Content Note: This episode contains discussion of serious illness, medical trauma, stroke, coma, and organ transplantation. While this is ultimately a story of hope, resilience, and healing, some listeners may find parts of the journey emotionally intense. Please check in with yourself and listen in a way that feels supportive for you.

In today’s deeply moving episode of the She Flourishes Podcast, I sit down with my friend Jenn Dinis to share her extraordinary story of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit.

Jenn’s journey spans decades…from being diagnosed with diabetes as a teenager, to kidney failure, years on dialysis, multiple setbacks, a stroke and coma, and finally the life-changing call that led to her kidney transplant. Along the way, she faced unimaginable uncertainty, heartbreak, and fear, yet never let go of hope.

This is a story about waiting. About fighting when you’re exhausted. About the people who carry you when you feel like you can’t go on. And about the profound gift of organ donation…a gift that saves lives.

Jenn shares what it was like to live on dialysis, to wait for “the call,” to experience false alarms, to survive a stroke, and to finally receive the kidney that saved her life. She also opens up about survivor’s guilt, writing to her donor’s family, and how this journey has changed her forever.

Most of all, this is a story of courage, and a reminder that even in our darkest seasons, hope is still possible.

✨ In this episode, we talk about:

Jenn’s long journey with diabetes and kidney disease

Life on dialysis and what it means to depend on a machine to stay alive

The emotional rollercoaster of waiting for a transplant

False alarms and heartbreak along the way

Surviving a stroke and coma

The life-changing transplant call

The miracle of organ donation

Survivor’s guilt and writing to her donor’s family

Healing, gratitude, and finding meaning after trauma

What keeps us going when life feels unbearable

If you or someone you love is facing illness, uncertainty, or a difficult season, this conversation is for you.

Jenn’s story is a powerful reminder that you are stronger than you think, and that even after the longest, hardest road, new beginnings are possible.

About Organ Donation

If Jenn’s story has inspired you to learn more about becoming an organ donor, I’ve included information in the show notes about how to register in Ontario and how to talk to your family about your wishes.

Register to become a donor or check your registration status:

https://beadonor.ca/

Paired exchange kidney donation program:  Kidney paired donation is a program that matches transplant candidates with suitable living donors. It gives people the chance to become a living kidney donor while ensuring that someone they want to help receives a needed kidney, even if they are not a direct match. https://www.blood.ca/en/organs-tissues/living-organ-donation/kidney-paired-donation

Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:

Email: brenda@bjasmin.com

Instagram: @_brendajamin

https://www.instagram.com/_brendajasmin/

Website: www.brendajasmin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/

Original music for She Flourishes podcast composed by Leah Hidalgo

www.leahhidalgo.com

Happy 2026 and welcome back to the She Flourishes podcast. In this solo episode, Brenda hops on the mic for a cozy, free-flow conversation about what it really feels like to begin a new year in midlife without pressure, perfection, or the “new year, new you” hustle.

Brenda reflects on the shift she’s noticing in New Year messaging, away from fixing ourselves and toward easing in with compassion, intention, and grace. She shares a personal update on her health journey, what she learned from losing and regaining weight, and how she’s embracing the idea of “rebuilding” rather than starting over.

You’ll also hear about:

• Why January doesn’t need to be a full sprint

• How self-compassion creates more motivation than self-criticism

• What rebuilding your health, strength, and confidence can look like

• The power of staying active as we age

• Why it’s not too late to go after what you love

• Lessons from skiing at 55 alongside 80-year-old athletes

• The mindset that keeps us moving forward instead of shrinking our lives

If you’re feeling tired after the holidays, behind on your goals, or unsure how you want this year to look, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, reflect, and listen to what your heart really wants.

Because 2026 doesn’t need to start with pressure. It can start with intention, courage, and joy.

Grab a cup of tea and join Brenda for a gentle, encouraging conversation to begin the year feeling grounded, inspired, and hopeful.

If you’re ready to design a life you love in 2026 and want support along the way, Brenda shares how you can work with her one-on-one as your life coach. Just send her an email at brenda@bjasmin.com

Resources mentioned in this episode:

She Flourishes Episodes on Goal-Setting and Habits:

Episode 116. Tiny Habits, Big Results https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9nVNV98fSZb

Episode 102. Crush Your 2025 Goals with Caroline Adams Miller

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/lld85tegSZb

She Flourishes Episode with Martha Munroe: 144. Breaking Free from Diet Culture: A New Approach to Exercise with Martha Munroe https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/uG3T3uO3HZb

Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:

Instagram: @_brendajasmin

Website: www.brendajasmin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/

Download Brenda’s Gratitude Guide:

https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/gratitudeguide

Get Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happier

Original music composed by Leah Hidalgo

www.leahhidalgo.com