Gina Poole and Steven Poole
Recorded
May 2, 2025
45:44 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
mba000497
Description
Steven Poole [no age given] joins his wife, Gina Poole (61), for a conversation about the obstacles and challenges of living with chronic kidney disease, as well as his hopes for receiving an organ donation. Together, they seek to raise awareness about organ donation and its life-changing impact on those still waiting for a transplant.Subject Log / Time Code
Gina Poole (GP) opens the conversation by introducing her husband, Steven Poole (SP), highlighting his love for their children and his ongoing journey toward a kidney transplant. SP shares how he was first diagnosed with stage five chronic kidney disease.
GP asks SP about the most difficult part of living with the disease. SP talks about the constant state of alert—waiting for a call from the transplant list.
SP describes home dialysis, and both he and GP reflect on how their house is now filled with dialysis supplies.
GP speaks about the support they’ve received from the organization Gift Works, and SP shares how a successful transplant could transform his life.
SP offers insight into what he would say to someone considering becoming a living donor. GP shares Steven’s story from her own perspective.
GP discusses the emotional and physical toll chronic kidney disease has taken on SP and their entire family. She also shares her hope of finding a donor.
SP and GP reflect on how they continue to hold onto hope through their journey. SP talks about going on hikes, and together they share the biggest lessons they’ve learned from this experience.
They recount the kindness they’ve received from others, including unexpected support from strangers during uncertain times.
SP and GP reminisce about how they met—how he moved in next door, their meeting at age 15, and becoming high school sweethearts. SP reflects on what life was like before his diagnosis.
They share some of their most cherished memories of each other.
SP and GP talk about how living with chronic kidney disease has shifted his perspective on life.
SP closes by offering a few words of wisdom for others who may be facing a similar journey.
Participants
- Gina Poole
- Steven Poole