In the final episode of Season 1 of Unpacking the Gift of Life, Valen and Cristen invite you into an open conversation where no question is off-limits. In this “Ask Us Anything” special, they tackle topics that resonate deeply within the transplant community: coping with post-transplant depression, navigating the nuances of family and friend support, managing sun exposure, staying vigilant against COVID, and safeguarding your kidneys when surrounded by children. As they reflect on the season's journey, Valen and Cristen explore the inspiration that has fueled each episode, highlighting the resilience, hope, and community that have made this season so impactful. Join them for an honest and heartfelt discussion that wraps up the season by celebrating the strength and spirit of those living with the extraordinary gift of life.

Learn more about your hosts:

• Valen Keefer, Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker: www.valenkeefer.com
• Cristen Wathen, Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University: https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

Additional resources:

• Skin Cancer Resource Center: Skin Cancer Resource Center (aad.org)
• “Skin Care in the Immunosuppressed” episode of the Both Sides of the Stethoscope podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/both-sides-of-the-stethoscope/id1580609482?i=1000613031353
• “Traveling with Transplant” episode of the Both Sides of the Stethoscope podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/both-sides-of-the-stethoscope/id1580609482?i=1000569406245
• Vanessa’s Travels With Transplant IG account: https://www.instagram.com/travelswithtransplant?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Kate Bowler: https://katebowler.com/guide/illness-happens/
• If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Communication and speaking up for ourselves is so important, yet can feel exhausting. Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Noelia, dig deep into three aspects of communication as it relates to patient advocacy. First, experiences of advocating for ourselves in our social relationships with partners, loved ones, friends, and the community at large. Second, the meaning, purpose, and value of a trusting relationship with our healthcare teams. And third, they share conversations about internal dialogue, being kind to ourselves, and emotional honesty. Tune in to learn ways to advocate for yourself, be empowered to have honest conversations, and live a meaningful life in the midst of chronic illness.

Learn more about your hosts:

• Valen Keefer, Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker: www.valenkeefer.com
• Cristen Wathen, Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University: https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

Additional resources:

• Letters of Hope - a docuseries on the trials and triumphs of transplantation: Letters of Hope | Valen Keefer
• Chronic Illness and Assertiveness - Setting firm boundaries for better health: Chronic Illness and Assertiveness- Psychology Today
• Minority Health Resources: US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health
• Treatment Challenges in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease - Continuing research, current treatment guidelines, and a look at why Black and Hispanic populations are chronically underserved: Polycystic Kidney Disease BIPOC Treatment Challenges
• NKF Peers en Español: https://www.kidney.org/es/peers

Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Elizabeth, share their individual paths of whether to have children, what led to their choices, and how ADPKD and transplant shaped their decision-making. They acknowledge the emotions surrounding their difficult decisions, share personal stories on how they navigated and embraced having or not having a child, and how they moved forward in a positive way. Listen in to be inspired and empowered by their vulnerability and determination.

Learn more about your hosts:

• Valen Keefer, Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker: www.valenkeefer.com
• Cristen Wathen, Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University: https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

Additional resources:

• PKD Australia Pregnancy & Childbearing Question Prompt List: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fu8lHf93b7IxbUF6_JPzLcKxU3oGEbvS/view?usp=sharing
• Transplant Pregnancy Registry: https://www.transplantpregnancyregistry.org/
• Pregnancy after deceased donor vs living donor kidney transplant: associated obstetric and graft outcomes: https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(23)00543-4/pdf
• Pregnancy, Motherhood & Organ Transplant: https://www.facebook.com/groups/41330239911