In this heartfelt episode, host Marion Shuck sits down with Laura Keenon, a nurse and donor wife, to explore the profound experiences of love, loss, and healing through organ and tissue donation. Laura shares her journey with her late husband Jeramiah, their shared advocacy for donation, and how his legacy continues to inspire her work. From navigating grief to becoming an advocate for the Gift of Hope, Laura’s story is one of resilience, service, and community. Whether you're a donor family, recipient, or simply curious about the impact of organ donation, this episode offers inspiration and insight into the life-saving power of giving.

All major religions in the U.S. support organ donation and view it as the ultimate act of love and generosity. For many people, faith plays an important role in the decision to register as a donor. In celebration of Gift of Hope's Faith and Hope Month, we are rebroadcasting this episode with Michael Zedek, Rabbi Emeritus of Emanuel Congregation, who shares what Judaism teaches about organ and tissue donation.

For more information, check out: https://giftofhope.org/faithandhope/

In this episode, we explore disparities in kidney transplant access, focusing on the underserved and minority communities. With over 90,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant in the U.S., and a significant portion coming from marginalized backgrounds, the barriers to equitable access are both complex and urgent.

Join us as Dr. Keith Melancon, a distinguished general surgeon and former Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Director at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, discusses the social determinants of health that influence diagnosis and treatment, the impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare access, and the political and cultural factors affecting organ donation and transplantation.

Learn about the importance of early diagnosis, the consequences of limited access to care, and the need for increased awareness and advocacy in minority communities, plus what steps can be taken to address these disparities and ensure a fairer healthcare system where everyone has an equal opportunity for life-saving treatments.

Guest: Dr. Keith Melancon, Professor of Surgery and Director of George Washington University Transplant Institute