The Bonus Years

By: Brooke Gurrad
  • Summary

  • Every year of life past your diagnosis is a bonus, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Brooke was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, went into liver failure, and received a liver transplant--all at age 20. She is a coach for chronic illness & organ transplant patients, providing support that comes from years of coaching and personal experience. If you're looking to hear real stories from real people, this podcast is for you.
    © 2024 The Bonus Years
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Episodes
  • Biliary Atresia for life | a conversation with Jenny Tice
    Apr 25 2023

    In this episode, you get to hear a conversation with my friend Jenny about all things life, health, heartbreak, and adventure. Jenny was diagnosed with biliary atresia which led to a liver transplant as an infant. She shares authentically about the relational challenges of chronic illness, living her truth, relationships, and career. She took a dreamy trip to Singapore, Vietnam, and Bali and talks about traveling with a transplant and why she spoke out about her health journey. Don't miss this fun chat!

    Check out: https://www.bareinc.org/

    Connect with Jenny on Instagram: @livermentor4hope

    Support the show

    Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world.

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Youtube


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    48 mins
  • An abdominal transplant? Like on Grey's Anatomy? (feat. Ali Emerald)
    Feb 24 2023

    Brooke & Ali (aka @TransplantBesties) talk on this episode about Ali’s most recent surgery, a freaking abdominal wall transplant!

    If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably only heard of it on Grey’s Anatomy (Megan Hunt vibes anyone?).

    Ali is always great to have on the podcast because she shares her perspective, wisdom, and experience so authentically.

    Beyond her surgery, we talk about:

    • what it feels like to be heard and validated by a medical professional
    • the value in having a small support system and what it means to hold space in really difficult moments
    • the role of fear when walking into the darkness
    • Surgery as rebirth
    • Having a menty-b and less stressful coping strategies
    • Advice for healing and complications post-surgery

    Connect with Ali:
    on Instagram
    on her website
    at TransplantLyfe

    Support the show

    Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world.

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Youtube


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    33 mins
  • A Heart on Valentine's Day || a conversation with Hailey Steimel
    Feb 10 2023

    Today is an extra special episode where Brooke talks to a new friend, heart recipient, organ donation advocate, and author Hailey Steimel. Hailey shares her story of a congenital heart defect, surgery at age 1, and a much-needed heart transplant as a teenager that came on Valentine's Day, making it even more special.

    Hailey is sweet and lovely and talks openly about how it felt to be a teenager in the hospital, requiring an RVAD to stay alive until she got her life-saving gift. Hailey has a relationship with her donor family, and tells us about the dynamics and feelings around that.

    Make sure you don’t miss this one, and share it with your friends!

    Connect with Hailey:

    • Hailey on Facebook
    • Hailey on Instagram
    • A Heart on Valentine's Day on Amazon
    • A Heart on Valentine's Day from Barnes & Noble

    Support the show

    Please subscribe & rate our podcast. Every positive review helps us share more stories of connection and hope with the world.

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Youtube


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    33 mins

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