since campaigns are not targeted that way toward men and usually toward women You know, it's another thing of oh, geez, you know, we don't really that this doesn't fit us We just don't really want to talk about this right now We're women are much more demonstrative when it comes to you know, expressing emotions that sort of thing.
You're right Yeah, that's right. And you know, since men and women do express their mental health issues differently Um, you know women have more, you know, if they're depressed, they'll tell you they're depressed or you know, they'll be sad or crying or become dishearted And they feel helpless or worthless, you know, this this those sort of emotions I think most of us kind of recognize whereas men are more likely to respond with the anger restoration irritation Uh impulsive or other behaviors that you usually don't associate with somebody being depressed or, you know, upset about things But I think that's because of how we've culturally taught the genders to act behave think feel that sort of thing So, you know, if men can at least reach out to some degree and say, you know, uh, maybe I need to fix me because you know I got my physical health that I could use good mental health fix too It can make a lot of difference. So it's just as important as your your physical fitness What role do you think um social media plays because I see two sides like they always say oh, look at my facebook Like not reality because i'm gonna put my best foot forward. Yeah, that's it.
Um, but also you're behind a keyboard So I don't have to say anything I can tell you what's going on. Yeah, today's a bad day or they have the emotion Um, I guess you're doing that like not all the time, but I think it'll be easier than having to really speak it Yeah, I think it is and it becomes easier. I think it's time goes on So I think it's just important that that we realize maybe as women too that men do have the same sort of issues And that maybe we can just be a little bit more helpful to them along the way something to think about Yeah, I'm gonna try. All right.
Okay. More info. I always leave us with things to think about So if you'd like to get a little bit more information about this you can always go to the mental health america.net Um, and they have a lot of good information and once again if you you feel the need that that you want to talk with someone Or at least read about this. There's a place to go that you can get it be anonymous and it might really be helpful and maybe save someone's life I like that.
All right. Thanks. Sally. Maybe you have a topic you want sally to cover info at lopa.org In every episode of the gifted life we honor a hero today's hero comes to us via the transplant games of america reflection room We are honoring emily lion emily story comes to us from her mother On march 2nd 2015 after a tragic snowmobile accident My daughter emily completed her final selfless act and saved six lives She gave sight to two others and proved the lives of over 50 people in 22 different states She was bright in the physical world and continues to be just as bright as a spirit Emily's ripple effect is still changing the world and I am grateful to be part of it She is deeply missed by not only her family and friends, but by the entire community Life goes on but it's not the same Emily has taught us all to live life to the fullest be thoughtful be strong be kind And help take care of your fellow human beings hashtag am strong And if you'd like to see a picture of emily or read about more heroes You can go to the transplant games of america website and click on the reflection room time And now we'd like to pause and say thank you to emily for the gift of life Our question and answer segment today our question deals with the transplant games The games are geared towards recipients.
Are there any events for donor families? That's a great question and we are lucky with team louisiana to have several donor families come with us over the years And there are lots for them to do there's a special event a donor tribute that happens It's one of the most beautiful you've seen that lorry There's some workshops that are for both recipients and donor families They have a mixed bowling night for donor families and recipients and several donor families participate with the recipients in the five K that kicks off the games And over like team louisiana in the mornings before everybody gets started everybody gathers and kind of pump everybody up But I love the donor families are there with their loved ones recipients They travel with them to those games whether it be track and field swimming we all get to visit I love watching them cheer their loved ones recipients on like that is awesome. Yes I've been to the transplant games maybe it's time that you start planning a trip so it's by annual We said that so the next one's going to be in 2020. Did I do my math correctly?
You did good job lorry. Who knows to me right now? Okay, so they want more information. Yeah, so check out the transplant games of america website transplant games of america.org And if you have a question like for us to cover please contact us at info at lopa.org The transplant games of america episode of the gifted life coming to a close more great stories and make great friends the memories right just Amazing transplant games 2018 it was incredible And we have to thank bill ryan the ceo of the transplant games his team and the hundreds of volunteers that helped make Hundreds yes and many many thanks to all the folks you talked with who shared their stories with you Yeah, it was an incredible time for us all to be together to celebrate life to honor those donors It's just a good event that we are happy to be a part of the gifted life crew honored to be able to go and tell those stories And then bring it to you, but we need you to take a step further and continue to share That's how we make life happen one person can make a difference That's you right there.
So go out today and do something you wouldn't normally do to help us make life happen. We'd appreciate it This is a production of the Louisiana organ procurement agency for lopa In gifted life is hosted by lori steel noi budro and sally gentry our producers are kierson hines and shalon caraway We are recorded engineered and mixed in our metery l