We’re privileged to share a conversation with a remarkable individual who has experienced the donation process firsthand. Hannah Fleming, a dedicated nurse from the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Surgical team, has been a part of donor recoveries with Lifebanc.  Hannah lovingly shares her experiences as an O.R. nurse and the profound bond she feels with every organ recovery case she’s been a part of.

You can hear Abbie’s echo in Matthew Carey’s voice if you listen very closely. Matthew Carey, a former firefighter and EMTP-P, knows firsthand through his whirlwind experience of needing a heart transplant to survive that life is fragile. His 15-year-old daughter, Abbie, echoed the hero who saved her father and decided to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Matthew never expected the heartwrenching circumstances of agreeing to fulfill his daughter’s decision. Listen to this moving story about...

Tanya’s journey as a kidney warrior began when she was only eight, diagnosed with a condition known as IgA nephropathy. This disease significantly altered the course of her life. Despite the challenges, she was fortunate enough to receive a kidney donation from her mother. As we commemorate March, recognized as Kidney Awareness Month, we highlight the narrative of Tanya Stehler. Tanya is not just a long-time kidney patient, but she’s also a passionate advocate in the kidney community. Listen...

The Fashion for Life Show is just around the corner. This exclusive event, a collaboration between MOTTEP and TRIO, is unlike any other, featuring models and escorts whose lives have been impacted by organ donation. Whether they’ve received the gift of life or are still waiting, these special people are a testament to the urgency of our cause. We must seize this opportunity to raise awareness. Our guests, Linda Kimble, Executive Director of MOTTEP, and Fatima Wood, a dialysis patient eagerly...

Each year-end, Lifebanc reviews the number of lives impacted by the generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors in northeast Ohio. It is humbling to report that organ donors saved 570 lives, and an additional 1,185 lives were enhanced through the gift of tissue. Although these numbers are incredible, we know that our work is not yet complete, and challenges have to be overcome to make “saving more lives” more than just something we say. Lifebanc CEO Gordon Bowen and Lifebanc COO Micah Davis...

It was a beautiful day on the shores of Lake Erie. Lee Weber and his two sons, Alex and Jacob, who were 9 and 7 at the time, were spending time on a family camping trip. Some of the group, including Lee and Jacob, decided to check out the Conneaut Light House. Part of the adventure was to get to the lighthouse, which required a quick swim through a gap of missing boulders in the break wall. While walking and exploring the lighthouse, the winds began to shift, and Lake Erie kicked up swiftly,...

When Linda Liberator learned that her son Eric was in stage 5 kidney failure and would need a transplant, she knew exactly what she needed to do. Linda went to the University Hospital of Cleveland Transplant Institute and began being tested as a potential living donor. Image her delight when she was told she was a perfect match!  However, as Linda and Eric got farther in the process, it was determined that the match wasn’t so perfect after all. Listen as Linda shares the twists and turns of...

Many families have experienced a sudden and unexpected tragedy that results in their loved one becoming a donor. Although giving the gift of life and sight to others is a noble act, these families still feel their loss profoundly and forever. Our guest on this episode is Angie Gates-Stefan, the sister of Rob Gates, and she shares her family’s story and what she’s doing to remember, honor, and celebrate Rob twenty-two years after his passing.

April 28, 2010, was a typical day when 16-year-old Erin Ehrbar and her 13-year-old brother, Andrew, pulled out of the driveway on their way to school. Their car was struck in the side, and neither Erin nor Andrew survived. Listen as Lifebanc Donor Family Counsel member Laura DePiero discusses the complicated mix of grief and loss at a time when the world seems to be celebrating. She also shares how, over time, celebrations and traditions can take on new meaning when thinking of the ones we...

National Eye Donation Awareness Month occurs every November as a reminder to give the gift of sight as a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor – but perhaps more importantly, to remind us all how precious vision is in our daily lives. Almost 20 million Americans – or 8% of the U.S. population – have visual impairments. Visual impairments, including blindness, are one of the leading causes of loss of independence among people aged 65 and older. We talk with individuals from Eversight, the...

Hospital scenes – where there is trauma, tragedy, and unexpected loss – are often chaotic and emotional. In times of shock and disbelief, individuals may feel numb and can have difficulty accepting that a loss has occurred or is occurring. In these very darkest moments, a gentle and calming presence is required. Enter a member of the hospital’s pastoral care team. On this episode of Let’s Talk About Life, we get a deeper insight into the vital role of the pastoral care team as they journey...

Lifebanc covers 20 counties in Northeast Ohio, serves approximately 4.2 million individuals, and includes several large cities, including Cleveland. The depth of complexity is unimaginable when providing services to a population of this size. Especially ensuring citizens are safe and have access to housing, food, and healthcare. We know that organ donation and transplantation are a tiny fraction of what’s on the minds of those governing the City of Cleveland. However, with diabetes &...

Last week, we discussed the loss of a young man, Trenton Riggins-Walker. Trenton died by suicide. We continue the conversation with Bill Walker and Kolnita Riggins-Walker to learn how they put their grief into action by creating a safe space for other young people called Trent’s Room. Also, Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Manager of Bereavement Services, provides insight into grief resources for those left after a loved one completes suicide.

The unthinkable occurred when Bill and Kolnita Riggins-Walker’s son Trenton died by suicide. Trent had struggled with mental health issues, but his death still came as a shock. Listen to Part One of a poignant story as they take us on a journey of parenting an intelligent, talented, and unique young man, their devastating loss, and what organ, eye, and tissue donation has meant to them. Call 988 – the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are...

Charlene Johnson-Boyd shares her story of being diagnosed with heart failure and told there was nothing more doctors could do because of her age. Charlene wouldn’t take no for an answer and was told of a transplant center that would include her in their program—a compelling journey and discussion about aging and transplantation.

Lifebanc is committed to supporting donor families long after losing a loved one. There are many programs and events available, a list of which can be found on our website under the “For Families” tab. However, a new and uniqueprogram centers around donor family members helping other donor families through the Peer Grief Companion Program.Listen as Elissa Berman, Bereavement Services Manager, and two donor wives, Nicole Allen Banks and Mary Berry, discuss the program and why it’suniquely...

When it comes to organ, eye, and tissue donation, the number-one misconception is that medical personnel won’t try to save your life if you’re a registered donor. Even though it’s completely false, that misconception is pervasive, especially in black communities. In this week’s episode, listen to a family of color address the misconception head-on. Before starting at Lifebanc, Community Outreach Program Manager Edmund Wilson and his sister Demetria Tutt participated in the honor...

August is a busy month, but we must slow down and learn about Minority Donor Awareness. We talk with an expert on the subject, Linda Kimble from MOTTEP, donor mom, […]

In 2014, with two failing lungs, the future wasn’t looking too bright for Griff Hill. As a father of two and a husband to his wife Linda, Griff had a […]

As a teacher in the Shaker Heights Schools, Chante Thomas knows kids. She put her expertise to use when becoming a published author. Her characters tell us about their culture […]

Meet Edmund Wilson III going above and beyond in his new position as Community Outreach Program Manager. Edmund went through baptism by fire when he started at Lifebanc at the […]

Jennifer Ackerman loved to sing. Ever since the fourth grade, she had been part of a choir in some way. But on what was to be a normal Sunday morning, […]

As a young boy, Garrison Markins endured a medical history that prevented him from playing and being active. As he grew older, doctors saw much improvement and cleared him to […]

Tiffany Lang, BSN, RN, NE-BC, is the nurse manager for an Intensive Care Unit at the Cleveland Clinic. She works with a team of approximately 100 individuals and many other groups. […]