Shows
Cleveland's CEOs You Should KnowKatie Payne, CEO LifebancKatie Payne is the Chief Executive Officer of Lifebanc, Northeast Ohio’s only nonprofit organ and tissue recovery organization. A registered nurse and healthcare leader with nearly two decades of experience in transplant and donation services, Katie brings deep clinical expertise and a personal passion for saving lives through donation.Her journey into this work is rooted in personal loss—her brother Billy became a donor after a tragic accident, an experience that profoundly shaped her sense of vocation. Prior to joining Lifebanc, Katie served as Executive Director at LifeLink of Georgia, where she led operations across clinical serv...
2025-06-0311 min
Let's Talk About LifeA Grateful Good-Bye Part TwoAs 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.
2024-12-2016 minLet's Talk About LifeA Grateful Good-ByeAs 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 […]
2024-12-1017 minLet's Talk About LifeA Grateful Good-ByeAs 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.
2024-12-1017 minLet's Talk About LifeGrief and the HolidaysEach 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.
2024-11-1224 minLet's Talk About LifeGrieving Loss on Father's DayAs 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.
2024-06-1127 minLet's Talk About LifeConsidering Donor-Recipient Communication?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 invi...
2024-05-1420 minLet's Talk About LifeNeighborhood Shop TalkRelax 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.
2024-04-3019 minLet's Talk About LifeDonate Life Month MessageWe’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.
2024-04-0219 minLet's Talk About LifeLife by the NumbersEach 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 […]
2024-02-0622 minLet's Talk About LifeGrieving Through the HolidaysApril 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 love who are no longer with us. Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Bereavement Services Program Manager, provides […]
2023-12-1228 minLet's Talk About LifeA Lifelong Public ServantLifebanc 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 & hypertension ravaging communities, more individuals are ending up on dialysis and potentially on the organ transplant waiting list. Listen to a candid conversation with Edmund Wilson […]
2023-10-3122 minLet's Talk About LifeA Lifelong Public ServantLifebanc 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 […]
2023-10-3122 minLet's Talk About LifeAn Unimaginable Loss Part TwoLast 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.
2023-10-1724 minLet's Talk About LifeAn Unimaginable LossThe 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 worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
2023-10-0321 minLet's Talk About LifeAging of TransplantsCharlene 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.
2023-09-1921 min
Let's Talk About LifePeer Grief Companion ProgramLifebanc 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 […]
2023-09-0519 minLet's Talk About LifePeer Grief Companion ProgramLifebanc 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 powerful.
2023-09-0519 minLet's Talk About LifeWill They Save Me?!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 walk for their brother, Darnell Wilson. Darnell was on his way to the operating room to save lives.
2023-08-2217 minLet's Talk About LifeA Month of AwarenessAugust 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, […]
2023-08-0830 minLet's Talk About LifeCelebrating with GratitudeIn 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 […]
2023-07-2517 minLet's Talk About LifeMore Than a StoryAs 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 […]
2023-06-2722 minLet's Talk About LifeA New Face at LifebancMeet 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 […]
2023-06-1322 minLet's Talk About LifeA Voice to be HeardJennifer 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, […]
2023-05-3017 minLet's Talk About LifeTriumph Over TragedyAs 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 […]
2023-05-1630 minLet's Talk About LifeUp and Over for DonationTiffany 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. […]
2023-05-0214 minLet's Talk About LifeConnection to TransplantProfessionals in the medical field are often seen as one-dimensionalpeople whose identity is in their uniforms.In this episode of “Let’s Talk About Life,” we connect with three women who work at University Hospitals Cleveland […]
2023-04-1830 min
Let's Talk About LifeReligion and DonationApril brings a renewal of life with spring and is a sacred season for religious celebrations. All faiths have differences in theology, however, an interesting fact is that they have very […]
2023-04-0423 min
Let's Talk About LifeWaiting for the Moment"At this point, my filtration level is about 14%...
and, at 10%, it means you are definitely
in need of dialysis." Brendan Coakley
2023-03-2121 minLet's Talk About LifeSara Gets a Second Chance"It didn't take me long to realize this was a song
that needed to be written." Dan Modlin, musician
2023-03-0721 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Heart of the StoryIn the book Rare Birds, a 12-year-old boy is dealing with the underlying dread that his mom will need a heart transplant to live. The family also relocates to Florida to wait […]
2023-02-2130 min
Let's Talk About LifeForging Forward in Faith"It's been 15 years, and it still brings me comfort that
something positive came out of it." Rochelle Ogbuji, Donor Mom
2023-02-0717 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Beat Goes OnReggie & Maria Roundtree play traditional drums to educate the community. But Reggie has a special connection to the rhythm since he is a heart transplant recipient. Listen to this […]
2023-01-2421 minLet's Talk About LifeGrief Support Year RoundWe hope you had a wonderful holiday season and spent time with those you love. We also hope you were able to honor and share fond memories of those individuals […]
2023-01-1020 minLet's Talk About LifeAll Side of DonationWe love sharing the stories of men, women, and children receiving the gift of life and enjoying restored health. We also love to talk with donor families who have been […]
2022-12-1322 minLet's Talk About LifeReturn of the NavigatorListen to Lee and Larry Elmore share their story of watching Lee's grandmother go blind and then learning she had the same disease.
2022-11-1521 minLet's Talk About LifeService to family and countryLisa Knoll knows a lot about service. As a young girl, her mom’s transplant set her on a path of giving back. For twelve years, she’s served her country in […]
2022-11-0119 minLet's Talk About LifeFighting for J'iorA mother’s instinct is powerful. After giving birth to her son, Shawna immediately knew something was wrong. After being released to go home, she left one hospital and took her […]
2022-10-0418 minLet's Talk About LifeTurning the TablesWhen Lifebanc staff are in public and the topic of where you work or organ donation comes up, a long involved conversation usually ensues. However, recently at a local restaurant […]
2022-09-2016 minLet's Talk About LifeOne of the SeventeenWe share many stories about organ donor families and transplant recipients, but it isn’t very often that we talk about someone whose loved one died because they didn’t receive the […]
2022-09-0615 minLet's Talk About LifeA Council of LifeLifebanc staff members work alongside the hospital staff at centers to ensure that donation protocols and policies are in place. As you can imagine, communication is critical. One way to […]
2022-08-2325 minLet's Talk About LifeBeing Fearless for JakeThere are many reasons why people love this event but primarily, they participate to honor a loved one touched by donation or transplantation, or for a cause they strongly support. […]
2022-08-0918 minLet's Talk About LifeMetroHealth Rising to the ChallengeIf you’ve driven down west 25th street in the past few months, you’ll have noticed a lot of new construction at MetroHealth. But a new hospital building isn’t the only new thing happening at Metro. […]
2022-07-2632 minLet's Talk About LifeA Meaningful MorningLynda Corea knows the joy and gratefulness of being the mom of a transplant recipient, as well as the unimaginable pain of then being the mom of an organ donor. […]
2022-07-1219 minLet's Talk About LifeSpecial Donors Saving LivesWalter Mootz was a pizza-making radio DJ who loved music and traveling. He also was a fantastic swimmer and an Elvis impersonator. More than anything, Walter loved helping people. So […]
2022-06-2832 minLet's Talk About LifeA Donor Father's DedicationAs the Chief of HR Services for Cleveland Clinic, Don Corpora supports the 65,000 domestic and 72,000 global caregivers employed by the Clinic. He also has served on the Lifebanc Finance Committee and is now the Treasurer of the Lifebanc […]
2022-06-1416 min
Organ Donation: Saving LivesLifebanc's Mission: Ms. Colleen GerberMs. Colleen Gerber received a kidney transplant not once, but twice! She gives back to the #DonateLife community through her work at Lifebanc. She currently has her own podcast, "Let's Talk About Life", where she too interviews recipients and donors' families. She is such a kind, generous, and thoughtful human being and I am so honored that I got to speak with her today. Her work at Lifebanc is amazing and inspires me to go above and beyond.
Tune in on our conversation as she talks about these experiences and how organ donation has not only impacted...
2022-05-2019 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Donation ConnectionRecently, we were given a gift at Lifebanc. We received an email from Karen Ormiston inquiring about getting involved with Lifebanc. When we heard Karen’s story, we were impressed with […]
2022-04-0522 minLet's Talk About LifeWedding Dresses and Organ DonationAs spring approaches, we welcome wedding bells and brides choosing their extraordinary dresses. We’re so excited to be a part of Jacqueline’s Bridal “Wedding Rewind” and grateful to be the beneficiary of this fundraiser. But what’s the connection between donation and wedding dresses, you ask? Listen to the Bonilla family’s story to discover how the staff at University Hospitals Medical Center and a donor hero changed their lives forever.Amber Bonilla provided an update that only four tables are available for the event. Purchase tickets before the Wedding Rewind sells out – a fun way to support...
2022-03-0824 minLet's Talk About LifeA New ConnectionThis week, host Colleen Gerber visits with one of our newer staff members, Dena Balk, Bereavement Coordinator & Counselor. Dena had big shoes to fill when she began at Lifebanc last fall, but she’s a perfect fit, and the new skills she brings are enhancing services to donor families. Dena also shares her very personal connection to our mission and why she is driven to give back and serve our families. You won’t want to miss a word of her story!
2022-01-1126 min
Down With The DigSecond Chance At Life With Jacques Smith-LifebancThe holiday season is filled with cheer, hope, and gift-giving. So it's fitting that this week's guest is Jacques Smith. Jacques was confronted with a terminal diagnosis due to an aggressive liver disease. However, in 2018 Jacques was gifted a second chance at life after receiving a liver transplant facilitated through Lifebanc. Jacques sits down with Shella on Down With The Dig and shares his incredible story and how he is making every day in his new life count.More about Lifebanc can be found here.
2021-12-2026 minLet's Talk About LifeLifebanc 2022 and Beyond
This year, Lifebanc has been celebrating 35 years of saving and healing lives. If we think about that for a moment, that means hundreds of thousands of lives have been touched by the work of Lifebanc. It’s amazing to look back and stand in awe of all we’ve accomplished.
However, as much fun that would be, to remain successful in our mission, Lifebanc must be focused on year 36 and beyond. re through the legacy of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Lifebanc CEO Gordon Bowen shares some of the challenges and opportunities we face in the coming year, along w...
2021-12-1414 minLet's Talk About LifeWorking to Save Lives
Are you ready to be part of a team that saves lives every day? Jodi Baldwin, Lifebanc Human Resource Generalist,joins the podcast to talk about the advantages of being a Lifebanc staff member. She also explains our Top Performer Philosophy that helps us identify individuals who will positively impact the mission as a Lifebanc team member. Lastly, Jodi shares the current job openings available at Lifebanc.
2021-12-0713 minLet's Talk About LifeGrief through the Holidays
The holidays are usually viewed as a time of happiness and rejoicing, but for some people, it can be a period of painful reflection, sadness, anxiety, and depression. Feelings of sadness that last throughout the holiday season, usually from November through December, are often referred to as the holiday blues. But for someone who has lost a loved one, this time period can be more than the holiday blues.
With the available vaccines, the covid restriction aren’t as stringent this year, and people are looking forward to gathering together for the holidays. However, if there has been...
2021-11-1610 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Waiting Game 2
Roy Allen Bumpers first came to know Lifebanc when he participated in the Lifebanc Stepping For Life shows. Roy was part of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and helped make that event a success.
Although Roy knew at the time that he had kidney disease, he lived his life and tried to maintain good health. That worked for years, until an unexpected trip to the hospital revealed he would need to begin dialysis treatments immediately.We continue our conversation with Roy while he receives a dialysis treatment at the Centers for Dialysis Care in Shaker Heights. Listen...
2021-10-2614 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Waiting Game
Roy-Allen Bumpers was first introduced to organ donation and Lifebanc through participating in the Stepping for Life show. As a member of Alphi Kappa Psi, he and his fraternity brothers work hard to help educate college students and their families about the need for more registered organ donors. Roy had a personal stake in the events because he had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
We reconnected with Roy while he was undergoing a dialysis treatment at the Centers for Dialysis Carein Shaker Heights. Listen to part 1 of our candid conversation as Roy talks about being a Lifebanc ad...
2021-10-1912 minLet's Talk About LifeAsking for the Gift
In the darkest moments of crisis and trauma, Lifebanc Family Support Liaisons sit with families in their pain and offer the opportunity to leave a legacy of life. These interactions are intense and emotional and often create a bond between Lifebanc and the donor family.Two women, Kelly Armstead-Dickerson (Lifebanc Family Support Specialist) and Jaylene Roberts (donor mom) discuss their experience when Jaylene's son became a donor hero at the age of 22 and when they met again months later.
2021-10-0519 minLet's Talk About LifeA BMV Donation Story
We know thousands of Ohioans have registered their donation decision through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.The Ohio Donor Registry is managed by the state of Ohio through the BMVs and each agency ask citizens if they would like to give the gift of life. September is National BMV Appreciation month, and a time to thank our partners for helping to save lives.
It is not an exaggeration to recognize the Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a vital partner in the mission of saving and healing lives along with Lifebanc. We do not take that for granted and thank...
2021-09-2815 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Mission Hits Home
Marva was a young women when she came to work at Lifebanc. Although she didn’t have a personal connection to the mission, she loved being part of saving lives. Little did she know that, many years later, her husband would be one of the lives saved by a donor hero when he received a heart transplant.
Listen in as Deacon Kenneth and Marva Smith share their story about how Lifebanc’s mission became deeply personal for them.
2021-08-2415 minLet's Talk About LifeWhiteboard Walk About
A group of geniuses from the Lifebanc Quality Services department created a process called the Whiteboard Walk About to communicate how each department, and ultimately each staff member - plays a key role in the success of Lifebanc and how we are all connected.
Lifebanc, and all recovery agencies are highly regulated and to ensure that we not only know and follow regulatory procedures, the Lifebanc Quality Service departments provides training, spearheads projects, and overall supports Lifebanc staff so we meet and exceed the expectations of our mission. The Whiteboard project was created to engage and enlighten...
2021-08-1613 minLet's Talk About LifeConnecting Families
For 35 years, Lifebanc has coordinate thousands of letters and cards sent to and from donor families and recipients wanting to connect. At the heart of this process is Mary LaRiccia, Bereavement Services Coordinator and Elissa Berman, Sr. Bereavement Services Counselor. Listen as they discuss the many aspects of communicating and what it takes to connect families touched by donation or transplantation.
2021-07-1912 minLet's Talk About LifeAdvocacy at a New Level
Part two of our conversation with longtime Cleveland TV personality, Jan Jones. As we learned last week,Dr. Sheldon Artz was an amazing man and his transplant story was certainly dramatic and unique. After his heart transplant, Jan and Shelly shared 15 added years together. During those years, becoming Lifebanc ambassadors and advocating for organ donation became a passion for them. Even after Shelly sadly passed away, Jan remained dedicated to Lifebanc and the cause of organ donation. So much so, she and her family are taking their support to a whole new level!
2021-07-1312 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Amazing Kini Bini
Keira was born to make a difference. At eleven years old, she was vibrant, a natural helper, and had plenty of energy. In October of 2017, Keira suffered an asthma attack and stopped breathing on the way to the hospital. Although ER doctors were able to revive her heart, her brain had gone too long without oxygen. Not even 24 hours earlier, Keira was singing and making videos on her phone; now, PICU machines kept her heart beating and her lungs functioning. Lifebanc representatives approached her parents with the opportunity to donate Keira’s organs.
Inspired by their daughter’s sp...
2021-05-2513 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Importance of DEI
Though Lifebanc’s number one goal every day is to save and heal lives, we are keenly aware that we have an impact on the world far beyond our work in organ, eye, and tissue donation. We’re committed to seeing the bigger picture and being a responsible community partner and good world citizen. How do we do that? By providing opportunities to all,whether they are directly related to our mission or are outside the walls of Lifebanc. We understand that it takes each one of us to create a workplace, a community, and a world that reflect the diversity, equit...
2021-04-2720 minLet's Talk About LifeCelebrate Donate Life Month
Every April, there is a buzz in the air. Spring is in full swing, the temperatures are warming, and we get the feeling that new growth, new life, and rebirth are all around us. That's why April is perfect for celebrating National Donate Life Month, a time when we nationally recognize the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donors and saving the more than 100,000 lives of the men, women, and children on the transplant waiting list.Blake Johnston, Marketing and Communications Director, and Chris Crepage, Community Service Program Manager share exciting ideas on how you can celebrate Donate Lif...
2021-04-0614 minLet's Talk About LifeDoctors of Donation
We often say that it takes a village to facilitate the organ donation process from recovery to transplantation. When an individual meets medical criteria for organ donation, and in collaboration with their family, the first steps in the donation process can begin. The Lifebanc care team medically manages that patient until the recovery is complete. The care team consists of critical care professionals, social workers, and physicians who work together to ensure that the precious gifts of life are viable for transplant and as successful as possible for the recipients.
In honor of Doctor's Day today, we...
2021-03-3014 minLet's Talk About LifeLifebanc Turns 35
Happy 35th Anniversary, Lifebanc! It is an opportunity to celebrate the milestone that we have been saving and healing lives for that long. Lifebanc has saved and enhanced the lives of thousands of northeast Ohioans and others from across the country. But none of our accomplishments would have been possible without the generosity of donors and their amazing families.
When we reflect, it's mind-boggling how many advances have been made in our field, from what can be transplanted to innovative preservation methods and even how organs travel to the transplant center. Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO, reflects on some...
2021-03-0212 minLet's Talk About LifeHistory Maker for Life
Lifebanc has been part of the Cleveland community for about 35 years. It is a milestone that we want to celebrate, but it’s only a blink-of-an-eye, compared to the long-standing, distinguished history of E.F. Boyd and Son, Inc. Funeral Homes and Crematory, which has served Greater Cleveland’s African American community for over 115 years!
Marcella Boyd Cox as Chief of Community Engagement she has spent her career helping families and giving back to the community. Listen as she shares the foundation of the family business and advocacy work in Cleveland.
2021-02-2313 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Healing Gift of Tissue
Although not everyone meets the medical criteria to be an organ donor when they pass away, many people are able to give the life-healing and saving gift of tissue. Heart valves, bone, and cornea from tissue donors help individuals live a better life. The gift of skin is unique and is vital to the healing process of burn victims
According to the CDC, over a million Americans every year suffer from burn injuries that require medical attention, and 50,000 of those cases required hospitalization. Many patients require skin grafts to begin the healing process and depend on the generosity...
2021-02-1613 minLet's Talk About LifeNEO Coming Together
As northeast Ohioans, we are so fortunate to have access to premium healthcare in our own backyard. We take pride in our strong donation and transplant community that includes numerous organizations providing services, education, and outreach to a population in need. Lifebanc is honored to be one of those organizations!
With so many groups reaching out to the same populations, overlap would inevitably follow. Tricia Fliehman, Walgreens Regional Account Executive Specialist and Co-founder of the Greater Cleveland Transplant Collaborative, offers a solution for members of the donation and transplant community.
2021-02-0213 minLet's Talk About LifeFear Filled Times
The past year has been difficult to maneuver in addition to the events of the past few weeks. Listen to the second episode of season two as Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Sr. Bereavement Services Counselor is a calming voice in the noise and provides ways to cope with fear-filled times.
2021-01-2614 minLet's Talk About LifeGrief Services 2021
Lifebanc will be celebrating 35 years of service in 2021, and we have been a leader in the area of grief support for many of those years. We are proud of our dedication to donor families and the comprehensive aftercare program that we offer to families whose loved one was an organ, eye, or tissue donor. All of our bereavement services are offered at no cost to donor families and include individual counseling, numerous types of group therapy, and other means of support.
When COVID-19 hit, Lifebanc shifted our services to the virtual realm and will continue to do so in 2021. E...
2020-12-1512 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Holiday Blues
Most of us think of the holidays as a happy time. For some people, however, it can be a period of painful reflection, sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Feelings of sadness that last throughout the holiday season, usually from November through December, are often referred to as “the holiday blues.” When you’ve lost a loved one, though, this season can leave you feeling more than the holiday blues.With the impact of COVID restrictions this year, any of us can be prone to a dark holiday season, but the loss of a loved one can make that darkness...
2020-11-1711 minLet's Talk About LifePlanting Seeds of Love
Marla Corrado first became aware of Lifebanc when her Father, William passed away and was a registered donor. Since then, she has become a volunteer for Lifebanc and was part of a Gift of Life Walk & Run team to honor her dad’s memory called Planting the Seeds of Love. When COVID hit, she and her daughters found a way to help others during an uncertain time while raising money for Lifebanc and honoring the very thing her Dad's life was all about.
Listen as Marla shares about the meaning behind the team name and how COVID con...
2020-10-0614 minLet's Talk About LifeStress of Grief
When someone we love or care about passes-away, especially when it is sudden and unexpected, it can become a very stressful situation. Arrangement decisions to be made, informing family and friends, and other tasks associated with the end of life. This is on top of the grief felt by the loss which can lead to despair.
When we lose a loved one, we associate grief as the main emotion and we sometimes underestimate the amount of stress the situation causes. Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Sr. Bereavement Services Counselor shares helpful information about handling the stress of grief.
Fo...
2020-09-1514 minLet's Talk About LifeDonation Skeptic
Like many people of color, Carol and her circle of family and friends were skeptical about organ, eye, and tissue donation, not to mention the health care industry as a whole. Even when it came to her mom's passing, Carol could not move beyond her concerns to allow an autopsy to be performed to see the cause of her mother's death. It wasn't until Carol joined the Lifebanc team that she saw for herself the care, respect, and integrity that Lifebanc demonstrates in serving donors and donor families.
Listen as Carol Bell, Lifebanc Executive Administrative Assistant discusses the fe...
2020-09-0813 minLet's Talk About LifeToo Old or Too Sick?
Lifebanc works closely with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to track statistics of individuals who sign up to be registered organ, eye, and tissue donors. We look at age, gender, location of those who have said "YES" to saving lives. We also track a disturbing trend of folks who said were registered donors at one time, but then opted out of the registry.
Learn from Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO why the misconception of being too old or too sick is not true and medical advancements allow for even more people to give the gift of life on Epi...
2020-09-0111 minLet's Talk About LifeEmergency to Save Lives
Dear First Responders, will you save my life as a registered organ donor?
A traumatic accident has occurred and emergency medical staff are called. Once on the scene, they assess the patients and begin life-saving treatment while preparing for transport to the hospital. Do they assess for anything else?
Kelly Cover, Lifebanc Coroner, Medical Examiner, and EMS Liaison discusses her role working with emergency medical services and time spent as a firefighter and EMT, Kelly also helps bust the misconception that lives won't be saved if they see you are a registered organ donor.
2020-08-2513 minLet's Talk About LifeSpirituality and Grief
Buddhists believe in a cycle of death and rebirth called samsara. In Islam, death is the termination of worldly life and the beginning of the afterlife. Christians believe that Jesus' death and resurrection are part of God's divine plan for humankind. And of course, there are those who believe death is eternal; there is nothing else.
Listen as Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Senior Bereavement Services Counselor discusses the relationship between Spirituality and Grief on Episode 29 of Let's Talk About Life.
Click here for donor family resources
2020-08-1812 minLet's Talk About LifeThe GOLWR is Here
We are just a few days away from the 2020 Gift of Life Walk & Run live-stream event and the excitement is building. We are in full swing getting ready to celebrate life by Crossing the Finish Line Together!
Listen as Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO provide insight into the program and what we can expect on Saturday morning - including special guests, family stories, and a walk through the Legacy Garden. You can watch from the comfort of your home on the Lifebanc Facebook page, Lifebanc YouTube channel, or Lifebanc.og.
2020-08-1110 minLet's Talk About LifeGiving Back in Grief
Families experiencing a loss sometimes feel they are in a hole and they will never be able to face the future. How do some families manage to move through their grief to the point where they are reaching out to help others?
Guest, Deanna Slifka, who lost her middle daughter at birth talks with Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Sr. Bereavement Counselor about how her loss is now helping others.
2020-07-2115 minLet's Talk About LifePartners in Saving Lives
Lifebanc could not do what we do with out the partnership and support of our local transplant centers. Our mission of saving and healing lives through organ donation is paramount. Also important is celebrating those gifts of life given and received.
Today, we talk to Stacey Banning, Administrative Director for the Transplant Institute at University Hospital Medical Center the vital mission of organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation and why being a part of the Gift of Life Walk & Run is important to them, as well.
Register now for the Gift of Life Walk & R...
2020-07-0712 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Training of Life Savers
Organ, eye, and tissue recovery is a highly specialized and regulated field of healthcare. Lifebanc has invested in its staff to be at the top of their profession and specialty by providing innovative ways and programs to educate staff. Kristen Deyling, Lifebanc Compliance, and Learning Development Specialist explains the importance of educational efforts for a positive outcome of saving and healing more lives.
2020-06-3014 min
Let's Talk About LifeHumor in Grief
When we are in despair and grieving for someone we love, is it acceptable to laugh and experience joy too? Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Senior Bereavement Counselor discusses when humor is useful and the health benefits it provides during times of tension and grief.
2020-06-1614 minLet's Talk About LifeCrossing the Finish Line Together
The 2020 Gift of Life Walk & Run will be going virtual this year. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, Lifebanc believes that it's in the best interest of all participants, staff, volunteers, and hosts to shift to a virtual event.
Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO discusses the event and some of the innovative ways we are offering participants and teams to engage with us and each other to raise funds for the mission Lifebanc and organ, eye, and tissue donation.
For more information about the Gift of Life Walk & Run click here.
2020-06-0212 minLet's Talk About LifeThe Gift of Tissue
There are approximately 1,000,000 tissue transplants that take place each year. Not everyone understands the impact and importance of tissue donation to save lives. The Gift of Tissue episode explores the many uses of donated tissue and the dedication Lifebanc maintains before, during, and after the recovery of those gifts.
Julie Caldro, the Director of Tissue Services for Lifebanc shares her knowledge and appreciation for all those who chose to heal & save lives through the gift of tissue donation.
To become a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor click here now.
2020-05-2612 minLet's Talk About LifeLife is Not a Stage
When she created the Five Stages of Grief, was Elizabeth Kublier-Ross describing grief experienced when someone we care for passes away?
An interesting and enlightening discussion with Eliss Berman, Lifebanc Senior Bereavement Counselor and her colleague, Jennifer Stern, a Licensed Independent Social Worker and an M.A. in Clinical Social Work and explain why Life is Not a Stage.
If you are struggling with grief and are a donor family, visit the resources section for donor families. If you are not a donor family, feel free to reach out to Jenniffer Stern at Transformative Grief.
2020-05-1915 minLet's Talk About LifeLifesaving Nurses
Saving and healing lives have never meant more than at this moment in time and Nurse's Week has never been so meaningful. While the frontline nurses continue gaining ground on the pandemic, a specialized nursing group has quietly gone above and beyond to save lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Michele Martynyszyn, Organ Services Manager at Lifebanc has an inspiring discussion about the unique career opportunity nurses have to help heal others differently at Lifebanc.
2020-05-1213 minLet's Talk About LifeService to Save Lives
We cannot let the month of April fly by without extending our gratitude for all Lifebanc Ambassador Volunteers. They are the core of our community outreach and education efforts. Lifebanc staff member, Caitlin Zagar, community outreach coordinator explains the importance and duties of our volunteers. Caitlin is joined by two volunteers, recipient Mindy, and donor mom, Lynn who share their reasons for serving the community to save lives.
2020-04-2816 minLet's Talk About LifeFeeling Grief During COVID-19
There is nothing like a crisis to exacerbate emotions. As we are learning, sheltering-in-place for a long period can induce a rollercoaster of feelings, especially for those who are already coping with loss and grief. Elissa Berman, Lifebanc Senior Bereavement Services Counselor explains why we are feeling emotional and offers advice on how to cope during this crisis.
2020-04-2114 minLet's Talk About LifeSaving Lives in a Pandemic
Saving and healing lives is the mission of Lifebanc, even in a pandemic. Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO, explains how our staff rises to the challenge of finding ways to save those waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. He also shares how COVID-19 has impacted our community outreach and events schedule for 2020,
2020-04-1411 minLet's Talk About LifeGet Your Blue & Green On
April is National Donate Life Month and we are honoring the gift of life. It may look a little different, but now that we are at home, there are numerous ways that we can share the donate life message with family, friends, and neighbors. Listen as Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO, shares several ideas for making an impact right where you are and to continue the mission of saving & healing lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation.
To inspire you to celebrate Donate Life Month from home, we created a bingo card with ideas and suggestions. Download a pr...
2020-04-0712 minLet's Talk About LifeMyth Busting the #1 Misconception
In the community, the #1 myth people share with us is that Doctors won't try and save their life if they are a registered organ donor. This myth has been around since organ donation began. Take ten minutes to listen to two experts from Lifebanc explain the donation process and why it just isn't so.
2020-03-3109 minLet's Talk About LifeCompassion in Tragedy
In the darkest moments in their lives, donor families are asked to put their grief aside for the opportunity to help other's live. The Lifebanc Family Support Liaison works with these families and guides them through the donation process and saving the lives of those on the organ waitlist. Listen to learn how these men and women work with compassion in tragedy.
2020-03-2414 minLet's Talk About LifeWhen Do We Meet?
Meetings between donor families and recipients of their loved one's gifts of life are emotional and heartwarming. However, many families never meet or even correspond. Listen to Lifebanc Bereavement Services staff members explain the process and answer questions about families communicating after donation.
2020-03-1713 minLet's Talk About LifeSaving Lives for a Living
Dedicated staff members makes Lifebanc the success organization it is today. With experts in multiple disciplines, we turn tragedy into hope and healing. Every day, the Lifebanc team has the opportunity to change lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. The mission is not an easy one and today we are asking, what does it take to save lives for a living?
2020-03-1012 min
Let's Talk About LifeWe're Doing It Again!
Why would Cleveland’s Chocolatier, Mike Malley, rappel down the side of a building? Listen now to learn Mike's connection with Lifebanc and why it was important for him to go Over The Edge. Jillian Frazier of Lifebanc, discusses how this unique event helps Lifebanc and promotes organ, eye and tissue donation.
2020-02-2512 minLet's Talk About LifeHealing Those Left Behind
At Lifebanc, we say we save and heal lives which we do everyday. But what about the lives of the donor families? How do we help heal them after their loved one gave the gift of life? Learn what services Lifebanc provides from staff member Elissa Berman, the Sr. Bereavement Services Counselor.
2020-02-1810 min