The Journey Continues
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
The Journey Continues is a podcast committed to promoting kidney health and organ donation through powerful stories. Host Monica Fox is a kidney transplant recipient and Director of Outreach and Government Relations for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. This series will feature the journeys of kidney patients, living donors, transplant recipients, donor families and industry experts who continue to educate the community through their own experiences and stories.
Episodes
- Organ Donation, Beyond the Numbers
Marion Shuck shares her personal story of her husband's organ donation and her decision to become a living kidney donor for her brother. The episode also discusses myths and facts surrounding organ donation.
- Monica’s Journey
Co-host Monica Fox and her daughter Olivia join Sara Jane Charles to discuss their experience with a kidney transplant in October 2025. This episode also highlights the new format for The Journey Continues on CAN TV.
- A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
Nichole Jefferson discusses her experience with kidney failure, dialysis, and two transplants. She shares how she became a national advocate, encouraging others to trust their instincts and take an active role in their own healthcare.
- One to Live, One to Give
Mike Crowley shares his personal journey of becoming a living kidney donor after witnessing the realities of kidney failure. He details the donation process, the emotional and physical recovery, and the ripple effect of generosity through…
- From Patient to Power
Dr. Patrick Gee discusses his personal health journey following a diagnosis, highlighting the importance of health literacy and how his experiences fueled his advocacy for health equity.
- A Season of Giving: Still Connected at Heart
This episode discusses organ donation awareness, featuring the story of organ donor Mario Cousins. His mother, Emma O'Neal, and recipient Pam Morris Walton share how the gift of life created lasting connections.
- Life, Gratitude, and Advocacy
Curtis Warfield discusses his experience with kidney disease, his life-saving transplant, and his subsequent work as a patient advocate. He is dedicated to advancing legislation and research that prioritizes the patient experience.
- Monica’s Thanksgiving Miracle
Host Monica Fox recounts her life-saving kidney transplant experience in an interview with her daughter, Olivia. They reflect on the emotional journey and the inspiration it provided to help others facing kidney disease.
- Every Voice Counts
Glenda Roberts discusses her experience with kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant, highlighting her work as a national advocate. She explains how she amplifies patient voices in research and healthcare and offers advice for making a di…
- The Gift of Living
This episode explores the journey of living kidney donation, detailing the tests, surgery, and emotional support involved. It highlights how this selfless act can change the lives of two individuals and addresses common myths.
- A Sister’s Promise
Monique Hoskins shares her experience as a living kidney donor for her brother on The Journey Continues. She discusses her decision, the surgery and recovery, and her ongoing advocacy to raise awareness for living donation.
- He is My Hero
Jen Strouse shares the story of her son EJ, who has faced numerous health issues since birth, including a kidney transplant with complications. Jen highlights her resilience in maintaining normalcy for EJ throughout his medical journey.
- Good Weathers Ahead
Daja Weathers discusses her experience with juvenile insulin dependent diabetes and subsequent transplant, highlighting her current advocacy for organ donor awareness.
- Mission Unblockable
Brooke Wozniak decided to donate a kidney to Sue, a fellow volleyball mom who has the same rare condition as Wozniak's mother. This selfless act initiated a mission for Wozniak to support Sue.
- Higher Education
Jerry Taylor, Chicago Public Schools’ Deputy Chief Talent Officer, discusses his personal journey with a rare kidney disease that impacted his family. He shares how his experience with dialysis and his support system have inspired his advo…
- 26.2 for 21 Years
Leah Howell, a kidney recipient, advocate, and ambassador, is running the Chicago Marathon with her 21-year-old transplanted kidney, Joey. They are part of Team Kidney to demonstrate the abilities of transplant recipients.
- Miracle on Ice
Lifelong friends and former college hockey teammates Bill Boscow and Carter Freeman share their story. Bill donated a kidney to Carter, who needed a third transplant.
- In Honor of My Donor
Moira Miller recounts her experience needing a liver transplant in her twenties and later a combined liver and kidney transplant. She has found community and lives fully in honor of her donor.
- Rare But Lucky
Host Susan May shares her unexpected diagnosis of a decade-long tumor, initially mistaken for a kidney stone.
- Living the Dream
Rob Russell, who has undergone multiple transplants and surgeries, shares how a liver donation made possible his accomplishments in education, NASCAR, and fatherhood, and he continues to pursue his dreams.
- Sisterly Love
Bettie Lewis, a mom and attorney, discusses the challenges and calling of being a family caregiver after her sister Monica began dialysis. Learn more about Monica's story through provided links.
- 40 and Fabulous
Debby Ramsey, diagnosed with kidney disease as a child, recently marked 40 years since her kidney transplant. She has since pursued marriage, motherhood, coaching, singing, and advocacy for organ donation, also competing in the Transplant…
- New Outlook
Angelina Precilio recounts how a minor injury led to a cornea transplant, inspiring her and her family to become advocates for Eversight and promote eye, organ, and tissue donation.
- Drive for Life
Lisa Dodson is dedicated to promoting organ donation. She works with the Illinois High School Association on the Drive for Life Act, enabling 16- and 17-year-olds to decide on organ donation. Lisa is also a donor wife and supports the Say…
- Maximizing the Gift
Dr. Harry Wilkins, President and CEO of Gift of Hope, shares how the organization maximizes the gift of organs and tissues from deceased donors and their families to reduce wait times for transplants. Visit giftohope.org for more informati…
- DeLong Way Home
Marathon runner Haley Sarff-DeLong, a pediatric transplant coordinator, became a living kidney donor, drawing on her personal experiences to enhance patient care.
- Love at First Sight
Walter and Edith Aguilar met at a dialysis clinic where Walter was donating a kidney to Edith's mother. This unexpected meeting led to a lifetime of love.
- The Motley Crew
Glenn and Cassy Motley are documenting their transplant journey on their YouTube channel, sharing their experience every step of the way.
- Say Yes!
Dan Lietz was inspired by love and loss to help people say "yes" to organ donation. This episode, brought to you by Donate Life Illinois, explores his journey and lifelong passion.
- Radio Silence
Atiba Buchanan, a WVON radio host, was diagnosed with the silent disease FSGS. He now uses his voice to advocate for himself and others affected by the condition.
- Let’s Talk Hope: The Organ Trail
Mark and Lynn Scotch, a married couple and living kidney donors, discuss their donation journeys and the testing process. Mark also shares his experience cycling across the country to raise awareness for living organ donation.
- Cheerful Giver
Markie Campbell discusses her experience as a living kidney donor after donating to a friend, exploring the complex emotions that followed when the transplant did not have a successful outcome.
- BONUS - Disolver las Disparidades
This episode discusses the higher risk of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure among Hispanic, Latino, and African American individuals. Nurse practitioner Daniela Báez is dedicated to improving care for these patients…
- Dissolving Disparities
This episode of The Journey Continues features Nurse Practitioner Daniela Baez discussing the heightened risk of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure among Hispanic, Latino, and Black Americans. Baez shares her commitm…
- Moving the Needle
Dr. Holly Kramer shares her journey into nephrology and her dedication to inspiring future providers in kidney care while advocating for her patients.
- A Weighty Topic
This episode discusses obesity as a serious health issue that can lead to chronic kidney disease. Nephrologist Dr. Evgueni Minev shares insights on managing obesity while protecting kidney health.
- Project Donor
Ruby Rorty, Executive Director of Project Donor, discusses the organization's work in helping potential organ donors become eligible by meeting health goals. She covers the program's development, successes, and future outlook.
- My Why
Casana Fink, Miss Tampa, is the author of a children's book about organ donation, an effort inspired by her father's experience as a liver transplant recipient. She aims to provide comfort and understanding to families regarding organ dona…
- Roots & Wings
Aaron Sims faced kidney failure due to Lupus, which disrupted his globetrotting life. A transplant from his brother enabled him to return to the activities he enjoys.
- Perfect Match
Jon McCabe recognized Carol as his perfect match in college. When Carol required a kidney transplant in their early 70s, Jon provided the medical proof. They highlight the significance of advocating for oneself and having a supportive team.
- Compassion Over Everything
Registered Nurse Von Alcedo discusses his passion for caring for dialysis patients, leveraging his extensive experience to support them through treatment options, emotional well-being, and taking charge of their health. The episode is spon…
- A Magical Bond
This episode features Linda Miller's story of receiving a kidney transplant from her daughter's best friend, Joel Shoemaker, after her PKD progressed to kidney failure. Their bond and friendship are highlighted.
- Comfort Food
Chef Chloe Gould discusses the role of food in her life, serving as a source of comfort and healing through personal experiences and professional endeavors. She can be found on social media and her website.
- Meant for Each Other
Tony and Tracey Gonzalez recount their love story, which began with an opposite attract dynamic. After 25 years of marriage and a kidney transplant, they are experiencing new and deeper levels of love.
- Experience into Purpose
Janet Hasson, an LCSW, turned to advocacy after her son's diagnosis with a rare kidney disease. She created a community for kidney parents and now champions funding and research for kidney patients nationwide.
- An Ounce of Prevention
Shelley Turk of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois emphasizes the value of preventive health measures over treatment. The episode highlights efforts in education, access, and early detection for whole person and community health.
- The Right Fit
John Czechowicz, a dialysis patient, and his wife Sara share their story of navigating 27 years of marriage, parenting, and finding suitable dialysis treatments. The episode highlights their supportive partnership and is sponsored by Frese…
- A Guiding Light
Transplant Manager Amanda Michaud discusses the lengthy and confusing process of transplant listing. She helps patients navigate this journey, with this episode sponsored by NANI.
- Health Equity for All
Nancy Wohlhart from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois discusses the redetermination process for Medicaid coverage. The episode aims to help listeners understand how to regain coverage to ensure access to necessary medical care. This episo…
- Incurable Optimist
Jennifer Cramer-Miller, facing FSGS and four kidney transplants, maintains a positive outlook fueled by her optimistic nature, sense of humor, family, friends, and gratitude.