In Episode 9, we welcome Melissa McQueen, the president and co-founder of Transplant Families. After her youngest son received a heart transplant in 2009, Melissa found herself searching for a support that was devoted solely to pediatric transplant families and that was accessible to all who needed it. When she didn’t find the resources she was seeking, she brought together fellow caregivers to build the community they wanted to have.

Listen in as Melissa recounts the emotional challenges of discovering her son Dylan's need for a heart transplant. Through her story, she offers a raw and honest glimpse into the emotional and logistical hurdles faced by families navigating the complex world of pediatric organ transplantation. We talk through the pivotal moments, including the family's decision-making process in choosing a transplant center and the life-altering call about a donor heart. Melissa opens up about the impact of the transplant on family dynamics, finances, and mental health, highlighting the critical role of medical professionals and loved ones. Her passion for advocacy shines through, as she shares stories of how parental voices can influence medical advancements and policies. Join us as we celebrate the resilience of families, like the McQueen’s, who are navigating the transplant journey!

Links & Resources:

• www.TransplantFamilies.org
• www.COTA.org

SPONSOR: The Pressing On Podcast is sponsored by the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA).

In episode 8 of the Pressing On Podcast, we hear from Clay and Lauren Buckwalter! The Buckwalters have experienced several difficult trials personally, including seeing their daughter spend nearly a week in the NICU at West Penn Hospital when she was born. Their experience has led them to partnering with Pressing On in creative ways, including using Clay’s upcoming Pittsburgh Marathon to care for hospitalized families. They both talk through their family's hospital experience, share how they navigated the NICU and why they're using Clay's Run to support the work that Pressing On does with hospitalized families. Listen in to this inspiring episode!

Clay is a Personal Trainer & Health Coach, with a degree in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Lauren earned her teaching degree from Liberty University and currently teaches Middle School Science virtually for CCA. The Buckwalters have been married for 8 years and reside in Irwin, PA with their two kids, Roby and Blake.

SUPPORT CLAY'S RUN: https://www.pressingon.org/claysrun

PODCAST PURPOSE: To amplify voices of perseverance and highlight the journey of hospitalized families, so that everyone who listens will be encouraged to “press on” through tough times holistically! SPONSOR: The Pressing On Podcast is sponsored by the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) ⁠⁠⁠https://cota.org/⁠⁠⁠

FREE PRESSING ON RESOURCES: For more information and to access all of our free resources for hospitalized families and those on the transplant journey, visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.PressingOn.org⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bensound.com