As discussed in part one of this conversation, Gordon Bowen has dedicated his 38-year career to organ, eye, and tissue donation. He has held various positions in this field, ranging from procurement coordinator to regional administrator at the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Gordon moved to Cleveland in 2005 and became the CEO of Lifebanc in 2006. He has created a significant legacy throughout his career by saving and healing thousands of lives in northeast Ohio. In our continued conversation with Gordon, we explore the future of organ donation, as well as his personal journey.

As the year ends, Gordon Bowen, the CEO of Lifebanc, will conclude his remarkable career in the organ procurement field at the end of 2024. For 24 years, Gordon has been a dedicated, pioneering, and compassionate leader at Lifebanc. Many may not know that he has devoted his entire professional life to the donation field. We are honored to have Gordon with us to discuss his career, share some highlights and memorable experiences, and explore what the future holds. Listen to Part One of this candid conversation with Gordon.

Each year, we dedicate a podcast episode to talk about grief and the holidays because supporting those who have suffered a loss at the end of the year is essential. Whether that loss is recent or years ago, it changes a family and how holidays are celebrated. Lifebanc expert on the subject, Elissa Berman, Manager of Bereavement Services, provides guidance and helpful information, and leading off the conversation is Marlene Shay, a donor mom who lost her son Adam on January 8, 2014.

Tammy Horvat was a vibrant, healthy wife, mom, and community member. She worked full-time as a manager and was always on the go when suddenly, she began to feel tired, then exhausted. In a few weeks, Tammy’s world was turned upside down when, shockingly, her husband found her unresponsive on the couch. Tammy was in liver and kidney failure.

Jack was only a young boy when he was told, “Daddy went to heaven.” He was also told that his dad had taken his own life. As we move through September, we must stop and learn more about the importance of Suicide Prevention Awareness. This is the time to raise awareness of this urgently significant crisis. The purpose of this observance is to shift the perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help. […]

Robert Horsey, RN, BSN, CPTC, CCTC, and CEO of Gifted Productions, has worked in organ procurement organizations and two transplant centers and is certified in donation and transplantation. Who better to share meaningful stories with to inspire, encourage, and educate the masses? Robert is also the author of the book Gifted and the producer of a docu-series of the same name, which tells real-life stories of the courage of donor families and those facing transplantation. Statistically, about 90% of the US population supports the idea of organ donation, but only 56% are registered donors in Ohio. We do know that when […]

Rodney is a professional musician, the former music director and keyboard player for the Spinners in the 1970s. He toured the world and still plays music in two bands. However, the music almost stopped when his kidneys failed due to COVID-19, and spending 14 days on a ventilator. Rodney shares his story and how he ended up coming to Cleveland to receive a lifesaving kidney transplant in April of this year.

To lose one family member is heartbreaking, but the loss of two at the same time is unimaginable. When Bob Reisinger’s daughter and granddaughter were killed in a terrible accident, the thought of moving forward was overwhelming. One of Bob’s friends invited him to attend the Gift of Life Walk & Run and it made an impact that Bob still feels today. Listen as Bob shares his reasons for participating in this unique event year after year.

This episode of “Let’s Talk About Life” is about celebrating! We are taking time to acknowledge a huge accomplishment, the tenth anniversary of the opening of Transplant House of Cleveland. If you’re unfamiliar with Transplant House of Cleveland, it’s a nonprofit organization providing affordable, temporary housing and a welcoming, supportive community to organ transplant patients and their families. This community is not just a group of people, but a network of support and understanding, making Transplant House of Cleveland a compassionate home-away-from-home. Elaine Turley, Executive Director, and Aaron Babcock, Manager of Communications and the Annual Fund, will discuss the beauty […]

Join us as we delve into Angela Voisard’s heart-wrenching story about her fourth child, Bella, a beautiful baby whose life took an unexpected turn after two months. An emergency visit to Akron Children’s Hospital brought to light the stark reality that Bella’s life was hanging by a thread. Don’t miss our enlightening conversation with Bella’s mom and her Pediatric Cardiologist from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Dr. Shahnawaz Amdani. We’ll discover the unique complexities of pediatric transplantation, Bella’s extraordinary journey, and the pressing issue of dwindling pediatric organ donors. This discussion could reshape your understanding of pediatric health issues and perhaps […]

As Father’s Day approached, we had a conversation with Ryan Dornon, a father who lost his almost two-year-old daughter, Kinsley. Ryan shared their unimaginable story and talked about his journey through the immense grief he feels. Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Bereavement Services Manager, provided insights and information on the grieving process and ways to recognize specific differences of grieving men.

The Kidney Foundation of Ohio has assisted hundreds of individuals burdened with kidney disease since the 1950s. It has an esteemed but surprising history and a direct connection to organ donation and patient assistance programs that put dollars in the hands of those who need help the most. Learn more about this “little organization that could” on this episode, featuring guests Kelly Dowling, Executive Director, and Jennifer Clegg, Client Services and Community Manager of the KFO.

Lifebanc Bereavement Services Department has a stellar history of providing support and care to grieving families. We’re committed to continually enhancing our services for relatives of organ, eye, and tissue donors, a key part of which includes facilitating correspondence between donor families and recipients. Over the years, some common questions have been asked, such as why some donor families or recipients haven’t received any communication from the other party. Dena Balk, our Bereavement Services Coordinator, and Counselor addresses these complex matters in a dedicated episode. After tuning in, if you wish to delve deeper into the topic, we invite you […]

Relax in a cozy chair at Rival Barber Lounge and immerse yourself in the ambiance. You’ll feel like you’re part of an engaging conversation. Edmund Wilson III, the Lifebanc Community Outreach Program Manager, assumes the role of podcast host, exploring the neighborhood and discussing organ, eye, and tissue donation. Edmund and the owner of Rival Barber Lounge, Aaron Turpin, are joined by Michael Fordham, a kidney transplant recipient. They have an honest and open discussion about his transplant experience, the mistrust in the medical field, and the importance of everyone making a donation decision.

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 life received and then given.

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 to her story now!

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 awaiting a transplant, understand this need better than anyone. They embody our mission, and their participation gives the event […]

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 join us for this episode. Gordon and Micah are the guiding forces for Lifebanc and what […]

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, as it is known to do. […]