Send us a text

Sue Rees returns to share the revolutionary donor protections offered by the Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation (APKD) that are making kidney donation more accessible and equitable for everyone. As Chief Operating Officer with over 25 years of transplant experience, Sue walks us through the comprehensive "Donor Protect" program designed to eliminate financial barriers while safeguarding donors' futures.

We explore how the Alliance reimburses lost wages (up to $10,000), covers travel expenses for both donors and their support persons, and even provides dependent and pet care assistance. Sue explains their innovative "Home Advantage" program, which allows donors to recover locally while their kidneys are shipped to recipients across the country. Most fascinating are the various pledge programs that protect donors and their loved ones: the Advanced Donation Pledge, the Family Pledge, the Friend Pledge, and the Kidney Promise.

The conversation takes a global turn as Sue reveals how APKD's international initiatives are creating life-saving matches across borders. "Our differences can save our lives," she explains, sharing the remarkable story of a Mexican poet with 94% antibodies who found her match in Wisconsin. This global kidney exchange program demonstrates how genetic diversity across populations can be the key to finding matches for highly sensitized patients.

Sue's personal journey into transplant care adds emotional depth to the discussion. After losing her father to glioblastoma, she was profoundly moved by his nurse's compassion: "I want to be that for somebody," she decided. Today, through her work with the Alliance, Sue helps give second chances to patients and families facing medical crises.

Whether you're considering donation or simply curious about advances in transplant care, this episode offers invaluable insights into the protections that make kidney donation safer and more accessible than ever before.

SHOW LINKS:

Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation
Donor Protect
Mexican Kidney Exchange Story

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

What happens when a transplant surgeon, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, and a willingness to trust strangers come together? A revolution in kidney donation that has saved 20,000 lives and counting.

Meet Dr. Michael Rees and Sue Rees, the power couple behind the Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation. In this captivating first installment of our two-part season finale, we journey back to 2007 when kidney paired exchange was in its infancy and most surgeons believed all transplant surgeries had to happen simultaneously to prevent donors from backing out.

Dr. Rees takes us behind the scenes of his radical experiment: what if we trusted donors to follow through on their promises even after their loved ones received kidneys? The medical establishment warned this trust-based approach could collapse the entire system. Undeterred, Mike vetted the first chain participant over a steak dinner, separated surgeries by weeks instead of performing them simultaneously, and created what would become what is now a common practice- Non‑Simultaneous Extended Altruistic-Donor chains.

Sue shares the heartbreaking reality that confronted her as a transplant coordinator: watching patients remain on dialysis despite having willing but incompatible donors.

Through their pioneering work with the Alliance's sophisticated matching algorithm, the Rees’ have transformed how we think about organ donation, proving that human goodness and trust can overcome medical skepticism and logistical challenges.

Whether you're curious about organ donation, inspired by medical innovation, or simply love stories of human connection, this episode reminds us that our differences—even incompatible blood types—can ultimately save each other's lives.

SHOW LINKS:

Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation
New England Journal of Medicine Article
People Magazine Article

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

A spiritual calling, a kidney voucher, and two pastors reconnecting after decades apart—this is no ordinary transplant story.

When Jim Pearl was diagnosed with Fabry's disease in 2004, he had no idea his journey would lead him back to Jeff Barker, a seminary friend from the '90s. After five years on dialysis, Jim clung to his mantra: "In the waiting, God is working." Meanwhile, Jeff saw Jim's Facebook post and felt a spiritual nudge to step forward, despite knowing little about kidney donation.

Though not a direct match, Jeff became a voucher donor donating at NYU Langone. His kidney went to someone in the NKR system, and Jim received a kidney voucher due to Jeff’s donation. Just three months later, Jim received his transplant at University of Utah Health.

For both pastors, the experience was deeply spiritual. Jim named his kidney "Gigi" (God’s Gift). Jeff sees the donation as part of Christian incarnational theology—"We often think about giving money, but we can give our very selves."

GiftWorks supported them throughout the journey, helping Jim share his story widely and guiding Jeff through the donation process. Their experience shows how organ donation not only saves lives, but also renews connections, deepens faith, and transforms both donor and recipient.

Jim’s advice for recipients: "Share your story as broadly as possible. It only takes one set of eyes." Jeff encourages potential donors to remember: "Your first yes is not your final yes. Each step requires thought, and each decision matters."

Learn more at yourgiftworks.com and consider how making yourself available to others can be a part of something greater.

Links:
Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

What if a casual Sunday scroll through Facebook could save a life? In this heartfelt episode of Donor Diaries, Rich and Cali share the extraordinary story of how a social media post led to a life-saving kidney transplant and an unexpected lifelong connection.

Rich, living with polycystic kidney disease, feared the wait for a deceased donor and the possibility of having to go on dialysis, and took a leap of faith by sharing his story online. Cali, grieving the loss of her brother to the same disease, stumbled upon Rich’s post and felt an unshakable pull to help. Neither could have predicted the twist of fate that would link them even closer—Rich had once been her brother’s boss.

Their journey is one of vulnerability, determination, and the incredible power of human connection. From meticulously tracking spreadsheets to navigating emotions and medical evaluations, both Rich and Cali approached the process with equal heart and grit. In the end, their story reminds us that sharing our struggles can spark unexpected miracles—and that even the smallest connections can change lives.

Rich and Cali represent a major milestone; they were the first successful kidney transplant to come out of the GiftWorks Program pilot. The GiftWorks Program is built on three core pillars that support both transplant recipients and those who step forward as living donors: Education, Support, and Advocacy.  

To learn more about the GiftWorks program that helped make this match possible, visit yourgiftworks.com and check out our show notes.

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Join us on Donor Diaries as we welcome Dr. Harry Wilkins, CEO of Gift of Hope, who transitioned from a 36-year career as a trauma surgeon to leading an organ procurement organization in 2020. With his unique perspective as both a physician and an industry leader, Dr. Wilkins offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complex and deeply personal world of deceased organ donation. From the moment of injury to the life-changing decisions families face, he sheds light on the critical role OPOs play in guiding and supporting donor families through the process.

A Chicago native, Dr. Wilkins shares how his childhood fascination with car mechanics unexpectedly led him to a career in surgery, a path shaped by his family's strong values of faith and service. Now, he is driven by a bold vision: a future where no one dies waiting for an organ. He discusses the transformative potential of xenotransplantation, 3D-printed organs, living donation, and emerging advancements in organ preservation—what he calls a growing set of tools in the transplant toolbox.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Wilkins highlights the dedication of his team at Gift of Hope and their relentless work to save lives every day. He also explores the importance of dispelling myths about organ donation, increasing public awareness, and fostering a culture where donation is the norm.

This episode is an eye-opening look at the challenges and breakthroughs shaping the future of deceased organ transplantation—and the innovative solutions that could one day eliminate transplant waitlists. Tune in for an inspiring and informative discussion with one of the field’s most passionate advocates.

Gift of Hope
National Organ Donor Registry Sign-up
Harry Wilkins Bio
The Art of Effective Physician Education (Book)
Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Join us as we welcome the extraordinary Mike Lollo, a former NYPD detective whose journey led him to become a passionate advocate for kidney donation. Mike's life took an inspiring turn in 2018 when he donated his kidney  to a stranger.  He shares his remarkable story with us, reflecting on how chance encounters with people like Ned Brooks shaped his mission to transform lives through the power of living donation. This episode highlights Mike's dedication and the profound impact his advocacy has had on individuals like Tommy Alexander and Mark Weiner.

We also explore Mike's career transition from the beat of New York City streets to the intricate logistics of organ transport. His role as chief strategy officer at the National Kidney Registry and his current position with Mobile Network 24 underscore his commitment to the safe and efficient transport of organs. Mike provides an insider's perspective on the complex layers of planning and coordination required to ensure successful transplants, especially when time is of the essence. His insights shed light on the critical importance of reliable transport systems in saving lives.

Mike Lollo is also the host of a new podcast called “Let’s Talk Transplant!”  Mike was formerly co-host of the podcast “One is Enough,” an NKR podcast.  You can find both podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Links:

Mobile Network 24
Let’s Talk Transplant Website
Let’s Talk Transplant on Facebook
One is Enough Podcast
Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Join us as we sit down with Marilyn Day, a founding member of Transplant Village and a two-time kidney recipient who has dedicated over a decade to guiding others through the transplant journey.

In this episode, Marilyn shares how her personal story highlights the transformative power of sharing your journey to inspire action and find living donors within your social network. Discover how platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become invaluable tools for connecting patients with potential donors—reuniting people with long-lost connections, activating supportive family members who simply didn’t know, and even forging bonds with complete strangers.

Marilyn’s insights remind us that people can’t help if they don’t know how. She offers practical advice on building a supportive community and tapping into your network to create life-changing opportunities. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the power of hope, connection, and the courage to ask for help.

Links:
Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
Connect with Laurie Lee
Transplant Village
Northwestern Donor Champion Program
Living Kidney Donors Network
GiftWorks
Marilyn’s Faith Story
The Big Ask the Big Give (NKF)
Johns Hopkins Donor Champion Program
Organ Transplant Support
Tools for Patients at NKR Transplant Centers

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

In this episode, Anthony Cernera, a three-time living organ donor, opens up about his transformative journey of giving and personal healing. His story began with a simple Facebook post that sparked a deep desire to help others, leading him to donate a portion of his liver, kidney, and stem cells. These selfless acts not only changed the lives of his recipients but also had a profound impact on Anthony's own mental health, helping him navigate struggles with depression and addiction.

Anthony shares his powerful connections with his recipients, including Lance, his kidney recipient, and a leukemia patient in California, and how these bonds have supported his commitment to sobriety. He emphasizes the role of support systems and the importance of being transparent during the donor evaluation process. This episode highlights how service and connection can be healing, providing a sense of purpose and belonging, which Anthony has found through both organ donation and his involvement in recovery work.

Listen in for an uplifting reminder of how kindness and selflessness can create positive change, not only in the lives of recipients but also for the donors themselves.  This episode is a great source of hope and inspiration for kidney donors who may have to jump through some extra hoops due to their mental health history.

Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks
Three Time Living Donor Hopes to Inspire Others to Donate
Anthony Cernera in Men’s Health
Fairfield Man an Organ Donor Three Times Over

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

What would compel an American living in Germany to navigate a labyrinth of legal and cultural barriers to donate a kidney to a stranger? Join us as we uncover the incredible story of Will Johnson, whose altruistic journey sheds light on the stark contrasts between organ donation practices in the US and Germany. In this episode, recorded in a charming house near Munich, we reveal Germany's current regulations surrounding kidney exchange and the low rates of living donations that Will encountered in his quest to give the gift of life.

Embark on a transatlantic journey with us as we explore the emotional and logistical hurdles Will faced, from initial inspiration to the surprising medical discoveries along the way. Hear about the practical steps of coordinating evaluations across borders, and the varied reactions from peers and workplaces in Germany. Through Will's story, we gain a deeper understanding of the personal sacrifices and triumphs that come with kidney donation, highlighting the incredible impact of what happens when we choose to love a stranger.

Will shares: “I’ve been the recipient of much kindness and generosity throughout my life and have been blessed with good health. It felt like the right time to give back. When I learned about altruistic kidney donation, I knew without a doubt this was the perfect opportunity to do something meaningful.”

Living Kidney Donation in Germany
Global Observatory on Donation
From Germany to America: A Living Kidney Donor Story | National Kidney Foundation
Facts and myths about altruistic organ donation | Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation | Oxford Academic
Market Design Blog | Al Roth
Market Design Blog (second article) | Al Roth
Berlin Kidney Exchange Article
Living Organ Donation Donor Rate Statistics
Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

How old is too old to save a life? At the age of 74, Tom Duncan defied societal norms to become America's oldest non-directed living kidney donor, and his story will change the way you think about aging and altruism. Join us for an intimate conversation from his serene home in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where Tom recounts the journey that began with a friend's struggle with dialysis and led him to a life-altering decision. Discover the rigorous evaluation process, the misconceptions about age limits, and the emotional benefits of donation that go far beyond the physical act.

Tom's inspiring narrative challenges preconceived notions and societal perceptions. We also delve into the Living Kidney Donor Voucher Program, which enables donors to give the gift of life while providing future security for their loved ones. Despite his loved one receiving a kidney from another source, Tom's unwavering commitment to donation shines through. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the power of giving at any age!  Don't miss this chance to be inspired by stories of love, resilience, and selfless generosity.  This episode is dedicated to Ernie and David.

Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Imagine stepping into a world where giving the gift of life is made more accessible to all.  That's the transformative journey we embark on with Ruby Rorty and Rachel Watson in the latest episode of Donor Diaries, as they share the details of a program called Project Donor. Ruby, from Stephen Levitt’s Center for RISC, shares the program's genesis and its profound impact on the healthcare sector's donor eligibility dilemma. With a focus on mutable health issues, this initiative paves the way for potential donors like Rachel, who recounts her heartening story of becoming a non-directed kidney donor and how Project Donor's comprehensive resources made her life-saving contribution possible.

Transitioning from eligibility to empowerment, our conversation reveals the personal touches that set Project Donor apart. Rachel's recount of the caring gestures she received—cards to edible arrangements—post-donation, underscores the program's commitment to holistic donor care. Echoing the significance of this support are the voices of case managers, the unsung heroes from the University of Chicago's Crown School of Social Work, who ensure a seamless experience for participants. As we celebrate both the program's success and the candid, inspiring advice shared by our guests, we're reminded of the deep connections forged through shared stories of hope, health, and humanity.

Relevant Links and Resources

Radical Innovation for Social Change (RISC)
Project Donor
Project Donor Report on American Living Kidney Donation
Challenges and Opportunities Report Summary
Crown School of Social Work
Update on Victoria, first Project Donor Success Story
Twitter Community Notes
People I Mostly Admire Podcast
Anti-obesity pharmacotherapy to facilitate living kidney donation
Obesity Statistics
Multiple Reasons for Living Donor Denial: A Single Center Experience
Outcomes of Living Kidney Donor Candidate Evaluations in the Living Donor Collective Pilot Registry

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Imagine opening your heart to a complete stranger in one of the most profound ways possible. That's exactly what our guests, Josiah Wolfson and Kat Gordon, did when they each made the life-affirming decision to donate a kidney to someone they'd never met. Their compelling stories of self-discovery and transformation are sure to resonate deeply, as they recount the moments that led them to donate.

 Josiah, a former lawyer turned spiritual nomad, describes an epic pandemic filled with change and growth, where the serenity of crafting a cob house in South America became a metaphor for rebuilding his own life's purpose. His narrative is a remarkable odyssey from the courtroom to the mountains, culminating in a gift that transcends the self. Kat, on the other hand, brings us into the fold of her own initial skepticism and the journey to understanding the profound impact one person can have. Together, they peel back the layers of their experiences, revealing the personal epiphanies and societal misconceptions that often accompany the complex giving of an organ.

 We cap off this inspiring dialogue by examining the unexpected waves made by kidney donations, from the donors' enhanced health and perspectives to the creation of a tightly-knit community—a 'tribe'—bound by their shared altruistic choice. Their narratives illuminate the human capacity for connection, and the life-altering joy that stems from helping someone in need. Listen to the full episode for a heartfelt exploration of the rippling effects of kindness and the unexpected journeys that can unfold when you decide to share your most personal parts, with a stranger. 

Show Notes

Living in Paz TicToc
Living in Paz Instagram
Living in Paz YouTube (Espanol)
Living in Paz YouTube (English)
Demonstration of a non-directed donor starting a chain
The Power of non-directed donation (story)
Why we donated kidneys to strangers
What Makes a Person Decide to Donate His Kidney to a Stranger
Patty describing her non-directed donation
how the Family Voucher Program

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

LJ Dong, also known as LJ the Medium, embodies resilience and determination in her journey with Nutcracker Syndrome. Despite facing significant health challenges, LJ's refusal to discard her kidney led her on a remarkable path toward organ donation advocacy.

As the American Miss National Mrs. for 2024, LJ leverages her platform to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. Her diverse background as an ordained Interfaith Minister, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Motivational Speaker, Reiki Practitioner, and author underscores her holistic approach to health and wellness.

In her books, "The Spirit of Hope" and "Think Like a Medium, Act Like a Warrior," LJ likely shares insights into her personal struggles and triumphs, inspiring readers to embrace a warrior spirit in facing life's challenges.

Moreover, LJ's starring role in "The LJ Documentary - The Story of a Warrior Spirit" further amplifies her message of resilience and advocacy. By sharing her own story, LJ empowers others to consider the impact of organ donation and the potential for transforming lives through selfless acts of generosity.

Through LJ's advocacy efforts and unwavering determination, she not only raises awareness for Nutcracker Syndrome but also highlights the importance of organ donation, ultimately making a profound difference in the lives of those in need.

2024 Living Donor Meetup in NY
Nutcracker Syndrome Facebook Page
LJ’s Website
Documentary
Instagram
Books by LJ on Amazon

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Imagine a world where living kidney donors are compensated for their life-saving gift. A world where a severe shortage of kidneys doesn't result in the preventable deaths of over a million Americans. In this riveting dialogue, we're joined by four non-directed kidney donors - Ned Brooks, Elaine Perlman, Dr. Matt Harmody, and Cody Maynard who are the founding members of the Coalition to Modify NOTA.  This team will help us uncover the implications of the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) of 1984. Together, they propose a life-altering solution that could end the kidney transplant wait list by offering tax credits to donors.

Living kidney donation is the gold standard of kidney care. Living kidneys last on average twice as long as deceased donor kidneys. Only living organ donors can solve the kidney shortage.

One percent of all Federal taxes that are collected is spent on patients in end stage renal disease. Every time someone gets a kidney transplant, an American can not only survive but begin to thrive again while taxpayers save money. In twenty years, the number of living kidney donors declined seven percent while the number of Americans on the kidney wait list doubled. The need for kidneys rises by seven percent per year. One million Americans will have kidney failure by the year 2030.

In today’s podcast episode we will discuss how modifying NOTA could end the transplant wait list.

Show Links

Coalition to Modify NOTA website

Join the Coalition

Bios for the 4 Founders of the Coalition

Most Americans Support Compensating Donors

The Ethics of Transplant by Janet Radcliffe Richards

The Ethics of Rewarding Living Donors symposium video 1, video 2, and video 3

A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Government Compensation of Kidney Donors 

Would Government Compensation of Living Kidney Donors Exploit the Poor? An Empirical Analysis

The Terrible Toll of the Kidney Shortage

Removing Disincentives to Kidney Donation: A Quantitative Analysis

Reducing the Shortage of Transplant Kidneys: A Lost Opportunity for the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

The Government Can Save the Lives of more than 40,000 Kidney Failure Patients Each Year by Compensating Living Kidney Donors

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Diane Lee Reporting Live with 1 Less Kidney

Diane Lee is an Emmy nominated anchor and two-time Emmy Award winning reporter with more than 20 years of broadcast news experience.

Diane is currently the 7NEWS Consumer Anchor. Her exclusive reports focus on warning them about scams as well as highlighting money saving tips and investigating consumer issues. Diane’s “Here to Help” focus gives her a platform to assist viewers with any issues or questions they have, something that aligns with her desire to uplift others (a value that led her to donate a kidney to a stranger in 2023).

In this episode of Donor Diaries, we get a peek into Diane’s brain, just 3 weeks post-surgery to get a view of what donation looks and feels like right after it happens!  Laurie and Diane discuss some of the surprises that can emerge post donation.  Not just the physical kind, but the mental and emotional ones that sometimes pop up when we attach to specific outcomes for ourselves or our recipients.

More About Diane

In 2023 Diane won an SCBA Star Award for Investigative Reporting after her story “Before You Sell” helped an Upstate couple save their home. In 2018, she was nominated for Best Anchor among broadcasters throughout the Southeast including the Atlanta market. Prior to that, Diane won a Southeast Regional Emmy Award for a story she did on protecting oneself from identity theft and an Emmy for her investigative story on a debt collection scam.

Before joining WSPA, Diane worked as a weekday morning anchor for FOX23 News in Albany, N.Y., an evening anchor at WYOU, the CBS affiliate in Scranton, Pa, and an Anchor/Reporter at WRNN, a cable news station covering the Hudson Valley counties north of New York City.

In addition to her work in TV news, Diane loves to sing. She performs frequently with the Spartanburg Jazz Ensemble and Spartanburg Community Band. Diane produced a Christmas CD for the Children’s Miracle Network, and the project raised $20,000 for the non-profit in 6 weeks. 

Diane graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She lives in Greenville with her husband, elementary age daughter and middle school age son. She is also an avid jogger and hiker.

Links

Diane’s Website

Diane Lee 7News Consumer Anchor

Diane Lee Here to Help!

NKR Microsites

NKR Donor Shield

Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation

Story that Inspired Diane to Donate

Jamar’s News Story

Living Donors Online

Living Kidney Donors Support Group

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

There’s a wide range of reasons why kidney transplant is available to some, but not all.  Imagine the lives that could be saved worldwide if we organized a globally inclusive kidney exchange.  What could be possible if we could break down borders and share kidneys with other countries?

Meet Dr. Satish Nadig, Chief of Transplant, and the Director of the Comprehensive Transplant Center at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.  He’s an innovator and visionary, and in this episode, we get to pick his brain to learn about Northwestern and the small network of Transplant Centers pioneering an effort to increase transplants through international kidney exchange.   

Kidney failure is a global problem and is among the leading causes of death worldwide.  The kidney shortage is not a problem unique to the United States although it’s perpetuated here by the high occurrence of diabetes and high blood pressure. 
The barriers to transplant in economically developed countries are different from those in developing countries, but regardless, kidney failure in both rich and poor countries is sadly a death sentence for many.  Barriers to patients receiving a kidney transplant should be identified and removed. 

All kidney patients benefit from having access to a large pool of kidney donors.  The bigger the pool, the higher the likelihood of finding a good donor match.  This is especially important for hard to match patients that have high levels of HLA antibodies.  It’s just statistically more difficult for these patients to find a match. 

But many people who need a kidney transplant live in a small country where the pool of donors is small or worse, they might live in a country that doesn’t even have a transplant center.  Other kidney patients might live in a country with restrictions that only allow a direct blood relative to donate- having a friend or stranger donate to them isn’t an option like it is in the United States.  And in some countries, it’s possible to get a transplant, but paired exchanges are not allowed which really limits the patient’s options and access to transplant. 

Join Laurie Lee and Dr. Nadig to learn about the future of International Kidney Exchange at Northwestern Medicine and hear some inspiring stories about the lives already being saved as we start to eliminate the artificial barriers between country lines.

Links:

Northwestern Medicine Organ Transplantation Program: Quality, Innovation, Education
Northwestern Comprehensive Transplant Center
Dr. Satish Nadig Profile
Experimental Strategies in Organ Transplantation with Satish Nadig
Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation
Al Roth on Global Kidney Exchange and More
Global Kidney Exchange: opportunity or exploitation?

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Exchanging kidneys is a complicated process that involves multiple collaborations between kidney patients, living donors, transplant centers, insurance companies, airlines and more.  It’s truly remarkable if you stop to think about the number of people and organizations that need to come together to make 1 paired exchange possible.  We only started exchanging kidneys between non-compatible pairs a little over 20 years ago, so it’s a somewhat new process.  Have you ever wondered how this was made possible?

Meet Nobel Laureate Al Roth who is an economist and Stanford University professor.  Al designs markets.  He’s one of the prominent players who has made kidney exchange possible.  In a nutshell, his work has revolutionized kidney exchange around the world by using economic theory to make kidneys more available.

In October 2012, Al was the co-recipient of the 2012 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, together with Lloyd S. Shapley, for “ the theory of stable allocations and the practice of market design."

Al Roth is well known for his application of economics to real world problems.  In this podcast episode we touch a wide range of topics ranging from paired exchanges, prostitution, surrogacy, and more.  All of these markets are examples of repugnant markets.  Kidney Donation can be characterized as a repugnant market, and Al will tell us all about it! 

Show Notes

Abundant/ CrowdSource for Life Film
Al Roth’s Blog
Al Roth’s Website
Freakonomics Make Me a Match Episode with Al Roth

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Meet Phillip Hanks, a walking miracle!  

Philip had his first liver transplant in 2007 and lived an active life. Then in 2019, extreme pain sent him back to the hospital where he received horrifying news. Not only did he need a new liver, but he needed a new stomach, intestines, pancreas, and kidney.  Two different transplant centers turned him away before Indiana University accepted his case and agreed to try the risky surgery which basically involved removing all of his organs and replacing them with donor organs.  

Phillip not only survived but is thriving after a 5-organ transplant during the pandemic.  Join Laurie and Philip for a riveting story about hope, faith, perseverance, and what it means to never give up.  

Philip is open to connecting to anyone who needs a shot of inspiration and can be reached at Phillipohanks@gmail.com

Buy Hanks’ book, My Story God's Glory: The Story of A Walking Miracle

On Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Apple Books
Google Play

Register as an organ donor today!

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Do you ever stop to think about the effectiveness of the time and attention you put towards making a difference?   We all have the power to make the world a better place, but what could be possible if we all put more thought into maximizing our personal and financial resources?

Welcome to the world of Effective Altruism (EA) with non-directed kidney donor Dylan Matthews, a senior correspondent from Vox’s section Future Perfect.  Future Perfect reports on people and institutions trying to do the most good for the world they can.  Kidney donation is an unusually good way of help somebody, such that a given amount of effort goes an unusually long way.  And that’s what Effective Altruism is all about. 

In this episode, Dylan walks us through the EA Movement, and discusses how many people in the EA Community are kidney donors.  Come check out the EA Community with us and take a look at the practical thinking that supports living kidney donation as an effective way to truly make a difference.

Show Notes

Future Perfect
Givewell
Giving What You Can Pledge
Animal Charity Evaluators
The Kindest Cut in the New Yorker
Alexander Berger, 80,000 Hours
Josh Morrison
Waitlist Zero
Community Tax Aid
VITA
Center for Effective Altruism

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered why some people have a powerful drive to donate a kidney or liver to a stranger, while others would never consider such a thing?

Professor Abigail Marsh has spent over a decade answering this question through studies on topics such as altruism, empathy, and the depths of human nature.  She answers complex questions such as:  How do we understand what others think and feel? What drives us to help other people? What prevents us from harming them

Abby’s Laboratory on Social & Affective Neuroscience is located at Georgetown University.   Her lab’s research includes behavioral and brain imaging investigations of human social behaviors ranging from extraordinary altruism to serious conduct problems in children, adolescents, and adults.  She is also author of the book, The Fear Factor, which examines how one emotion (fear), connects altruists, psychopaths, and everyone in between. 

Come take a tour of your brain with Abby Marsh and Laurie Lee, and explore the extremes of human generosity and the mechanisms underlying our capacity for empathy and ability to identify fear.

Showlinks:
Prof. Abigail Marsh’s Website
The Fear Factor
Abigail Marsh’s Ted Talk
Publications
Abigail Marsh on 60 Minutes
National Kidney Donation Organization

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

In 2018 Martha donated a kidney to a woman she read about in the newspaper. She co-authored a book, Kidney to Share, published by Cornell University Press, about that experience and has given presentations at more than 35 transplant clinics, medical schools, and bioethics centers on her experience as a living kidney donor. 

In today’s episode, we discuss donor disincentives- the factors that can make it difficult for somebody to donate a kidney, even though they may really want to.  Martha breaks these disincentives into 3 categories: logistics, psychosocial and financial.  The top 3 disincentives facing donors are the cost of travel and lodging associated with donation, loss of income while recovering from surgery, and cost of home and/or dependent care during the donor’s recovery.  

Martha speaks candidly about her donation experience and how some of these disincentives made it difficult to donate a kidney.  She also discusses how the disincentives she experienced may disproportionately affect a donor with a different background than her. 

About Martha:
Martha Gershun is a nonprofit consultant, writer, and community volunteer with over 40 years of leadership experience in Fortune 500 corporations, start-up ventures, and non-profit organizations.  Gershun graduated with a B.A. cum laude from Harvard University and holds an M.B.A. with first year honors from the Harvard Business School, where she studied marketing, service operations, and customer experience.  She earned a graduate diploma in Economics from the University of Stirling, Scotland, where she was a Rotary International Fellow. 

References
Removing Disincentives to Kidney Donation
Kidney to Share
Martha Gershun

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

According to United Network of Organ Sharing, only 133 living donors in the entire U.S. have donated both a kidney and a portion of their liver to two different recipients.  A few years back, this was very uncommon, but more recently, we have been seeing it in the news more and more.  Many transplant centers won’t even entertain the idea of letting someone donate twice, however other transplant centers are taking a second look, and essentially asking, well, why not?  If the donor is emotionally and physically fit to donate a second time, then let them donate.

Today’s guest is double donor extraordinaire Lynn Bolduc who donated a kidney and a portion of her liver, both to strangers about 8 years apart.  Lynn tells an emotional story about a traumatic experience when she was 14, that ultimately led her down the path of organ donation later in life.  Her kidney donation story and her liver donation story are vastly different and illustrate that not all donation stories have the ending that we planned for.  Tune in to hear Lynn’s brave, bold, and vulnerable story about inspiring hope. 

Links
CrowdSource for Life
1 Year Survival Rate Post Transplant
Missouri Farmer Lives 56 Years Post Transplant
National Kidney Donation Organization

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Welcome to Season 2 of Donor Diaries!

To kick of season 2, we are going to jump into some basics about kidney donation- some helpful Q&A for anyone out there who may identify as donor-curious.  You’ll also get a peak onto Season 2, and hear about some of our upcoming guests!
Kelly Schmitt, Patty Graham and Emily Wise are not only living kidney donors themselves, but they work full time educating potential donors through a program called Donor Connect, a donor mentor program facilitated by the National Kidney Donation Organization.  
This mentor program serves potential kidney donors from over 30 transplant centers affiliated with the National Kidney Registry.  
Early data shows that a living kidney donor candidate is more likely to continue through the organ donation testing process if they talk to a living donor mentor.
This is important, this leads to more people donating kidneys which is what we all want.
Today’s guests talk to about 400 potential living kidney donors a month each!  They are likely talking to more potential donors each month than anyone in the whole country, which is pretty amazing.  
In this episode, we will cover the most common questions these donor mentors get asked about living kidney donation.

• What if I donate a kidney but then need a kidney later?
• What if I start the donation process, and then change my mind?
• What’s the process to be approved for donation, and how long does it take?
• How long will I need to take off work?
• Can you drink alcohol after you donate a kidney?
• Will I still be able to be active physically after I donate a kidney?
• What if I get tested, and find out I’m not a match for my intended recipient?
• Can non-directed donors meet their kidney recipient?
• What changes do I have to make to my diet post donation?
• What advice would you give me going into this, that you may have not known?
• Can I donate if not vaccinated?
• If my recipient is in another state, will I have to travel there to donate?
• How long do you stay in the hospital after you donate?
• Are there out of pocket expenses I have to worry about?

Show Links

National Kidney Donation Organization

Donor Connect Mentor Program

Donor FAQ Panel:  The Living Kidney Donor Experience

Patricia Graham "Go Save a Life" at Ignite Boulder 35

Kelly Schmitt on NPR “The Generosity Spectrum”

Kelly Schmitt’s Story

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Welcome to Donor Diaries’ Season 1 closer!
 
In Season 1 of Donor Diaries, we covered a range of topics.  We covered how to ask somebody for a kidney, the pains and history of dialysis, how to manifest a kidney, kidney chains, living donor protections, the racial disparity that exists in our current transplant system, the economic value of a kidney, kidney donor athletes who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Insider’s guide to living donation, and the exciting world of bone marrow.  Phew, what a great year!  In Episode 12 we revisit some highlights from Season 1 and catch up with Johnna and Mary from Episode 1, to see how Johnna is doing post-transplant, and Mary, post-donation.  We also check in with the Kidney Donor Athletes who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, summiting on World Kidney Day!

Over 100,000 people are out there right now waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant.  At least 13 people die a day waiting for one they never get.  Plain and simple- living donation solves this problem, this is a solvable problem! We have close to a dozen living donors on Donor Diaries this season, and they are all living proof that someone who donates a kidney goes on to live a totally normal and healthy life and has the same life expectancy of somebody with two kidneys.  Is living donation meant for everyone?  No, absolutely not!  But, it is a great option for some, that saves and improves lives of everyday people like you and me.  You don’t have to wait until you die to donate a kidney.  You can do it now and see the ripple effect of your donation while you are still alive.

We are taking a short break to start working on Season 2 of Donor Diaries, and hope you join us for Season 2 at the end of summer 2022.  Season 2 will feature more exciting transplant topics and human-interest stories about living kidney donation meant to educate and inspire!
 
Show Notes
Donor Diaries Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/DonorDiariesPodcast
CrowdSource for Life Documentary:  https://www.crowdsourceforlife.com/index.php
National Kidney Donation Organization:  https://www.nkdo.org/
National Organ Donation Registry:  https://www.organdonor.gov/

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee

Send us a text

Meet donor extraordinaire Jeramy Davies.  He’s not only a bone marrow expert, but he is a two-time donor, having donated both bone marrow and a kidney to the same person.  This in itself is unique to have donated twice, but so is his story.  Jeramy and his recipient Kelly have not only crushed her Hodgkin's Lymphoma together, but they have created a lifetime bond through the process.

For the thousands of people diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, a cure exists. They can get a bone marrow transplant and be cured of their disease.  Over the past 30 years Be the Match operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, has managed the most diverse marrow registry in the world. They work every day to save lives through transplant.

Check out this incredible story of two strangers brought together by chance, who share much more with one another than kidneys and bone marrow.

Show Links

Join the Bone Marrow Registry

Learn more about living kidney donation (NKDO)

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
GiftWorks Website
Connect with Laurie Lee