A Miracle! Coach Poppy Got A Kidney

In a world so often caught up in what we can gain, there’s something incredibly powerful about what we can give—especially when that gift has the potential to save or transform a life. Becoming an organ donor, whether during one's lifetime or after passing, is an act of profound generosity. But what many don't realize is that this gift not only changes the recipient’s life—it can bring deep emotional rewards and healing to the donor and their loved ones, too.

We have seen it first hand on The Andie Summers Show. We were introduced to George "Coach Poppy" Trabosh in July of 2023. I was having a conversation with a "volleyball mom" who told me about this amazing coach who was in desperate need of a kidney. This coach is one of those coaches that stays with you long after you've played the sport. He's not just a game-changer, he's a life-changer. And it broke her heart to know he was suffering.

I'm a firm believer that with great privilege comes great responsibility. We have a wonderful opportunity to reach millions! Certainly, we can use our gift to help Coach Poppy. And we tried. We had him in the studio to tell his story. We held a donor drive to get people excited about the process. We shared his story with more people than we can count to save this man's life. This went on for years. All the while, Poppy was just holding on.

And then I got the call. Poppy's daughter Regina, sent me a note to tell me her father was an hour into his transplant. I literally fell to my knees in emotion. I cried and prayed and shared the news with my team so they could do the same.

Here we are, a couple of weeks later, and Poppy is getting used to his new normal. It is a lot, but he finally has a light at the end of his tunnel. No more dialysis. No more praying for a miracle. Poppy got his miracle.

Listen to our conversation with Poppy's daughter, Regina ...

Unfortunately, Poppy didn't get his kidney from a living donor. That means his life came from someone who lost theirs. Nothing can take away the pain of losing a loved one: a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend. But I truly believe the family facing this incredible loss knows their loved one will live on in more ways than they could ever imagine.

One of the most powerful emotional effects of posthumous organ donation is the knowledge that your life had an enduring impact. In the face of loss, grieving families can find solace knowing their loved one helped others live. It gives meaning and purpose to tragedy, creating a ripple of hope that stretches far beyond the moment.

For those who become living donors—offering a kidney, part of their liver, or even bone marrow—the experience is often described as deeply transformative. Donors report a profound sense of purpose and connection. Knowing that you played a direct role in saving someone's life creates a kind of joy and satisfaction that few other actions can match. It’s a reminder of our shared humanity—of how interconnected we really are.

Psychological studies have shown that acts of altruism activate the brain’s reward centers, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. Giving truly feels good. Organ donors, both living and families of deceased donors, often experience what psychologists call the "helper’s high"—a state of emotional uplift and increased well-being that follows selfless giving.

Many organ donors report that their decision has reshaped their outlook on life. They feel more connected to others, more grateful, and more present. There’s something about facing mortality—or willingly sacrificing for another—that sharpens the sense of what truly matters. That shift often leads to greater empathy, resilience, and emotional depth.

What better gift can we give than the chance to keep someone else’s light shining?

Kristin Herman and her husband, Mike, join The Andie Summers Show and Coach Poppy to share their journey on successfully finding a kidney. Listen to their story and what it means to become a kidney donor and save a life. Listen to our conversation with Kristin HERE.

Jen Wexler wanted to become a kidney donor. With the help of Penn Medicine, she was able to donate a kidney and save a life. Listen to her story and how you can become a kidney donor too. Listen to our conversation with Jen HERE.