Send us a text

Join us as we welcome the extraordinary Mike Lollo, a former NYPD detective whose journey led him to become a passionate advocate for kidney donation. Mike's life took an inspiring turn in 2018 when he donated his kidney to a stranger. He shares his remarkable story with us, reflecting on how chance encounters with people like Ned Brooks shaped his mission to transform lives through the power of living donation. This episode highlights Mike's dedication and the profound impact his advocacy has had on individuals like Tommy Alexander and Mark Weiner.

We also explore Mike's career transition from the beat of New York City streets to the intricate logistics of organ transport. His role as chief strategy officer at the National Kidney Registry and his current position with Mobile Network 24 underscore his commitment to the safe and efficient transport of organs. Mike provides an insider's perspective on the complex layers of planning and coordination required to ensure successful transplants, especially when time is of the essence. His insights shed light on the critical importance of reliable transport systems in saving lives.

Mike Lollo is also the host of a new podcast called “Let’s Talk Transplant!” Mike was formerly co-host of the podcast “One is Enough,” an NKR podcast. You can find both podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Links:

Mobile Network 24
Let’s Talk Transplant Website
Let’s Talk Transplant on Facebook
One is Enough Podcast
Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook

Send us a text

Join us as we sit down with Marilyn Day, a founding member of Transplant Village and a two-time kidney recipient who has dedicated over a decade to guiding others through the transplant journey.

In this episode, Marilyn shares how her personal story highlights the transformative power of sharing your journey to inspire action and find living donors within your social network. Discover how platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become invaluable tools for connecting patients with potential donors—reuniting people with long-lost connections, activating supportive family members who simply didn’t know, and even forging bonds with complete strangers.

Marilyn’s insights remind us that people can’t help if they don’t know how. She offers practical advice on building a supportive community and tapping into your network to create life-changing opportunities. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the power of hope, connection, and the courage to ask for help.

Links:
Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
Connect with Laurie Lee
Transplant Village
Northwestern Donor Champion Program
Living Kidney Donors Network
GiftWorks
Marilyn’s Faith Story
The Big Ask the Big Give (NKF)
Johns Hopkins Donor Champion Program
Organ Transplant Support
Tools for Patients at NKR Transplant Centers

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook

Send us a text

In this episode, Anthony Cernera, a three-time living organ donor, opens up about his transformative journey of giving and personal healing. His story began with a simple Facebook post that sparked a deep desire to help others, leading him to donate a portion of his liver, kidney, and stem cells. These selfless acts not only changed the lives of his recipients but also had a profound impact on Anthony's own mental health, helping him navigate struggles with depression and addiction.

Anthony shares his powerful connections with his recipients, including Lance, his kidney recipient, and a leukemia patient in California, and how these bonds have supported his commitment to sobriety. He emphasizes the role of support systems and the importance of being transparent during the donor evaluation process. This episode highlights how service and connection can be healing, providing a sense of purpose and belonging, which Anthony has found through both organ donation and his involvement in recovery work.

Listen in for an uplifting reminder of how kindness and selflessness can create positive change, not only in the lives of recipients but also for the donors themselves. This episode is a great source of hope and inspiration for kidney donors who may have to jump through some extra hoops due to their mental health history.

Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks
Three Time Living Donor Hopes to Inspire Others to Donate
Anthony Cernera in Men’s Health
Fairfield Man an Organ Donor Three Times Over

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook