Unpacking the Gift of Life
Our experiences shape more than our health. They shape our relationships, our identity, and the way we move through the world. In Season 3, Unpacking the Gift of Life explores the intersection of health, humanity, and connection—with hope, honesty, and hard-won insight to navigate care, find purpose, and live well alongside chronic illness.
Hosted by patient advocacy leader and two-time transplant recipient Valen Keefer, every episode is a reminder that none of us are navigating it alone. Through real stories from patients, transplant survivors, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates, we share heartfelt conversations about building resilience, finding connection, and discovering the perspectives that make life so beautiful.
Unpacking the Gift of Life
Latest Episodes
Walking a Different Path: John Fluevog’s Story of Creativity, Transplant, and Purpose
Behind John Fluevog's decades of iconic shoe design is a personal story of kidney disease, transplant, and gratitude. Valen talks with John about his creative journey, his diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease, and the transplant that changed ...
Hope on the Horizon: How Every Voice Shapes Research Innovation
The future of rare kidney disease treatment is full of hope and innovation. Valen chats with Dr. Jill Green and Dr. Pranav Garimella about groundbreaking research and why the patient voice matters when working with advocacy groups and industry ...
On the Cutting Edge: Engaging in Rare Disease Research
Patients are key to advancing rare disease treatment. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patient Russ Roberts and his nephrologist Dr. Arnold Silva discuss the role of clinical trials in rare kidney disease research and how patients and providers can work ...
Patient-Provider Partnership: The Ins and Outs of Building Your Care Team (Part 2)
Strong relationships with your healthcare team are essential for managing complex care. Valen and her nephrologist, Dr. Adarsh Bhat, explore how patients and providers can collaborate, while transplant recipient Tristan Mace shares tips on mana...
Patient-Provider Partnership: The Ins and Outs of Building Your Care Team (Part 1)
Strong relationships with your healthcare team are essential for managing complex care. Valen and her nephrologist, Dr. Adarsh Bhat, explore how patients and providers can collaborate, while transplant recipient Tristan Mace shares tips on mana...