In this powerful and heart-centered episode of Heart In Home Living, Katie welcomes back special guest Jocelyn Leworthy to share her inspiring story of becoming a living organ donor—not once, but twice. As April marks Be a Donor Month in Ontario, Jocelyn walks us through the emotional, physical, and deeply human aspects of choosing to donate her liver and kidney to complete strangers.

Her story sheds light on the life-saving impact of living donations and offers valuable insight for anyone considering organ or blood donation, supporting a loved one through the process, or simply wanting to make the world a more compassionate place. This episode is a beautiful reminder that we all have something to give—and sometimes, that gift is life itself.

Timestamps:

[00:01:00] Introduction to Be a Donor Month & Jocelyn's return

[00:02:00] Jocelyn’s personal story and early motivation to become a donor

[00:05:00] Choosing to donate anonymously: emotional and ethical considerations

[00:07:00] The living donor evaluation process (medical, psychological, social)

[00:14:00] Surgery & recovery: comparing liver vs. kidney donation

[00:23:00] Navigating donation during COVID & kidney paired donation chain

[00:30:00] Reflections on anonymous donation and hope for recipients

[00:36:00] Emotional impact, yearly correspondence, and recipient relationships

[00:41:00] Facing skepticism, staying true to a generous spirit

[00:44:00] Advice for potential donors and family members of recipients

[00:47:00] Resources, registration, and how to take action

[00:50:00] Final reflections: conscious giving and being the change

Notable Quotes:

"We all have something to add into this world—and it doesn’t necessarily have to be an organ."

"It’s something you truly won’t miss when you’re gone, but someone else may gain their whole life back."

"Sometimes it’s not about knowing the person you’re helping—it’s about knowing you have the power to help at all."

Resources & Links:

• BeADonor.ca – https://www.beadonor.ca
• Sign up to be an organ donor in Ontario and learn more about the impact you can make.
• Trillium Gift of Life Network – https://www.giftoflife.on.ca
• Provides education, statistics, and donor registration information for Ontario.
• UHN Center for Living Organ Donation – https://www.uhn.ca/transplant/Living_Donor_Program
• Offers comprehensive guides for living liver and kidney donors.
• Canadian Blood Services – Blood Donation – https://www.blood.ca
• Learn how to donate blood, register as a bone marrow donor, and support patients in need.

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