What’s What BR - Lori Steele, LOPA

LOPA, Organ Donation Awareness, and Cayden’s Legacy with Lori Steele & Maggie Fan | What’s What BR In this episode of What’s What BR, host Brandon talks with returning guest Lori Steele from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) and new guest Maggie Fan about promoting organ, eye, and tissue donation through education and conversation before a crisis occurs. Lori recaps National Donate Life Month activities in April, including flag raisings, butterfly releases, campus outreach, and free presentations available through LOPA.org, and explains how most people register through the OMV heart symbol, as well as other registration options. Maggie shares the story of her son Caiden, how honoring his donor decision was overwhelming in the hospital, and how donation became part of her faith and grief journey. She describes meeting recipients, writing letters, and learning Caiden impacted 105 people across multiple states and countries, and highlights her book, “Beautifully Broken: Finding Beauty in the Struggle.” 00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:33 What LOPA Does 01:23 Signing Up to Donate 01:58 Covington Headquarters and Memorial Park 02:55 April Donation Month Highlights 05:19 Why Talking About Donation Matters 08:13 Maggie and Caiden Introduction 09:11 Caiden Story and Turning Point 11:24 Making the Decision in Crisis 14:11 Relatable Support Matters 14:54 Families Decide Under Pressure 15:41 DMV Talk To Dinner Table 17:30 Reaching People Repeatedly 18:25 Tools And Presentations 18:59 Registering And Legal Consent 20:35 Meeting Recipients And Healing 22:56 Book And Legacy Impact 25:13 Aftercare And Honor Walks 28:46 LOPA Team And Statewide Stats 30:10 Closing Thanks And Next Steps