Holiday Photo Album

Laurie McDonald Podcast


Title:
Laurie McDonald, Social Worker at UNC Transplant Center Makes a Difference


Jerry Cahill interviews Laurie McDonald, Transplant Social Worker at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Laurie works closely with the medical team, patient, and family to make sure everything runs smoothly with the transplant.

• Laurie is involved in lung, heart, liver, and kidney transplant social work.
• Cystic Fibrosis disease progression is the reason for over 50% of lung transplants at UNC.
• “Financial issues as well as re-locating and waiting for the transplant are the biggest challenges for patient and familyâ€? states Laurie
• UNC Transplant Center offers support groups to patients and family that is both educational and good forum for stress release.
• Laurie recommends setting up a “fundraising teamâ€? ASAP once you are listed to help ease the financial burden of unexpected expenses.
• Laurie’s advice:
  1. “Live everyday /minute of your life and don’t count on transplant to turn your life around�
  2. “Prepare Financially�
  3. “Exercise – the surgery and recovery will go smoother�

  
  
  
   

Al Iannello Gives the “Gift of Breath� this Holiday Season

Jerry Cahill interviews Al Iannello.

Al is 41 years old with cystic fibrosis and another adult “living, breathing, and succeeding with CF. Al Iannello recently donated a therapy vest to another individual in need with CF.

* Al Iannello was diagnosed at birth after he “died at birth�
* Al has 1 brother and 2 sisters and his older sister also has CF and is 48 years old
* Growing up Al was very involved in baseball, football, and basketball.
* Al states: “ I just deal with my condition and live a normal life�
* “I come from a very close family and they ALWAYS are by my side�
* Al is always positive and a fighter - “having CF is not the end of the world�
* “Don’t live in the North Pole and be isolated, you should be part of and get involved in the community� states Al Iannello.
* Al’s recommendation: “Do what you have to do to stay healthy and move forward in life!�