Real Talk

The holiday season is here. Between now and the end of the year, we will be spending time with family and friends celebrating traditions and time together. Memories will be created, laughs will be shared, and conversations will be had. The centerpiece for most, if not all of these gatherings will be food.

What do we talk about when we are all together? What is being said as we sit around the table? In my experience, there are usually multiple conversations going on at once. There will be those who are glued to the TV, watching sporting events (either because their team is playing, there are fantasy implications, or they have a bet on the game). There will be those who are glued to their phone, scrolling incessantly, oblivious to what is going on around them. Others will have conversations of the year gone by, share their favorite moments, and what they have planned for the upcoming year. Some will speak about money and the stock market, or whatever investment is the “next big thing”, and finally those who have nothing to contribute at all.

The one conversation that is seldom had is about organ donation. Maybe it is because nobody wants to think, let alone talk about death. Others think that they still have plenty of time left in this world and that is a conversation that can take place at a future time. Some think that a family gathering is not the right time or the right place. A common reason is the mistrust of the medical field and medical professionals.

According to an article from Donate Life, 5 Reasons Why People Don’t Sign Up as an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor are:

1. “I just haven’t thought about it.”

2. “I always thought my family would decide.”

3. “I have diabetes. I didn’t realize I could still donate.”

4. “I’ve been too busy to sign up.”

5. “I didn’t think I could donate at my age.”

On their website, Mayo Clinic shares common myths associated with organ donation. These include:

• If I agree to donate my organs, the hospital staff won’t work as hard to save my life.

• Maybe I really won’t be dead when they sign my death certificate.

• Organ donation is against my faith.

• I am younger than 18. I am too young to make this decision.

• People who donate organs or tissue can’t have an open-casket funeral.

• I’m too old to donate. Nobody wants my organs.

• I’m not in the best health. Nobody wants my organs or tissues.

These reasons that people give for why they have not signed up to be an organ donor, or why these myths exist are because the important conversations are not being had. Unless you have been through this personally, or know someone who has and understand what they have been through, how could you? Until I was diagnosed with ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease), I did not have the first clue about organ donation or transplantation.

I urge all of you to have these conversations this holiday season. If you have made the decision to be an organ donor, share that with your loved ones. Let them know that one person can save eight lives. There are currently over 103,000 people who need an organ transplant in the United States. Remember, “It takes lives to save lives”.

If there are things that you do not understand, or would like more information on organ donation, transplantation, or being a living donor, please reply to this newsletter and I will be sure to answer you and share resources, as well as lead you in the right direction to get any and all answers you need.

A Hero’s Journey

In 1995, Lauren Puckett was diagnosed with kidney failure. Based on the multitude of tests, the diagnosis showed that Strep Throat was the culprit, which Lauren fell ill with in 1993. The technical diagnosis for Lauren’s kidney failure was PSGN (Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis). PSGN is thought to be a form of kidney disease which derives from an immune response to an earlier infection with certain strains of streptococcus bacteria.

In November of 1995, just four months after this diagnosis, Lauren had a transplant and received a kidney from her father, David Puckett. David went through the evaluation process at Tulane Abdominal Transplant Institute and Clinic, and after he was an approved match, the transplant was completed. David became a hero.

To Lauren, David has been a hero her entire life. There are not enough positive adjectives to depict David’s character and his loving nature. Lauren’s parents were there, ready for whatever challenge they faced. The strength they both showed helped Lauren through what, at that time, was the biggest obstacle she had ever faced.

Lauren’s new kidney lasted 22 years. Unfortunately, it only lasted 22 years. Lauren had no option at that time other than to begin dialysis. She moved back to Louisiana, from Tampa, where her parents, David and Cheryl were there once again for whatever she needed. During her time on dialysis, three years in total, Cheryl would pray every night for a “perfect kidney”. She was surrounded by an incredible support system who helped her every step of the way. In April 2017, Lauren received her 2nd successful transplant, and as the doctor walked in, they told her parents, they found the “perfect kidney". Their prayers were answered. Currently, Lauren is in Lafayette, Louisiana, enjoying every day, and grateful for each moment.

When asked about her parents, she says her mother, Cheryl, was her emotional backbone through this entire journey. About David, Lauren told me “I couldn’t have done it without him. He is the most selfless, generous person I know. He went through so much pain to give me life.” Regarding her thoughts about herself and what she has been through, Lauren says “My journey, although it was difficult, made me the woman I am today.”

The story of what David did for Lauren is remarkable, but it is not the end of him being a hero. In 2004, he embarked on a mission to help others who faced what Lauren had been through and would go through again in the future. He did a deep dive into foundations that help people with transplants with the goal of doing whatever it was he could to play a role, to make an impact. This began with a simple thought, “What happens if Lauren needs another kidney?!” A few years later, the LOPA Foundation was created. The LOPA Foundation is dedicated to education, outreach, and family services. In addition to this, the LOPA Donor Memorial Park was created for families and those affected by organ donation as a place of comfort, reflection, and healing. David continues to go out of his way to help others, forever humble. He currently serves on the Board of LOPA as the Secretary, and is the Chair of the LOPA Foundation.

When asking his peers to give their thoughts on David, what he has done, along with what he continues to contribute, this is what they had to say:

“It is an honor to work alongside Mr. David Puckett. His commitment to our community is very inspirational by his countless selfless acts. He is always dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of organ & tissue donation, while honoring the donor heroes, their families, and those who have received the gift of life.” — Shawn Paul Harrison, Physician and Donation Specialist with LOPA

“David has been an integral part of the LOPA Donor Memorial Park. His dedication to making sure that those who have given the gift of life are continuously honored is unmatched and we are blessed to have him on our team.” — Lana Stevens, Community Education and Volunteer Specialist  

David Puckett is a hero. Not only did he save his daughter’s life, he strives daily to ensure he does whatever can be done to help others who are facing the fight for life and battling through their own journeys. His passion for creating awareness and spreading the message of being a living donor is an inspiration. When I asked David about his thoughts on all of this, he says “The joy of giving outweighs everything else. It’s a powerful feeling.” He also shared his thoughts on the shared exchange program saying “The shared exchange program is vital because it proves that just because someone that wants to donate is not a match, you can still get a transplant. A life is still being saved.”

If you want to find David and Cheryl, go to Cafe Sydnie Mae, located at 140 E. Bridge Street, Breaux Bridge, LA. This hidden gem is a steakhouse nestled in Cajun country. They have an amazing Brunch and it is also a great place to go if you enjoy live music. I highly recommend their Teche Wellington! cafesydniemae.com 

For more information on LOPA and LOPA Foundation, please go to lopa.org and lopafoundation.org 

National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana

Share Your Spare Pickleball Tournament

On Saturday, November 18th, the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana held their first Share Your Spare pickleball tournament at BREC’s Greenwood Community Park in Baker, Louisiana. The event featured Men’s and Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles brackets. It was a great day of competitiveness, camaraderie, and most importantly, raising awareness. Torie Krantz, National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana’s CEO said about the event “The Share Your Spare tournament benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana was more than winning or losing; it was a triumph for the Foundation. The enthusiastic participation and community spirit were inspiring. Beyond the fierce matches and friendly rivalries, the real victory lies in the funds raised for kidney health initiatives and the promotion of living organ donation. The event showcased the remarkable synergy between sports and philanthropy, proving that a simple game of pickleball can be a catalyst for positive change in our community. Thanks to all the committee, volunteers, players, BREC staff, sponsors and the SwishSports team for contributing to the tournament's success.”

Mental Health Moment

As this issue of A Kidney Life focuses on the power of conversation and organ donation, I feel compelled to state how important it is to have human connection. As stated in Lauren’s story, having a support system helps us through the most challenging times. It helps our mental health and well-being. David’s tireless work and dedication builds connections that have a ripple effect throughout the community. These connections begin with a conversation.

Here is an excerpt from The Lost Art of Good Conversation by Sakyong Mipham which illustrates this message: “It is time to reconnect — to synchronize the mind and heart — in order to find peace, in order to find home, the truth of reality that we have been seeking since the beginning of time. When we know our own goodness, we feel more embodied and ready to engage in an enlightened society, which begins with two people, “just you and me.” From the ground of conversation arises the magic of our relationships, enriches everyday life with a built in sense of enjoyment. A good conversation increases our life force energy and changes our lives by connecting us heart to heart with another person wherever we may be.”

Please remember, I am not a medical professional, nor is any of this medical advice. I am just out here living A Kidney Life.