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© 2023 The Bonus Years
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Every year of life past your diagnosis is a bonus, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Brooke was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, went into liver failure, and received a liver transplant--all at age 20. She is a coach for chronic illness & organ transplant patients, providing support that comes from years of coaching and personal experience. If you're looking to hear real stories from real people, this podcast is for you.
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In this episode, you get to hear a conversation with my friend Jenny about all things life, health, heartbreak, and adventure. Jenny was diagnosed with biliary atresia which led to a liver transplant as an infant. She shares authentically about the relational challenges of chronic illness, living her truth, relationships, and career. She took a dreamy trip to Singapore, Vietnam, and Bali and talks about traveling with a transplant and why she spoke out about her health journey. Don't mis...
Brooke & Ali (aka @TransplantBesties) talk on this episode about Ali’s most recent surgery, a freaking abdominal wall transplant!If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably only heard of it on Grey’s Anatomy (Megan Hunt vibes anyone?).Ali is always great to have on the podcast because she shares her perspective, wisdom, and experience so authentically.Beyond her surgery, we talk about:what it feels like to be heard and validated by a medical professionalthe value in having a small support sy...
Today is an extra special episode where Brooke talks to a new friend, heart recipient, organ donation advocate, and author Hailey Steimel. Hailey shares her story of a congenital heart defect, surgery at age 1, and a much-needed heart transplant as a teenager that came on Valentine's Day, making it even more special.Hailey is sweet and lovely and talks openly about how it felt to be a teenager in the hospital, requiring an RVAD to stay alive until she got her life-saving gift. Hailey has a re...
In the first episode of 2023, Brooke has an eye-opening conversation about how housing can prevent folks from getting an organ transplant. Our guest is Denise Redeker, founder, and CEO of the Heartfelt Help Foundation, a non-profit focused on making housing happen for transplant patients and bridging the financial gap that insurance doesn't cover.Denise is a heart transplant recipient and as such, brings a fresh perspective to the organ transplant space when it comes to housing.Donate to...
Philip Jones is a kidney transplant recipient who has battled Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) for over two decades. At age 4, Philip had strep throat, which attacked his kidneys and caused them to fail and fall to 30%. At age 17, Philip received a life-saving kidney transplant. Three years later, his body rejected that kidney causing him to face many other illnesses and dialysis. Amidst all this, Philip decided to go back to school and get his degree, and in March of 2021, Philip started A Secon...
This special episode was recorded with Brooke and her daughter Brynlee. They talk about what it's like to have a parent with a chronic illness. *Brynlee notes: At the time of recording, Brynlee was 8. She's now 9 and in 4th grade.Brynlee answers:How can you tell mom's not feeling well?What do you do when mom's in the hospital?What would you tell another kid who has a parent with a chronic illness?When mom can't do her "normal stuff," how does she help you feel loved?What do you worry about? W...
Katybeth Eller-Rawley, therapist & life coach, takes us through her story of leaving evangelicalism, loving Jesus, coming out, falling in love, and the safe spaces she wants to create for the queer community. She shares what she's learning as a caregiver to her chronically ill wife, and how it differs from being a professional counselor. Join us as we listen, learn, and find hope in her story.Find out more. Support the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review he...
CONTENT WARNING: Sex, sexual health, and addiction. In this episode, we discuss sexual health, AIDS/HIV, sex, and addiction. Please listen when you can fully engage, and use discretion about who may be listening with you.Daniel is a natural entertainer and his openness about typically taboo subjects is disarming and refreshing. In this episode, Daniel & Brooke talk about the journey to his diagnosis of HIV and anal cancer, his advocacy work, and all the many things he does now to make a d...
On today's episode, we listen as Alisha tells her story from liver failure to transplant to recovery. Mentions:familial living donoraddictionpost-transplant hospital traumalearning to eatThis episode mentions Frontline Coffee Co. Use code THEBONUSYEARS at checkout for 20% off your coffee subscription purchase.Read more about Alisha hereSupport the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world. Websit...
This week on The Bonus Years, Brooke chats with Alisha Emerald about her path to diagnosis with Glycogen Storage Disease. Alisha has been sick her whole life and shares her journey to self-love and acceptance so authentically. Join us for this 3-part series you won't wanna miss.Show Notes & LinksSupport the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world. Website Instagram Facebook Youtube
In the second part of my conversation with Denise, we talk about what prompted her to start The Heartfelt Help Foundation and how it's helping patients with financial needs to get listed for a transplant. www.thebonusyearsblog.com/podcast Support the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world. Website Instagram Facebook Youtube
Today on The Bonus Years Podcast, I chat with Denise Redeker about giving birth to her son changed her life through a heart transplant.Denise is well-spoken and easy to listen to and her story is engaging. Join with us as we talk transplant, death, coronavirus, and helping others.Support the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world. Website Instagram Facebook Youtube
This week, guests Sam & Lindsey Marks talk to us about what it's like to live with a chronic illness and what it's like to become a caregiver for your partner.Sam & Lindsey bring a unique blend of laughter, love, and honesty to our conversation. This episode is a must-listen!Support the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world. Website Instagram Facebook Youtube
On today's episode of The Bonus Years, I have a conversation with liver transplant recipient Kimberly Cooley. We not only hear her transplant story, but what it's like living during a global pandemic in Mississippi. We're talking about some difficult topics like inequity in healthcare between black and white women, vaccinations, and common myths we encounter about organ donation. Support the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories o...
In this special episode, Brooke talks about the feelings she experiences during the anniversary of her liver transplant each year. Brooke shares her yearly rituals & remembrances, as well as the personal dynamics of grief and gratitude she experiences. Support the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world. Website Instagram Facebook Youtube
Best SelfWe asked 6 different people who are a part of the transplant community one question: what's been the most challenging thing about the pandemic? and Brooke & Ben chime in with their own experiences too.You'll hear from some amazing people:Alisha Emerald || @alisha.emerald || 9 months post-liver transplant from Alberta, CanadaMeghan Smith || @meghanmakingmoves || 1.5 years post-liver transplant from Baltimore, MarylandJay Erve- heart & liver recipient (2008), awaiting kidney tr...
We continue Brooke’s transplant journey with part four of the story, the process of waiting for and finding the perfect liver. We talk about how the transplant list works in the US, how long Brooke would’ve lived without a new liver, and what it’s like to wait for that new organ to arrive. Expect raw emotions when it comes to how Brooke processed the rapid failing of her liver and the need for a transplant, all before she turned 21.Mentions:Sunriver, ORBest Self Co LIFERS TLC on Yo...
For National Siblings Day, Brooke & her sister Allison tattle on each other. We talk about what season of the year represents us best, who’s the favorite kid, the fun of a long con, and Ben’s grandfatherly love for George W. Bush. Mentions:Cards Against HumanityBest Self CoMiss CongenialityPocahontasKazoosFair vs. Equal Support the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world. Website Insta...
In part 3, Brooke moves from a rural hospital’s ICU to a transplant center and begins discussion of needing a transplant.Mentions:Gottman Institute app: card deckscomplimentary breakfastUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamVanderbilt Tranplant CenterOchsner Medical CenterMcDonaldsBen’s promise to edit the podcast and the realization he never doesBrooke’s love for food no matter the circumstance Why is your liver so cool? a slideshowHow to be an organ donorSupport the Show.Please subscribe ...
In part 2 of Brooke’s story, she goes back to school to sing and her liver gets worse.Mentions:DinosaursDownton Abbey Icebreaker Deck from Best SelfRothy’s masksSupport the Show.Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world. Website Instagram Facebook Youtube
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