Episode Details

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What if someone else's tragedy could become your lifeline? 

In this powerful episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we dive deep into the life-altering journey of Jessica Chappel, a passionate advocate for organ and tissue donation. Jessica's story is one of resilience, hope, and the profound impact of a second chance at life. After being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, she faced the unimaginable reality of needing a liver transplant. Join us as Jessica shares her raw and emotional experiences, from the moment she received the life-changing call to the challenges of navigating chronic illness and the waiting game for a donor.

Jessica's journey is not just about her survival; it's about the lives intertwined with hers—the family who grieved a loss so she could live, and the community that rallied around her during her darkest days. She reflects on the importance of open conversations about death and dying, the emotional toll of chronic illness, and the incredible support system that helped her through it all. This episode is a powerful reminder of the gift of life and the responsibility we carry to honour those who have given us a second chance.

Key points from our discussion:

• Jessica's initial health struggles and the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis.
• The emotional realities of waiting for a transplant and the impact on her family.
• The moment she received the call about her donor and the whirlwind that followed.
• The im

The Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz is back — now in its third year, and it’s a sellout event for a reason.

Join us on May 12 at 7pm at Hotel Lona in Frankston, as part of the South Side Festival.

Come solo and join a team, or bring your own crew — and compete for great prizes.

 Go to criticalinfo.com.au/events 

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Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
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MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

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Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/