Gift of Life

This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Johnny Boatman—a former football player, military veteran, devoted husband, and now a heart and kidney transplant survivor.   Johnny lived a life built on strength, discipline, and fitness. As someone who worked out regularly and stayed in peak physical condition, health concerns were never on his radar. Like many of us, he was a registered organ donor, never imagining that one day he would be the one in need of a life-saving transplant.   Everything changed in an instant.   While at the gym, Johnny suffered a heart attack that would completely alter the course of his life. What followed was a journey filled with uncertainty, resilience, faith, and ultimately… a second chance.   In this powerful episode, Johnny shares:   His life before the unexpected medical emergency The shocking moment that changed everything His experience navigating heart and kidney failure The emotional and physical journey to transplant What it means to go from donor to recipient His message of hope, gratitude, and purpose     Johnny’s story is a reminder that life can change in a heartbeat—and that the gift of organ donation truly saves lives.        Let’s Stay Connected:      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife

Some journeys are defined not just by survival… but by the unwavering love of family.   In this heartfelt episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Melissa and her daughter Haley—a powerful mother-daughter team whose story spans miles, challenges, and incredible devotion.   With Melissa living in Wisconsin and Haley in South Carolina, distance could have made this journey even more difficult. But when Melissa learned she needed a double lung transplant, Haley didn’t hesitate. She stepped into the role of caregiver, standing by her mom every step of the way.   From diagnosis to transplant and beyond, this episode shares the raw, real, and inspiring moments of their journey—highlighting the strength it takes to face the unknown and the love that carries them through.   With the support of Haley’s husband and daughter, this family came together in a beautiful way to make the impossible possible.    This is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and the incredible bond between a mother and daughter.    Don’t miss this inspiring, full-circle journey—from beginning to a life-changing second chance.       Let’s Stay Connected:      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        BJ Odom’s Book     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!        Help Us Spread the Message     If this episode touched your heart:    Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform  Share this episode with family and friends   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community…  

n this powerful and heartfelt episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Brian Campbell, a heart transplant recipient whose journey reflects the strength, patience, and resilience so many in the transplant community know all too well.   Brian’s story begins with a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, a condition that slowly changed the course of his life. What followed was a long and difficult battle—years of managing his condition, facing uncertainty, and holding onto hope while waiting for the call that would ultimately save his life.   That call finally came… and with it, Brian received his Gift of Life—a second chance made possible through organ donation.   But beyond his own journey, one of Brian’s most meaningful and emotional moments didn’t happen in a hospital—it happened at home.   He shares the pride he felt when his son came home after renewing his driver’s license and proudly showed him the designation that said he was an organ donor. In that moment, Brian saw something bigger than his own story… a legacy of compassion, awareness, and the power of paying it forward.   This episode is a beautiful reminder that organ donation doesn’t just save lives—it inspires generations.        In This Episode, You’ll Hear:     Brian’s journey from cardiomyopathy diagnosis to transplant The emotional and physical challenges of waiting for a new heart What life looks like after receiving a transplant A powerful father-son moment that highlights the importance of organ donation Why sharing your story can inspire others to say “yes” to donation          Why This Episode Matters:     Brian’s story is about more than survival—it’s about legacy, family, and hope. It’s about how one life saved can influence many more, and how the decision to become an organ donor can ripple through generations.        Let’s Stay Connected:      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        BJ Odom’s Book     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!        Help Us Spread the Message:     If this episode touched your heart:   Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform Leave a 5-star review Share this episode with family and friends     Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of this life-giving community.          

In this inspiring episode of Gift of Life, we meet Brian Rubash, a true testament to resilience, faith, and the power of a positive mindset.   Brian’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He has undergone not one, not two—but three kidney transplants over the course of his life. His transplant story began as a child, continued through his college years, and now carries into this current chapter of life.   One of the most remarkable parts of Brian’s journey is that his second transplant lasted an incredible 22 years—a testament to perseverance, medical advancement, and determination. Now, with his third transplant, we’re all hoping and believing for many more healthy years ahead.   What truly sets Brian apart is his outlook. He credits much of his strength and survival to something simple—but powerful:  A gift of humor and a positive attitude.   Sound familiar? It’s a mindset that mirrors so many in the transplant community—choosing joy, even in the hardest moments.   This episode is a reminder that while the journey may be long and uncertain, how we face it can make all the difference.        In This Episode:     Brian’s journey through three kidney transplants What it was like navigating transplant life from childhood to adulthood The incredible longevity of his second transplant The emotional and physical challenges along the way How humor and positivity became key to his survival Encouragement for anyone currently waiting or struggling          Why This Episode Matters     Brian’s story is one of hope, endurance, and perspective. It highlights the importance of staying mentally strong and finding light—even in life’s toughest battles.        Let’s Stay Connected:     Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        BJ Odom’s Book     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!        Help Us Spread the Message:     If this episode touched your heart:   Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform Leave a  review Share this episode with family and friends     Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.  

This week on Gift of Life, we bring you a deeply moving and faith-filled conversation with David Rhoades—a man whose strength, courage, and unwavering belief in God will truly touch your heart.   David has been in the ICU for 52 days, sustained by an IABP (Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump), as he waits for the miracle of a heart transplant. In this powerful episode, David shares his journey from the beginning of his diagnosis to the reality of waiting—day by day—for the gift that could save his life.   Through it all, David leans on faith. He speaks openly about the power of prayer—not just for himself, but for others walking this same road. He asks for prayers for fellow transplant patients who are waiting, and also for the families who may soon face unimaginable loss so that others may live. It’s a humbling and emotional reminder of the true meaning behind organ donation.   Alongside him is his beautiful fiancée, standing strong in love and faith, believing that David’s miracle is on the way. Together, they embody hope, resilience, and the belief that God’s timing is always perfect—even in the hardest moments.   David also shares the emotional weight of knowing that his second chance at life will come through another family’s loss. It’s a perspective that will stay with you long after the episode ends.   This is more than just a story—it’s a call to prayer, a call to compassion, and a powerful testament to the gift of life.   Please keep David, his family, and all those waiting for transplants in your prayers.   You will not want to miss this unforgettable episode.     Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife     BJ Odom’s Book More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!     If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platforms. Share this episode with family and friends.   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.          

Some stories don’t just continue… they come full circle in the most powerful and inspiring ways.   You may remember this incredible couple from earlier episodes of the podcast.   In Episode 55, we met Terri Cecere, a heart transplant recipient, and heard her powerful story of survival, faith, and second chances.   Then in Episode 56, her husband George Cecere joined us to share his perspective as a devoted caregiver—and introduced his passion project, TCH Caregivers Heart, a support group created to uplift and encourage those walking alongside loved ones through the transplant journey.    If you haven’t listened to those episodes yet, we highly encourage you to go back and hear Episode 55 and Episode 56 to fully experience the depth of their journey.   And now… the story continues.   In Episode 102, everything comes full circle.   George, who once stood beside his wife as her caregiver, has now stepped into a new and extraordinary role—living donor—selflessly giving one of his kidneys to a complete stranger.   This isn’t just an update… it’s a testimony.   A testimony of love in action. Of faith becoming movement. Of one life changing another forever.    This episode will move you, inspire you, and remind you just how powerful the gift of life truly is.   You will not want to miss this one. I promise you.        Learn More About TCH Caregivers Heart     www.tchcaregiversheart.com        Let’s Stay Connected     Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        BJ Odom’s Book     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!        Help Us Spread the Message     If this episode touched your heart:    Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform  Share this episode with family and friends   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we meet Brian Springer, a true warrior whose journey will touch your heart and stay with you long after the episode ends.   Brian has already endured four open-heart surgeries, and most recently, received an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device)—a life-sustaining device that is keeping him alive as he waits for the ultimate gift… a new heart.   But Brian’s journey comes with an added challenge.   With 99% antibodies, finding a compatible organ donor is incredibly difficult. His wait for a heart transplant could be years away—time he continues to face with courage, resilience, and an unwavering positive spirit.   In this episode, Brian not only shares his story, but also sheds light on something so important: the critical need for more organ donors.   Because for patients like Brian, the more people who choose to donate, the greater the chance of finding that one life-saving match.   This is more than just a story… It’s a reminder of the power of hope, the strength of the human spirit, and the life-saving impact of organ donation.    You will not want to miss this episode.     Let’s Stay Connected: Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife     BJ Odom’s book More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!     If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with family and friends.   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community…

In this milestone Episode 100, BJ welcomes Mike Duncan from Bloomington, Indiana, whose life-saving liver transplant journey is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of organ donation.   Mike’s story began in 2016 when subtle symptoms during a trip to Florida — dark urine, yellowing eyes, and swelling — revealed something much more serious. His liver was failing.   What followed was a frightening medical journey that included hospitalization, severe complications from liver failure, and the emotional challenge of waiting for a donor organ.   While on the transplant list, Mike experienced the harsh realities of liver disease, including high ammonia levels that caused confusion and hallucinations. Through it all, his partner Jeff, along with family and friends, rallied around him with encouragement and support.   After a heartbreaking false alarm when a donor liver was found but ultimately deemed unusable, Mike’s health continued to decline. Just weeks later, the call came again — and this time the transplant moved forward.   Following surgery, Mike faced rejection, extreme weakness from months in the hospital, and an intense rehabilitation process. At one point he believed he might spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.   But determination, medical care, and the love of those around him helped him fight back.   Today, Mike Duncan is thriving, working out daily and living life to the fullest thanks to the incredible gift of organ donation.   His story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of never giving up.   Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   BJ Odom’s book  More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget   Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!   If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platforms.  Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. 

On this show, we always start at the beginning — because every transplant story is different.   For this husband of 22 years, father of three, and lifelong pastor from Charlotte, his story actually began at six weeks old. Doctors suspected hepatitis after he struggled to gain weight and keep food down. After exploratory surgery, life returned to normal — or so it seemed.   In his mid-20s, a routine scan for a kidney stone revealed something shocking: signs of cirrhosis. He had never touched alcohol. Doctors told him it was mild and would need attention “someday.” So he lived life — raising his family, working in ministry, even spending several years in Seattle — without major symptoms for nearly 20 years.   Then in the summer of 2025, everything changed fast.   He developed severe fluid retention, confusion, and memory distortion. At one ER visit, he couldn’t answer how many quarters are in $1.50. He was diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy, a dangerous buildup of toxins affecting the brain. After multiple hospitalizations and a frightening episode where he became unresponsive at home, he was sent for transplant evaluation at Duke University Hospital.   During evaluation, doctors discovered a liver tumor (HCC), accelerating the need for transplant. He was listed — and received “the call” in less than three days.   His transplant took place September 24. He was discharged October 1 and returned home October 15 after a strong recovery.   Today, nearly five months post-transplant, his labs look excellent and he’s had no major medication complications.   In this episode, he shares:   Living decades with silent liver disease The terrifying reality of hepatic encephalopathy Getting a transplant call almost immediately after listing The fears surrounding surgery and medication side effects Gratitude for a second chance at life     Every transplant story is different. This one is a powerful reminder that liver disease isn’t always alcohol-related — and that sometimes life can change in a matter of days. Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   BJ Odom’s book  More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget   Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!   If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platforms.  Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. 

Some inspire. And some ask us to lean in and truly listen.   This is one of those episodes.   In Episode 98, we introduce you to Shawn Kortes — a husband, a father, and a man courageously fighting for more time.   Shawn is in need of an O positive kidney transplant.   His story is real. It’s raw. And it’s unfolding right now.   He shares openly about:   Living with kidney failure The emotional weight of waiting What it feels like to depend on the generosity of a living donor His hope for more birthdays, more holidays, more everyday moments with his family     This conversation isn’t just about medicine.   It’s about time. It’s about love. It’s about the power of one person saying yes.   If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to wait for a life-saving organ, this episode gives you a front-row seat to that reality.   And if you’ve ever considered becoming a living donor — this may be the story that moves you to take the next step. Shawn's links to help: https://nkr.org/RJV252 Listen now. Share widely. You never know who might be the miracle someone is praying for.       Let’s Stay Connected:      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        BJ Odom’s Book     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!     If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:   Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platforms. Share this episode with family and friends.   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

Imagine entering this world on December 16, 1991… and just weeks later, on January 22, 1992, receiving the ultimate second chance — a heart transplant.   In Episode 97, we introduce you to Laszlo Mark, who is now celebrating 34 incredible years with his donor heart.   This is more than a survival story. This is a life fully lived.   Laszlo shares what it means to grow up knowing your life began with a miracle. He reflects on the challenges, the gratitude, the responsibility, and the deep awareness that every birthday carries extra meaning. From childhood milestones to adulthood purpose, Laszlo’s journey is powerful, thoughtful, and inspiring.   And today? He’s not just living — he’s giving back.   Laszlo is actively studying and learning more about the transplant world, diving deeper into the science and community that saved his life. His passion to understand transplantation from every angle makes this conversation especially compelling.   This episode is filled with hope, perspective, and the reminder that transplantation doesn’t just extend life — it creates decades of impact.   You’ll hear: • What it’s like to grow up as a transplant recipient • How gratitude shapes daily living • Why 34 years post-transplant is such a powerful milestone • What drives Laszlo’s interest in studying the transplant world today   This is a meaningful, fascinating conversation you truly don’t want to miss.       Connect with Laszlo:     Email: [email protected] Instagram: @lasz.lore       Let’s Stay Connected:     Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife       BJ Odom’s Book     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO Available in paperback & eBook.     If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:   Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platforms. Share this episode with family and friends.   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

In this episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we’re joined by Madison Staiger, a liver transplant recipient who received her life-saving transplant in December 2018 and recently celebrated her seven-year anniversary.   Madison shares how her journey began in February 2018, when what she believed was the flu quickly turned into a life-altering diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease. She walks us through the transplant evaluation process, the emotional challenges of waiting, and the moment she learned she was number one on the transplant list.   We talk about recovery after surgery, including time spent in the surgical ICU, being on oxygen for months, and learning to manage lifelong medications. Madison also opens up about the mental health side of transplantation and how working with a transplant-focused psychiatrist helped her navigate life after surgery.   Now thriving, Madison works as a program coordinator at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — the same hospital where she received her transplant. She’s currently pursuing her second master’s degree and gives back through volunteer work with the Humane Society and Lifeline of Ohio.   This episode is an honest and hopeful conversation about resilience, gratitude, and finding purpose after receiving the gift of life. Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   BJ Odom’s book  More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget   Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!   If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platforms.  Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.   

Last week, we introduced you to heart transplant recipient Bill Barschaw and his powerful journey of survival. This week, we continue that story through the eyes of his wife and caregiver, Val Barschaw.   After walking beside Bill through his heart transplant and witnessing the realities of hospital life firsthand, Val felt called to share what she learned — not just for patients, but for families and caregivers navigating the healthcare system. That experience inspired her to write the book:   Surviving the Hospital: Six Secrets Every Patient Should Know   In this episode, Val shares:   What it truly means to walk the transplant journey as a caregiver The emotional toll families experience during long hospital stays The importance of patient advocacy How knowledge can empower patients and caregivers during medical crises     This is a meaningful, eye-opening conversation that honors caregivers and highlights the vital role they play in every transplant story.        Let’s Stay Connected     Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        BJ Odom’s Book     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook        Help Us Spread the Message     If this episode touched your heart: Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, celebrating caregivers, and sharing hope.   Follow Val Blog about humor benefits:https://gnanow.org/blogs/why-every-patient-advocate-should-pack-a-humor-toolkit-the-science-backed-strategy-that-s-transformi.htmlBlog about preparation:https://gnanow.org/blogs/take-control-of-your-surgery-why-proper-preparation-can-change-everything.htmlBook purchase is anywhere books are sold, Amazon, B&N, etc and my site:https://hospitaltohealth.com/products-listwebsite:  hospitaltohealth.com

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with transplant recipient Bill Barschaw as he takes us back to the moment his life changed forever. What began as a routine medical visit unfolded into a diagnosis that would reshape his future — and ultimately lead to a life-saving heart transplant.   Bill shares how a routine checkup in 1990 led his primary doctor to refer him to a cardiologist — a decision that would alter the course of his life. His cardiologist recommended a right heart catheterization to get a deeper look at his heart function. That test brought questions — and then answers. After the cath, Bill was diagnosed with idiopathic viral cardiomyopathy — a condition that weakened his heart muscle for reasons doctors couldn’t completely explain. With medications, Bill managed his condition for years. Though the road was far from smooth, the treatments kept him going and living life as fully as possible. Bill recounts how, as his condition progressed, he eventually became a candidate for a heart transplant. Thirty-five years ago, he received a new heart — a moment that gave him renewed life and hope.   This story is a testament to: • The importance of perseverance — even when the diagnosis is uncertain. • The power of medical testing to uncover hidden conditions. • The gift of transplantation in rewriting the future.   Whether you’re a transplant patient, a caregiver, or someone seeking hope through hardship, Bill’s voice brings encouragement and clarity to the journey.   Next week we introduce you to his wife Val Barschaw who has written a book  "Surviving the Hospital Six Secrets Every Patient Should Know”    What idiopathic viral cardiomyopathy is — and why early diagnosis matters  How a right heart cath can change the course of care  The emotional and physical journey toward transplant  The impact of gratitude and community in the organ transplant world.   Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   BJ Odom’s book  More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget     Available in paperback & eBook!   If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platforms.  Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.   

In this deeply moving episode, we meet Caroline Mozare, a courageous young woman whose life changed forever after years of being undiagnosed—until her body could no longer fight on its own.   What began as unanswered questions and quiet suffering led Caroline to the hospital, where she learned the unthinkable: she needed a liver transplant to survive. As her condition rapidly declined, Caroline spent many critical days unconscious, unaware of how close she came to losing her life. During that time, her husband stood in the gap—making impossible decisions, praying for a miracle, and later becoming the voice who would gently tell her everything that happened while she was gone.   Caroline’s story is raw, real, and profoundly human. She opens up about the physical pain, the emotional toll, and the silent strength it took to endure what no one should have to face—especially at such a young age. This episode is not just about transplant; it’s about love, resilience, faith, and the unbreakable bond between two people walking through the darkest days together.   This is a story that will stay with you—one that reminds us how fragile life can be, how powerful hope is, and how lifesaving the gift of organ donation truly is.       Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife       From Host BJ Odom      More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook       Help Us Share the Gift of Life     If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message:   Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform Share this episode with family and friends     Together, we are raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community 

Welcome to Episode 92 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast.   This week, we share the powerful and faith-filled story of Michael Adams, a double lung transplant recipient whose life has been defined by perseverance, courage, and gratitude.   Michael’s journey began as a young boy diagnosed with severe asthma. Years later, doctors discovered the true cause — cystic fibrosis — a diagnosis that explained the countless hospital stays, relentless treatments, and repeated brushes with death that followed. His childhood and adult life were marked by oxygen tanks, infections, and moments when breathing itself felt like an impossible task.   By the age of 39, Michael’s condition had reached a breaking point. At one point, he was read his last rites — a moment no family ever expects, and no patient ever forgets. Yet, in the midst of that darkness, hope arrived through the miracle of transplantation.   Thanks to the gift of life and the generosity of an organ donor, Michael received a double lung transplant — a moment that changed everything.   Today, Michael is breathing freely on his own — something he once could only dream about. In this episode, he opens up about the fear, the faith, the waiting, and the overwhelming gratitude that comes with receiving a second chance at life. His story is a testament to the power of organ donation and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.   This is more than a transplant story — it’s a reminder that miracles happen, hope endures, and every breath is a gift.       Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife       From Host BJ Odom      More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO Available in paperback & eBook     If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message:   Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform Share this episode with family and friends     Together, we are raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. 

This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we share a powerful and honest story of survival, accountability, and redemption.   Our guest, Alyson Jeter, opens up about her journey to a life-saving liver transplant following alcohol-related liver failure. In her own words, Alyson courageously shares the realities of addiction, the road to recovery, and the moment she was given a second chance at life through the gift of organ donation.   Her story is one of humility, growth, and hope — a reminder that transformation is possible and that every donor gift has the power to change not just a body, but an entire future.   This episode sheds light on:   The realities of liver failure and transplantation The importance of personal responsibility and recovery The life-changing power of organ donation What it truly means to receive a second chance     Alyson’s testimony is raw, real, and deeply moving — and it reminds us why awareness, compassion, and grace matter so much in the transplant community.         Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife         From Host BJ Odom     Check out BJ’s memoir:     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget      Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO Available in paperback & eBook         Help Us Spread the Message     If this episode touched your heart:   Subscribe to the podcast Leave a 5-star review on your favorite platform Share this episode with family and friends     Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

This week’s episode is one of courage, faith, resilience, and the long road of living with transplantation.   We are honored to introduce you to Kim Jacques, a heart and double lung transplant survivor whose journey began far earlier than most. At just five years old, Kim’s family knew something wasn’t right. Years of tests, uncertainty, and incredible medical care followed — but it wouldn’t be until she was 16 years old that Kim would learn the truth: she would one day need a transplant to survive.   Navigating adolescence is hard enough. Facing it while feeling different, fragile, and uncertain about the future is something few can imagine. Kim opens up about returning to school, carrying fears no teenager should have to hold, and learning to live with a body that didn’t always cooperate.   Now, 30 years after her life-saving heart and double lung transplant, Kim once again finds herself at a crossroads — facing the possibility that another transplant may be in her future.   In this deeply moving episode, Kim shares her full story with honesty, grace, and strength — reminding us what it truly means to live life one day at a time, to honor donors and medical teams, and to keep moving forward even when the road ahead is uncertain.   This is a story of survival. A story of faith. And a story of hope.        Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        From Host BJ Odom     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook        Help Us Spread the Message     If this episode touched your heart:   Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform Share this episode with family and friends     Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating second chances and new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we share the extraordinary journey of Mary Ann, a woman in need of a liver transplant who never could have imagined how God was already working behind the scenes.   While searching for hope and answers, Mary Ann received devastating news — the passing of her son’s childhood best friend, Jared. With a grieving heart, she went to visit Jared’s parents, Steve and Angie, bringing a simple condolence gift and her love during one of their darkest moments.   What happened next is nothing short of a God moment.   After Mary Ann left, Angie began reading about her story and learned that Mary Ann was in need of a liver transplant. Moved by compassion, faith, and the unbreakable bond between her son and Mary Ann’s family, Angie felt a calling she couldn’t ignore. After prayer and heartfelt conversations with her husband Steve, Angie made the courageous decision to be tested as a potential donor.   Guided by faith and love, Angie stepped forward — and God showed up in a powerful way.   Not only was Angie a match… she was a perfect match. This episode is a testimony to divine timing, sacrificial love, and how God can bring healing out of heartbreak. It’s a reminder that even in our deepest grief, God is still writing beautiful stories of hope, life, and purpose.   You will not want to miss this incredible, faith-filled story of loss, love, and the miracle of organ donation. In the months following her son Jared's sudden and tragic death, a mother turned her grief into action through an extraordinary act of generosity, becoming a live liver donor to the mother of Jared’s childhood best friend. Jared, a U.S. Marine remembered by family and friends for his compassion and quiet strength, grew up in a household shaped by a strong commitment to service. That legacy is now being carried forward through the soon to be launched Jared’s Light Foundation (www.jaredslightfoundation.org), which is being formed to honor his life by promoting service and Christ-centered hope. To learn more about Jared and the mission inspired by his life, follow along as we prepare to shine his light into the world.   Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   BJ Odom’s book  More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget   Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!   If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platforms.  Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. 

This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, I sit down with someone who truly inspired me — Fred Hueston, a man who received his life-saving heart transplant at the age of 72 at AdventHealth in Orlando, Florida.   Fred’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and the incredible strength of love. His wife, a nurse, was right by his side through every moment of his transplant journey — a reminder of how powerful support and compassion can be in the healing process.   As a 70-year-old transplant recipient myself, I felt a real connection with Fred. We share a bond that only those who’ve faced these challenges can truly understand. Beyond his transplant journey, Fred is also an author of two books about life after transplant, with a third on the way — continuing to give hope and education to others walking a similar path.   Fred is also a well-known expert in his field of stone forensics, host of The Stone and Tile Radio Show, and the voice behind an active blog and YouTube channel. His drive to keep creating, helping, and inspiring others is a true testament to living fully after transplant. My heart Journey. Waiting on a heart https://a.co/d/8zbXOr7 My Heart Journey: Waiting on a Heart    https://a.co/d/e0P4cBt Or search Frederick M Hueston for all my books 🩺 Learn more about Fred Hueston: 🌐 stoneforensics.com 📞 Office: 321-514-6845 🎙️ The Stone and Tile Radio Show 📺 Fred’s YouTube Channel 📖 Fred’s Articles | Fred’s Shed Blog 📘 Facebook: Stone Forensics       💌 Let’s Stay Connected     📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com 📱 Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast 🎧 Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife       📚 BJ Odom’s Memoir     More Parts Than a Chicken Nugget – A Story of Survival, Second Chances, and the Family That Held Me Together. 📖 Available in paperback & eBook 🛒 Grab your copy today on Amazon     If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message. 👉 Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this story with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.

This week’s episode is one that goes beyond stories, statistics, and interviews — it goes straight to the heart. As Christmas arrives, we pause to reflect on what this season truly represents: love, gratitude, and the incredible power of giving.   For those touched by organ donation — recipients, donor families, living donors, those still waiting, and the medical teams who make miracles possible — Christmas carries a deeper meaning. It’s a reminder that life itself is the greatest gift we could ever receive.   In this special Christmas episode, BJ shares a personal message of gratitude, hope, and reflection. You’ll hear how the holiday season looks different through the eyes of someone living with a second chance — and how donor families continue to inspire courage and compassion through the hardest moments imaginable.   This episode honors:    The donor families who said “yes” when everything inside them was hurting  The medical professionals who work through holidays to save lives  The recipients who live every day with gratitude and purpose  The brave individuals still waiting for their miracle  Everyone who has registered as an organ, eye, or tissue donor     Christmas reminds us that the first and greatest gift didn’t come in wrapping paper — it came from the heart. And the miracle of organ donation continues that spirit today.    Tune in and join us for a message filled with warmth, reflection, and hope — a celebration of life and the people who make it possible.       Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife       BJ Odom’s Book      More Parts Than a Chicken Nugget A story of survival, second chances, and the family that never gave up. Available now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/cMp1x8G

This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, BJ sits down with Kathy Anderson, a true pioneer in the transplant community. Kathy received her life-saving heart transplant over 38 years ago, making her one of the longest-living heart recipients around.   Her story begins at just 20 years old, when she was pregnant with twin daughters. What should have been the happiest time of her life quickly turned frightening when a prescribed medication caused severe and lasting damage to her heart. Suddenly, Kathy found herself in the hospital, dependent on an LVAD to stay alive—all while caring for newborn twins.   Now, nearly four decades later, Kathy shares her incredible journey of resilience, faith, and family. She tells BJ how she’s planning something big when she reaches her 40-year transplant anniversary—a celebration worthy of the miracle she’s living every day.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by organ transplantation or searching for a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.     Let’s Stay Connected: Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife     BJ Odom’s book More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook!     If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.  Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

This week, we meet Wayne Adam Greer — a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and author whose faith and resilience carried him through one of life’s biggest challenges.   Wayne’s journey began with what seemed like nothing more than a stubborn cold that just wouldn’t go away. After weeks of no improvement, he headed to the ER expecting a simple diagnosis like bronchitis — but instead, doctors discovered he was in congestive heart failure. Within three months, his condition worsened to cardiomyopathy, but through medication and care, his heart stabilized, allowing him to enjoy 17 more blessed years.   Then, the unthinkable happened — his heart began to fail again. Facing the ultimate test of faith, Wayne would go on to receive a life-saving heart transplant, giving him not just more time, but a renewed purpose to share his story and inspire others.       Let’s Stay Connected:     Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife       BJ Odom’s Memoir     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO Available in paperback & eBook on Amazon.     If this episode touched your heart, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

This episode will leave you speechless. Meet Chris Goff, a man whose life changed in a single week. One moment, he walked into the emergency room—just hoping for answers—and the next, he was fighting for his life. Within days, Chris’s heart gave out, and he was placed on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)—a machine that literally worked as his heart and lungs—keeping him alive until a donor heart could be found.   And then, the miracle happened… just one week later.   You’ll hear Chris share the raw, emotional details of what it’s like to be shocked without sedation, to face death head-on, and to hold on to hope even when everything seems impossible. His courage, gratitude, and faith shine through every moment of his story.   This is not just a medical miracle—it’s a testament to the power of organ donation and the strength of the human spirit.     Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife     BJ Odom’s Book – More Parts Than a Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook     If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.  Share this episode with family and friends.   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

In this moving episode, BJ Odom sits down with Brian Pitts, whose journey through heart disease and transplant is both harrowing and inspiring. Like so many others, Brian had no idea he was living with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)—until one life-changing day at a family wedding when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest.   After being rushed to the hospital, Brian’s short-term memory was deeply affected—he found himself repeatedly asking, “Why am I here?” Doctors inserted a defibrillator to stabilize his heart, beginning a long and difficult road to recovery. Eventually, Brian received his life-saving heart transplant, and today, he embraces each day as a gift.   Now, with renewed strength and gratitude, Brian dreams of one day sailing around the world—a powerful reminder that second chances aren’t just about survival, but about living life to the fullest. Brian Pitts links YouTube Page @DonateLifeBoat Heart Transplant Support on facebook      Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        Featured in This Episode     BJ Odom’s inspiring memoir: More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget A Story of Survival, Second Chances, and the Family That Held Me Together  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO  Available in paperback & eBook on Amazon     If Brian’s story touched your heart, please help us spread the message of hope and organ donation awareness:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review  Share this episode with friends and family   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.  

This week, BJ sits down with Tim Andrews, a true pioneer in the transplant world and an inspiration to anyone who believes in the power of science and second chances.   Tim made medical history as the longest-living person with a pig kidney transplant, thriving for nine incredible months before the organ was removed. His story reads like science fiction — but it’s 100% real. Now, Tim is once again waiting for a miracle: a living kidney donor.   Despite being back on dialysis, his spirit remains strong, his humor intact, and his message clear — hope and innovation can change lives.   If you or someone you know would like to see if you can help Tim, please visit the Mass General Hospital website at www.massgeneral.org for more information.  Tim’s blood type: O positive. Let’s find Tim a kidney and keep this incredible story going.        Let’s Stay Connected:      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        BJ Odom’s Book     More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget A story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together.  Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO Available in paperback & eBook on Amazon.     If this episode moved you, help us spread the message.  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review.  Share this episode with your family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.  

This week, we meet Jimmy Tolleson, a preacher from Alabama whose journey to a new heart is a powerful testimony of faith and endurance.   Jimmy’s story began at just 16 years old, when he started experiencing chest pains. Despite repeated reassurances that his heart was fine, his symptoms continued for decades—until, at age 51, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio discovered the truth. There, he underwent his first open-heart surgery, beginning a long road toward survival.   Years later, Jimmy received his life-saving heart transplant at St. Thomas West in Nashville, Tennessee. But his journey was made even more heartbreaking when his wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer—right as Jimmy was being placed on the transplant list. Balancing his own fight for life while saying goodbye to the love of his life tested his faith in unimaginable ways.   In this emotional and inspiring conversation, Jimmy shares how he found strength through faith, community, and the incredible gift of organ donation.        Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife        Featured in this Episode     BJ Odom’s Memoir: More Parts Than a Chicken Nugget  Grab your copy on Amazon — available in paperback and eBook!     If Jimmy’s story touched your heart, please help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app.  Share this episode with friends and family. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. 

This week, we meet Heather McCoy, a true warrior whose story embodies courage, faith, and the incredible power of organ donation.   Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 10 years old, Heather faced challenges most of us can only imagine. At 20, she received her first double-lung transplant, a life-changing gift that allowed her to breathe freely again. Eight years later, when her lungs began to fail once more, she courageously went through it all over again—a second double-lung transplant.   But Heather’s journey didn’t stop there. When her kidneys began to fail, she received yet another miracle—a kidney transplant—and with it, a renewed lease on life.   Through every obstacle, Heather has remained a shining example of positivity and gratitude. Her laughter, determination, and joy for life remind us all that even the toughest battles can lead to the most beautiful victories.   This is a heartfelt, inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the life-giving power of donation. Heathers music available on Spotify Amazon YouTube Music Pandora and ITunes here is the Spotify link people are also welcome to find me on social media on IG TikTok it’s heather_mccoy3 and FB under Heather McCoy   https://open.spotify.com/artist/6FE5Do6KZpm8hrCw4cZR1V?si=h-yZoQiSTiuL2Fip5oee5w   My book “Between The Salty Lines” is on Amazon at this link    https://a.co/d/7tPFAU8     Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.  Share this episode with family and friends.   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.       

In this inspiring and educational episode, BJ sits down with Shane Grant, who has been living with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) for nearly two decades. Over the years, Shane became her own best advocate—learning about her disease, seeking out specialists, and pushing for answers.   Her persistence and courage led her through a long and emotional journey that ultimately resulted in a life-saving heart transplant earlier this year. This conversation offers hope and guidance for anyone affected by HCM or navigating their own transplant journey.   You’ll hear Shane’s powerful reflections on:   What it’s really like to live with HCM for 20 years The importance of self-advocacy and education The emotional and physical challenges before and after transplant How her new heart has transformed her outlook on life     Whether you’re a patient, family member, or healthcare professional, this episode is filled with valuable insight and encouragement.        Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife     If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.  Share this episode with family and friends.   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.  

This week, we welcome Jennifer Lentini, whose transplant journey began when she was just a teenager. On July 6, 1996, Jennifer received a life-saving heart transplant that gave her a second chance at life. But her story is far from over.   Today, at age 42, Jennifer continues her fight. She joined us for this episode while on dialysis, awaiting a kidney transplant—and facing the reality that she may also need a second heart transplant.   Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, love, and hope. It’s a reminder of why organ donation matters, and how the gift of life can carry someone through decades of challenges, triumphs, and the determination to keep going.   This heartfelt conversation is still in progress—because Jennifer’s journey is ongoing. Listen and learn why organ donation is not just about survival, but about living, loving, and cherishing every moment of time given.       Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife      If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:   Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.  

Today’s episode is extra special because we’re diving into something deeply personal—my brand-new memoir, More Parts Than a Chicken Nugget.   But this book wasn’t written alone. By my side through the process was Christina Metcalf—a gifted writer and, more importantly, someone who understands the meaning of the gift of life firsthand. Christina is a living donor, having given part of her liver to her half-sister in an incredible act of courage and love.   Together, Christina and I wove my journey into words—the surgeries, the setbacks, the resilience, and yes, even the humor that has carried me through. In this episode, Christina shares what surprised her most about my story, why she took on this project as a passion, and the bigger message we both hope readers will carry with them.   If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to turn a life’s worth of experiences into a memoir—or how organ donation touches not just one life but entire families—this conversation is for you.    Listen now and join us as we celebrate writing, resilience, and the gift of life.       Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife    If this episode touched your heart, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Share it with family and friends—together we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.

Welcome back to the Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast.   Today we’re honored to share the powerful story of Monica Douglas Davis—a wife, a mother, a licensed counselor, an author, a life coach, and a heart transplant recipient.   Monica’s journey began after the birth of her twin daughters, when she was just 42 years old. What should have been a time of pure joy quickly turned into a fight for survival. She was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)—a rare and often devastating form of heart failure that strikes new mothers.   Her battle ultimately led her to the ultimate gift—a life-saving heart transplant in 2024. But Monica’s story is more than survival. It’s about resilience, faith, and purpose. She has transformed her darkest chapters into a message of hope and healing, now guiding others as a counselor and life coach.   In this heartfelt conversation, Monica opens up about her struggles, her transplant journey, and the way she’s turning her second chance at life into a mission to inspire and uplift others. LinkedIn.com/Monica-Davis-LPC-408a45290HTTPS://Facebook.com/careservicessiteHTTPS://Amazon.com/Monica DouglasDavisWebsite https://carescounseling.com      This is an episode filled with courage, perseverance, and the reminder that every heartbeat is  Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife      If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:   Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with family and friends.     Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

This week, we meet Lisa Vecchione, a heart transplant survivor whose story reminds us of the delicate balance between life, timing, and the gift of organ donation.   Lisa’s journey began long before her transplant. A heart murmur noticed back in junior high might have been a warning sign—but no one could have predicted the road ahead. Years later, while working as a barista and suddenly feeling unwell, Lisa went to the ER only to learn that her heart was in far worse shape than she had ever imagined.   What followed was a battle for survival—filled with challenges, uncertainty, and ultimately, the life-saving gift of a new heart. But Lisa’s story doesn’t end there. In one of the most emotional moments of her journey, she met her donor’s family, giving them the chance to hear their loved one’s heartbeat living on inside her. It’s a story of connection, gratitude, and love that transcends loss.    This episode is not just about survival—it’s about the bonds that organ donation creates, the hope it restores, and the way it turns tragedy into life.     Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   If Lisa’s story touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.  Share this episode with family and friends.

This week, we welcome Sean Pinegar, another heart transplant survivor whose story is deeply intertwined with the genetic condition LMNA-related cardiomyopathy.   Sean takes us on a heartfelt journey—from the earliest signs that something wasn’t right, through the challenges and uncertainty, and finally to the life-changing gift of a new heart. His path is one of courage, resilience, and hope.   But Sean’s story holds a unique surprise: what became of his old heart. In a way that continues to touch lives, his former heart is now contributing to research and may one day help others facing the same struggles.   This episode is a reminder of the ripple effect of organ donation. Each gift not only saves a life but can also bring knowledge, comfort, and healing to countless others. Sean’s journey highlights the strength of the human spirit and the incredible generosity of donors and their families.       Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife      If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:   Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with family and friends.     Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.      

In this week’s episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, host BJ Odom takes on a topic that every transplant recipient knows about, but many fear: rejection.   Our scheduled guest, Randy, had to postpone his appearance due to experiencing a bout of rejection with his liver transplant. In his absence, BJ turns the microphone toward an open and honest conversation about what rejection really means, how doctors treat it, and why it doesn’t always spell the end of a transplant journey.     What You’ll Learn in This Episode:     What rejection is and why it happens – the immune system’s role in protecting us, and how it sometimes mistakenly attacks a transplanted organ. How doctors prevent and treat rejection – from daily immunosuppressant medications to regular bloodwork, biopsies, and adjustments in care. The balancing act of transplant medicine – keeping the immune system calm enough to protect the new organ, but strong enough to fight infections. The hopeful side of rejection – why early detection and treatment often mean rejection can be reversed.       BJ’s Personal Story: Donor-Specific Antibody Rejection     BJ also shares his own powerful experience with antibody-mediated rejection, a specific kind of rejection caused by donor-specific antibodies (DSA). He explains what it’s like when the body creates antibodies that attack the transplanted organ, and how treatments like plasmapheresis, IV infusions, and targeted therapies can help patients overcome it.   His message is clear:  You’re not alone.  Treatments exist.  With the right care team and follow-ups, transplant recipients can face rejection and still thrive with the gift of life.     Key Takeaway     Rejection is not the end—it’s a reminder of how important it is to listen to your body, stay consistent with medications, and never miss follow-up care. With vigilance, hope, and medical advances, transplant patients can continue living the second chance they’ve been given.      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/Giftof

Welcome to Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast. I’m your host, BJ Odom.   Today’s episode is a powerful reminder we all need: if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Our guest, John Perkins, learned this lesson in the hardest way. What began as a nagging sense that something was wrong eventually led him down the road of needing not one, but two life-saving transplants—a liver and a kidney.   John’s journey was long and painful, filled with challenges not only for him but for his entire family. At one point, it would’ve been easy to give up. But thanks to the encouragement of a hospital employee, John found the strength to keep fighting for his life.   In this conversation, John shares his story of resilience, hope, and the importance of paying attention to your body—and why seeking medical help early can make all the difference. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.       Let’s Stay Connected      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife       Help Us Grow     If John’s story touched your heart, please help us spread the message:   Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with family and friends.     Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

Sometimes the most precious gifts we pass down to our children are love, values, and memories. But for families like Jennifer’s, there is also a shared genetic legacy—one that brings with it enormous health challenges.   You may remember Dr. Robert Pritt from Episode 38, whose life was saved by a heart transplant. Robert and his daughter Jennifer share not only a deep bond as father and daughter, but also the same LMNA-related cardiomyopathy gene. This condition can lead to life-threatening heart problems and is now known to be carried by Jennifer’s brother and daughter as well.   In today’s episode, Jennifer bravely shares her own life-saving transplant journey—a story filled with resilience, gratitude, and hope. Thanks to the generosity of an organ donor, she can continue to cherish her husband, her four children, and the joy of a brand-new grandbaby.   We’ll also touch on promising research that gives hope for a future where this gene can be stopped from causing harm to others.   This is more than a story about survival—it’s about the strength of family, the power of science, and the incredible impact of organ donation.   ⸻   Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife    If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform  Share this episode with family and friends Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.  

Sometimes, life brings people into your path for a reason. On a recent visit to Tampa General Hospital, I found myself needing a ride — and that’s when I met Tammy Zettles. As I climbed into her car, I noticed a Donate Life sticker on her window. That simple sticker led to a powerful conversation that I’ll never forget.   Tammy is a donor mom. Her son, DJ, passed away at the young age of 21 — a tragic and heartbreaking loss. But in the midst of that unimaginable grief, DJ gave the ultimate gift. He was an organ donor who saved and enhanced many lives.   In this special episode, Tammy joins us to honor DJ’s life and legacy. With grace, strength, and love, she shares his story — not just the story of how he died, but the story of how he lived. She reminds us that behind every donation is a family, a heartbeat, and a love that continues to ripple through the world.   I’m proud to now call Tammy a friend, and even prouder to welcome her to the Gift of Life family. DJ’s light continues to shine through her words and her advocacy.    You don’t want to miss this touching conversation about love, loss, and the legacy of giving.     Let’s Stay Connected  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife    If this episode touched your heart, help us share DJ’s legacy:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review  Share this episode with your family and friends  Say “yes” to donation – be someone’s gift of life

This week’s episode is truly a family story like no other. We’re joined by mother-daughter duo Carman Negron and Carmen Tipton, both working with LifeLink of Florida to help make the gift of life possible for others. Alongside them is sister Aliris Rosas, a pancreas transplant recipient whose own journey brings the conversation even closer to home. And in the background, the family’s strength and hope continue as their father awaits a kidney transplant.   I’ll admit — with all these incredible connections, I got a little lost in the family tree at first! But as the stories unfolded, it all came together into one powerful reminder: organ, eye, and tissue donation touches entire families, not just individuals.   We also continue to honor National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, celebrated each August. This important initiative, led by the National Multicultural Action Group, works to inspire a positive culture of donation—especially in diverse communities that have historically been underrepresented in both donation and transplantation.   Whether you’re a donor, a recipient, a healthcare professional, or simply someone with a heart for others, this episode is filled with inspiration, connection, and hope.   ⸻   Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife    If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.  Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.  

In this deeply moving episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we welcome Dr. Angelie Roman—a compassionate physician, an immigrant from the Philippines, and now a grateful kidney transplant recipient.   Angelie came to the United States at a young age, driven by a dream to help others. She pursued that dream and became an oncology physician, dedicating her life to healing patients facing some of their toughest battles. But in her 20s, Angelie faced her own unexpected diagnosis—a hereditary condition discovered during a urinary infection that doctors told her would eventually require a kidney transplant.   Fast forward more than 25 years, and Angelie’s journey came full circle when she received the gift of life—a kidney that transformed her future.   Her story is not only one of medical triumph but also a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the incredible generosity of organ donors.   We also continue to honor National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, celebrated each August. This vital initiative, led by the National Multicultural Action Group, works to promote a positive culture around organ, eye, and tissue donation—particularly in diverse communities that have historically been underrepresented in donation and transplantation.    Whether you’re a donor, a recipient, a healthcare professional, or simply someone with a heart for others—this episode will leave you inspired and informed.      Let’s Stay Connected  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife      If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform  Share Episode 68 with your family and friends   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

In Episode 67 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Yesenia Zaragoza — a proud Hispanic woman, a compassionate nurse, and a living kidney donor whose journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.   Yesenia’s story began while working with liver transplant recipients at Tampa General Hospital. Now part of the LifeLink of Florida team, her commitment to saving lives didn’t stop at the hospital doors. One day, while sitting in on a surgery, she overheard a conversation about living kidney donation — including how donors receive top priority if they ever need a kidney themselves. That moment led her to take action.   Motivated by the facts, her compassion, and her culture, Yesenia became a living kidney donor. In this episode, she shares her unique path to donation and how her heritage and profession both play a vital role in her advocacy — especially during National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month.    Episode 67 is packed with insight, empathy, and a heartfelt call to action for communities of all backgrounds to say “yes” to donation.        Let’s Stay Connected:      Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife      If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform  Share Episode 67 with your family and friends   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

Welcome to The Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, where every story beats with hope and every voice makes a difference. I’m your host, BJ Odom.   In this powerful episode, we shine a light on National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month — a time to elevate voices, shatter myths, and inspire communities to say “yes” to life-saving organ, eye, and tissue donation.   Joining us is Erica Clare, Multicultural Communications Relations Coordinator, and a true champion for inclusive awareness and action. Erica shares what this month is all about, how cultural connection plays a vital role in donation advocacy, and what still needs to be done to build trust and bridge the gap in historically underserved communities.   We also dive into common misconceptions, cultural barriers, and how the National Multicultural Action Group is leading the charge in changing lives — one conversation at a time.    In This Episode You’ll Learn:   Why National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month matters The impact of representation and culturally aware communication in donation How we can all take part in building a more inclusive donation culture The truth behind some of the biggest myths surrounding donation     So grab a cup of coffee, lean in, and join us for a conversation that truly matters.      Let’s Stay Connected:    Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife    If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review  Share with family and friends  Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating second chances at life.

What inspires someone to donate a kidney to a complete stranger?   For Jeri Gill, it started with a viral YouTube video—a woman surprising her husband with a custom baseball card revealing she was his living kidney donor. That moment planted a powerful seed in Jeri’s heart. She couldn’t shake the thought: Could I do something like this for someone else?   A short while later, a Facebook post caught her eye. A woman was searching for a kidney donor. Jeri felt compelled to learn more… and what she discovered would change not only the life of that woman, but her own life forever.   In this deeply touching episode, Jeri shares her emotional and selfless journey from inspiration to action, from stranger to lifesaver. It’s a testament to the human spirit, the power of connection, and the incredible gift of life.    A must-listen for anyone who believes in kindness, courage, and the ripple effect of doing good.      Let’s Stay Connected: Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   If this story moved you, help us spread the message:  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review  Share this episode with someone you love  Tell your story or thank a donor—every voice makes a difference   Together, we honor donors, celebrate recipients, and inspire hope. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. 

Chris shares the ups and downs of his journey with heart failure and how the LVAD has given him the strength, energy, and freedom to keep living fully while he awaits a transplant. From connecting deeply with this podcast to inspiring his family and others, Chris reminds us that there’s hope before the transplant too.    What You’ll Learn: • How the LVAD works and supports those with heart failure • Chris’s personal story of resilience, recovery, and joy • Why he believes the LVAD is his gift of life • The importance of community, connection, and raising awareness    Whether you’re a recipient, a caregiver, or just someone who cares, this episode will move and inspire you.   ⸻    Let’s Stay Connected:    Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   ⸻    If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe ️ Leave a 5-star review  Share with someone you love   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. 

In today’s heart-touching episode, we sit down with Kristin Worthen, a devoted mother with an incredible story of courage, faith, and unwavering love. Kristin shares the journey of her amazing son Theo, whose strength and resilience will inspire anyone who hears it.   At Kristin’s final ultrasound before giving birth, she received devastating news—Theo had a severe heart defect. What followed was a long, emotional journey filled with surgeries, hospital stays, prayers, and miracles. After enduring five heart surgeries, Theo’s life was saved by a heart transplant at just 7 years old.   Theo is a true warrior, and Kristin is a shining example of a mother’s love and determination. Don’t miss this powerful story of hope, healing, and the gift of life.   ⸻   Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   ⸻    If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe to the podcast ️ Leave a 5-star review  Share this episode with someone you love   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring selfless donors, and celebrating second chances at life.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

Today’s story is one of remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and relentless advocacy that lights a fire in all of us within the transplant community.   We are honored to welcome Sierra Hill — a devoted wife, loving mother, passionate mentor, and fearless warrior.   After giving birth to her son, Sierra was diagnosed with severe heart failure due to peripartum cardiomyopathy. Her world shifted overnight, eventually leading to a heart transplant on November 12, 2023. But Sierra’s journey didn’t stop there — she is now facing severe rejection of her donor heart and has already been relisted for a second transplant.   Still, Sierra continues to rise.   She draws strength from her faith, her family, and yes — even her love for makeup — to push forward every day. She serves as a board member of the Georgia Transplant Foundation, mentors others at her transplant hospital, and uses her growing online platform to advocate for organ donation and peripartum cardiomyopathy awareness.   Through every challenge, Sierra’s voice remains strong and full of purpose. She’s on a mission to help others through her journey and unwavering will to survive — and she’s doing exactly that, right here on the show.    Let’s Stay Connected  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife      If this episode touched your heart, help us keep spreading the message:  Subscribe to the podcast ️ Leave a 5-star review  Share this episode with someone you love   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring selfless donors, and celebrating second chances at life.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.     

In this deeply moving episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we sit down with Stephanie King, the strong and loving mother of 8-year-old Emily, a young girl whose courage has already inspired so many.   Emily’s life has been marked by medical challenges most of us can hardly imagine. At just two years old, she underwent her first double lung transplant. After facing heartbreaking rejection, she would go on to receive a second double lung transplant at only seven years old.   Stephanie shares the highs and lows of their journey — from terrifying hospital stays to small victories and big prayers. This episode is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the gift of organ donation.    Our thoughts and prayers are with Emily, Stephanie, and their entire family as they continue to face each day with strength and grace.      Let’s Stay Connected  Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife      If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe to the podcast ️ Leave a 5-star review  Share this episode with someone you love   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring the heroes behind organ donation, and celebrating second chances at life. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.      Let me know if you’d like a social media post, email promo, or quote graphic to match this episode — I’d be happy to create it!

In this moving episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Patches Rich, a loving mother whose heart journey began around the birth of one of her children. Doctors urged her to undergo a cesarean due to heart concerns, but life moved forward — regular cardiologist visits showed no major red flags.   That all changed years later.   Patches learned her heart was enlarged and her ejection fraction had dropped dangerously low. Her life suddenly took a turn — and if you’ve listened to this podcast before, you know where this road leads.    After months of testing and declining health, Patches was told she needed a life-saving heart transplant. For six long months, she lived in the hospital ICU — away from her young son, who was too young to visit. But the story doesn’t end there…    With determination, strength, and the gift of life, Patches received a new heart. Her return home was met with tears, hugs, and one of the most powerful moments of her life: being embraced by her son and her other children.   This is more than a story of survival — it’s a story of motherhood, sacrifice, and hope. Patches reminds us all of the power of family, love, and second chances.   ⸻    Let’s Stay Connected:    Email: [email protected]  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:  Subscribe ️ Leave a 5-star review  Share with someone you love   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. 

In this powerful and emotional episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Mindy Wilson, devoted mother to 6-year-old Wilson Perry. What began as a simple lung infection turned into a life-altering journey spanning over a year, involving three different hospitals. Now, young Wilson is at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, bravely awaiting a life-saving lung transplant.   This is not just a story about illness—it’s about hope, resilience, and a mother’s unbreakable love. Mindy shares the ups and downs of their medical odyssey, the emotional toll, and the strength they’ve found through faith, community, and each other.    If you’re a parent, this episode will touch your heart deeply. You’ll likely find yourself hugging your children just a little tighter after hearing Wilson’s story.    Let’s all send love, prayers, and good energy that the call for lungs will come soon for this brave little boy.   ⸻    Connect with Us • Podcast Link: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife • Email: [email protected]    If this episode touched your heart, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us spread awareness and share more stories like Wilson’s that inspire and bring hope.   Thank you for listening—and for being part of the Gift of Life family.

In this week’s powerful and inspiring episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we welcome Darci Gibson, Founder and President of Off The List — an organization born from her own personal journey through the kidney transplant process.   Darci knows firsthand the emotional and physical toll of waiting for a life-saving kidney. Now, she’s on a mission to change the story for others still waiting. Through Off The List, Darci empowers individuals and families with the tools, education, and encouragement they need to find living kidney donors — offering hope, guidance, and a path forward.    Whether you’re a transplant recipient, a donor, a caregiver, or someone learning about organ donation for the first time, this episode will uplift and inspire you. Darci’s story is a reminder that we’re never alone — and that with the right support, miracles can happen.    Learn more about Darci’s life-changing work at: getoffthelist.org   ⸻   Let’s Stay Connected:    Email: [email protected]  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com  Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife   ⸻    If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the word:  Subscribe to the podcast  Leave a 5-star review  Share this episode with someone you love   Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.