Step into the world of Vital Connections, a podcast that shares the remarkable stories of individuals navigating the profound journey of waiting for and experiencing life-changing organ transplants.
Join us as we explore resiliency, hope, and human connections that emerge from these moments of extreme anticipation and transformation. Each episode unveils the unique narratives of those on both sides of the organ transplant journey, shedding light on the extraordinary courage and compassion that define the organ donation community.
Good people, great conversations... Welcome to Vital Connections
Episode 5: Kody's Kidney Takes Flight - Four Weeks Later
After a week off, it's time for Vital Connections to get back on track.
Can you believe it? It's been a whole month since Allen got his life-changing kidney transplant. And guess what? Today, on March 14th World Kidney Day, we're diving into a heart-to-heart with Kody Leibowitz, the amazing friend who stepped up to donate.
In this episode, Allen and Kody catch up on all the nitty-gritty details. From those nerve-wracking phone calls that bumped up the surgery timeline to the thoughts swirling in their heads before going under the knife, they leave no stone unturned. If you ever wondered how that "good-looking kidney" made its cross-country journey from Sacramento to Philadelphia? Allen's got the inside scoop!
*Allen spoke with Kody pre-surgery (Episode 2) about his decision and on this episode we discussed if anything changed in his thought process. Plus, now that this incredible chapter is behind him, does he have any advice for anyone considering donation and shares how just being present is just as impactful.
If you haven't already, hit that subscribe button on Vital Connections, and then spread the word! Let's raise awareness about kidney disease together. Thanks a bunch!
28 Feb 2024
Episode 4: From Diagnosis to Kidney Transplant: Andrew Granick’s Story
When Allen was first diagnosed with Kidney Failure (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/kidney-failure/overview-of-kidney-failure?&network=x&matchtype=&keyword=&creative=&device=m&devicemodel=&placement=&position=&campaignid=18699200289&adgroupid=&loc_physical_ms=9003806&loc_interest_ms=&gclid=CjwKCAiArfauBhApEiwAeoB7qEuvI85yBAfiw3cFLTfk7pSzPBQ3e4i5snb-yrXBGnw6t-J9iYoIAxoC3MUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)) a lot of people reached out with lots of questions and concerns.
Andrew Granick of Montrose, Pennsylvania contacted Allen via Facebook as he was dealing with his own kidney journey. In this episode of Vital Connections Andrew details being diagnosed with kidney failure, living and working on dialysis and the eventual transplant.
Thanks for listening to this episode of Vital Connections. Don’t forget to rate, subscribe and share this podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes in the coming weeks.
22 Feb 2024
Episode 3: My Dialysis Journey - AAAAD (Ask Allen Anything About Dialysis)
Update: The cross country kidney transplant was a success! Kody and I are both recovering. (apologies for my voice)
On this episode of Vital Connections, I sit down with Bill Mettinger and we discuss my dialysis journey. We go into great detail of what a day looks like at the dialysis center, diet and fluid restrictions as well as working while using this life- preserving measure.
Thanks for listening!
- Allen
14 Feb 2024
Episode 2: Kody's Kidney Takes Flight
How does a friendship that began in 2014 at a small television news station lead to a kidney donation ten years later?
Join the conversation to find out, as your host Allen Vickers and Kody Leibowitz discuss how their friendship started at 47-ABC in Salisbury Maryland, why they decided to keep in touch after leaving.
The conversation then shifts, learn how Kody's trip to Mount Kilimanjaro led to some revealing news about Allen's health in 2021 and Kody's decision to step-in and try to donate a kidney. Kody then details the challenges of trying to donate a kidney and the ultimate sensation of being a match.
Coming up next on Vital Connections:
2/21 - Ask Me Anything about Kidney Disease featuring Bill Mettinger
2/28 - Before and After a Transplant, My Experience featuring Andrew Granick
9 Feb 2024
Episode 1: The Story So Far
Did you know that chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults?*
Crazy stat, right? Even worse, in 2021 my life was turned upside down as I joined an estimated 37 million Americans impacted by this condition.
Welcome to Vital Connections, the podcast where I will take a deep dive into the intricate world of kidney disease and its profound influence on every aspect of life. Turn up the volume for insightful conversations about adjusting to life with kidney disease, its impact of family and friends, treatment options, and the before and after a kidney transplant.
Let's inspire change together—subscribe, share, and spread awareness.
Thanks!
Allen
*Source - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services; 2021.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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