Transplant Talks

One Kidney and the Boston Marathon

Mike is a business owner, tattoo artist, and marathoner. He ran the Boston Marathon just 32 days after donating his kidney to a stranger. The same strength and determination that led Mike to pursue sobriety more than ten years ago led him to not even think twice when he learned his friend and running buddy needed a kidney. He donated a kidney anonymously at University of Colorado Hospital‬ to receive a voucher from the National Kidney Foundation which moved his friend to the top of the waitlist for a kidney from a matching living donor. He says, "It felt right...I had no anxiety or hesitation."
For more information on organ transplantation: 
https://www.americantransplantfoundation.orgwww.livingliverdonation.comFollow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTikTokX

Miss Tampa Part 2

Casana Fink is an author, entrepreneur, Miss America Contestant, and organ donation advocate. Casana knows she wants to be a living donor at some point but isn't sure on the right timing. In this episode of Transplant Talks, co-hosts Anastasia Henry and Rachel Davis, MD, talk through this decision with Casana Fink. They discuss the differences between living kidney versus liver donation and explore various concerns and considerations.
For more information on organ transplantation: 
https://www.americantransplantfoundation.orgwww.livingliverdonation.comFollow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTikTokX

Miss Tampa Part 1

Miss Tampa, Casana Fink, is an author, entrepreneur, Miss America contestant, and organ donation advocate. After her father received an organ transplant in 2013, she has devoted herself to championing this cause. Anastasia Henry, Executive Director of the American Transplant Foundation joins psychiatrist and living liver donor, Rachel Davis, MD, to talk with Casana about her own experiences, her advocacy work, and some fun beauty tips!
For more information on organ transplantation: 
https://www.americantransplantfoundation.orgwww.livingliverdonation.comFollow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTikTokX

Molly and Lydia's Story - Living Liver Donation

Lydia donated more than half of her liver to her childhood friend, Molly, just a few months ago.  They are both incredible people, and their story is one of perseverance, strength, and the strongest kind of friendship. Due to their religious beliefs, they did not want to receive blood products, and they had the utmost confidence in their surgeon, Dr. Abhi Humar, and his team at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
For more information on organ transplantation: 
https://www.americantransplantfoundation.orgwww.livingliverdonation.comFollow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTikTokX
 

Exploring the Psychology of Altruism

🎙️Audio only (Originally published April 9, 2024)
Season 1, Episode 6
Dr. Marsh, a professor of psychology and an altruism researcher at Georgetown University, collaborates with our Director of Psychological Services, Dr. Tyler Branagan, alongside our host and psychiatrist, Dr. Rachel Davis.
Together, they delve into the driving forces behind altruism and how it manifests in the actions of living donors!

Dr. Abigail Marsh: Altruism Researcher

🎙️Audio only (Originally published February 16, 2024)
Season 1, Episode 5
Dr. Marsh is an altruism researcher at Georgetown University. She interviews Dr. Rachel Davis about her altruistic living liver donation and what motivates altruistic giving, especially among living donors. Tune in to listen to this thought-provoking episode.

Barbara and Casey - Living Liver Donation and COVID-19

🎙️Audio only (Originally published January 31, 2024)
Season 1, Episode 4
In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Barbara Gould, who, after a grueling battle with COVID-19, received a life-saving liver transplant from Casey Czerpak, a selfless living donor.
We'll talk about their moving journey, the challenges they faced, and how their experience deeply affected their families, highlighting the incredible impact of organ donation. Join us to discover their inspiring tale of hope, resilience, and the powerful connection forged through this act of kindness.

Double Donation - Brandi Thornton & Dr. Whitney Jackson

🎙️Audio only (Originally aired December 1, 2023)
Season 1, Episode 3
In this episode of Transplant Talks, we're thrilled to welcome Brandi Thornton, a double living donor, and Dr. Whitney Jackson, our Medical Director of Living Donor Liver Transplantation. Brandi shares her inspiring journey as a double donor, offering unique insights into her experiences. Dr. Jackson delves into the vital and transformative role of living organ donation, providing expert perspectives. Additionally, they explore Colorado's leading role in altruistic organ donations across the nation. 

First Robotic Living Liver Donation in the Rocky Mountain Region

🎙️Audio only (Originally published November 1, 2023)
Season 1, Episode 2 
In this month's Transplant Talks episode, we feature Danel Kuhlmann, Colorado’s first robotic living liver donor. She is not only a living liver donor but also a kidney donor to her mother. She compares her traditional kidney donation to this cutting-edge robotic procedure with wonder, detailing the minimal incisions and the technology's potential to change living donation as we know it.
Just a month after her surgery, Danel is doing more than recovering; she's thriving and finding joy in the simple things in life. Tune in to hear her discuss her remarkable experience as a double living donor.

Hispanic Heritage Month - Dr. Sixto Giusti

🎙️Audio Only (Originally published October 13, 2023)
Season 1, Episode 1
This month, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are excited to have Dr. Sixto Giusti joining us. Dr. Giusti is a nephrologist and is the Director of the Hispanic Transplant Clinic at our center. In this episode we discuss our Hispanic Clinic, living kidney donation and some frequently asked questions about kidney donation.