Turning Loss into Life: A Mother’s Story of Organ Donation

Turning Loss into Life: A Mother’s Story of Organ Donation

Organ donation can save lives, and it can also bring meaning and comfort in the midst of loss. Danielle Coleman, a mother of two organ donors, joins Health Matters to share about the heartbreaking loss of her sons, Lewis and Garrett, and the decision to say “yes” to donation both times. Jaclyn Manzanedo, Senior Director of Hospital Development at Donor Network West, joins the conversation to explain how donation works, who can register, and to clear up common myths.

Lifesaving Blood on Board

Since 1985, Enloe Health’s FlightCare air ambulance service has transported more than 25,000 patients, playing a vital role in emergency medical care across the North State.  In this episode of Health Matters, flight nurse Pete Davis joins the conversation to share insight about a significant enhancement: FlightCare now carries lifesaving blood on board its aircraft. This advancement enables caregivers to administer immediate blood transfusions to critically ill or injured patients, whether at the scene of an emergency or in rural hospitals.

Episode 62: A Nurturing Space for Mothers

Enloe Health’s popular Bittie Baby & Me class series is for mothers who have babies up to 3 months old. But it’s more than just a class. It’s also a nurturing environment that often blossoms into lifelong friendships. Enloe Health’s Mother & Baby Education Center has offered the Bittie Baby & Me class for decades, providing a supportive and safe space for mothers to connect while also providing education. Janessa Valine and Jean Teesdale are new mothers who met in Enloe’s Childbirth Class, then signed up together for the Bittie Baby & Me class. Kim Hicks, a labor and delivery nurse, teaches the course and joins the conversation to share what parents can expect when they sign up for the class.

Episode 61: The Gift of Life

April is National Donate Life month, a time to spread awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation, as well as honor those who gave the gift of life. Claudette McCarthy became a donor mom in 2018 when she unexpectedly lost her daughter, Shannon. Claudette shares her story about how she became a Donate Life ambassador to heal and spread awareness about organ donation. Sarah Harris, Director of Donation Development for Donor Network West, also joins the conversation. She shares insight about the non-profit organization responsible for facilitating organ, eye, and tissue donation in Northern California and Northern Nevada.

Episode 60: A Meaningful Partnership

Chico Project SAVE, a nonprofit organization, provides a crucial service to patients locally and around the world. The organization accepts donated medical equipment and delivers the much-needed supplies to communities in countries where health care resources are limited. The partnership between Enloe Health and Chico Project SAVE has spanned many years and has made an impact far beyond the North State. Bill Seguine, Enloe Health’s Director of Property Development and Facilities Management. Janice Walker, Director, of Chico Project SAVE, and Lisa Williamson, former General Manager, join Health Matters.