Gift of Life

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The Organ Transplant Podcast. Gift of Life is Hosted by BJ Odom, a double transplant recipient who received a life-saving heart in 2003 and a kidney in 2015. BJ knows firsthand the power of organ donation. After receiving a heart transplant and facing the challenges of anti-rejection medication, he needed a second transplant – a kidney. Now, BJ shares his inspiring journey and those of others in the organ transplant world. Hear from those in the medical field, transplant recipients, donor families, and more, all to raise awareness about the lifesaving gift of organ donation.

  1. 2d ago

    Gift of Life 121 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    n this inspiring episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we welcome Gina Marisa, whose transplant journey began at a very young age when she learned she would one day need a kidney transplant. When the time came, her entire family stepped forward to be tested. In a beautiful act of love and sacrifice, Gina’s father became her living kidney donor—giving her the gift of life. Now, more than 30 years later, Gina continues to honor that gift by giving back to the transplant community in a unique and meaningful way. After publishing her own book, she discovered a passion for helping other transplant recipients, donor families, and caregivers share their personal journeys through writing and publishing their own stories. Gina's Links:  book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964619688 Your Transplant Voice: 3-Day Writing Circle: https://yourtransplantvoice.netlify.app/    Transplant Narrative Project: https://tnpwaitlist.netlify.app/   Private Facebook group, Organ Transplant Wellness: https://www.facebook.com/groups/779414664694015/Social media (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/gina.marisa.581 BJ and Gina discuss: Gina’s early diagnosis and kidney transplant journey The incredible gift of receiving a kidney from her father Life more than three decades after transplant The healing power of sharing your story How writing can inspire hope and encourage others Why every transplant journey deserves to be told Whether you’re a transplant recipient, donor, caregiver, someone waiting for a transplant, or simply believe in the power of hope and second chances, this conversation will encourage you to embrace your story and inspire others. Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform. BJ Odom’s Book More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget — Grab your copy today! Available on Amazon in paperback and 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 your family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring organ donors, celebrating transplant recipients, and reminding the world that every donor has the power to save lives. Thank you for being part of our Gift of Life family.

  2. Aug 11

    Gift of Life 120 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    On this episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Brigid Bergan, a woman whose life has been shaped by courage, determination, and hope. For more than 20 years, Brigid has lived with serious liver disease. Through countless doctor visits, treatments, and challenges, she has continued to push forward with strength and grace. But now, after two decades of fighting, her condition has progressed to the point where she urgently needs a liver transplant. Today, Brigid is searching for a living liver donor with a blood type of A or O. While the road ahead is uncertain, she remains hopeful that someone will step forward and offer the incredible gift of life. In this heartfelt conversation, Brigid shares her journey, the realities of living with chronic liver disease, the emotional challenges of waiting for a transplant, and the hope that keeps her moving forward each day. Her story is a powerful reminder of how organ donation changes lives and how one person’s decision can create a future for someone desperately in need. If you have ever wondered about living donation, or if you’ve been looking for a way to make a life-changing difference, this episode will inspire you and show the profound impact that one act of generosity can have. If you are blood type A or O and would like to learn more about helping Brigid, we encourage you to explore living donation and see if you might be able to give the gift that could save her life. Links:  Register as a potential donor - Donor Registration  UW Health transplant phone number (608) 263 1384 Facebook Page: ALIVER4Brigid https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1D1Z512wr9/   Let’s Stay Connected: Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform. BJ Odom’s Book More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget – Grab your copy today! Available on Amazon in paperback and 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.• Help raise awareness about the life-saving power of organ donation. Together, we honor donors, celebrate recipients, and give hope to those still waiting. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

  3. Aug 4

    Gift of Life 119 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    You may remember Andrea McConaughy from Episode 109, where she shared her incredible journey and her upcoming celebration of 30 years with her heart transplant.   In Episode 119, we hear the story from a different perspective—that of her husband, Rob McConaughy.   Rob met Andrea after her transplant. What began as a chance meeting turned into a love story built on faith, commitment, resilience, and understanding. As their relationship grew, Rob found himself stepping into a role he never expected: becoming the caregiver of a transplant recipient while learning firsthand about the challenges, uncertainties, and triumphs that come with life after transplant.   This heartfelt conversation explores what it means to love someone whose journey includes major health challenges, and how a strong partnership can thrive through life’s ups and downs. Rob shares the lessons he’s learned, the joys they’ve experienced together, and the unique perspective of loving and supporting a transplant survivor.   This is a touching story of love, resilience, and the power of standing beside someone through every chapter of life. It’s an episode that will leave you inspired and feeling the deep connection Rob and Andrea share.   Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com   Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast   Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform.   BJ Odom’s book, More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget, is available now on Amazon in paperback and eBook formats.   If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message:   • Subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.• Share this episode with family and friends.• Help us raise awareness, honor organ donors, and celebrate the gift of life.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

  4. Jul 28

    Gift of Life 118 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Roxy Staricha, a mother whose world changed forever during a routine 20-week anatomy scan.   What was supposed to be an exciting milestone in pregnancy quickly became the beginning of a journey filled with fear, uncertainty, faith, and unimaginable strength. Roxy shares the emotional story of her son Lennox, an amazing little fighter whose life began with a serious congenital heart condition known as transposition of the great arteries.   Just days after birth, Lennox would undergo life-saving open-heart surgery. But the challenges didn’t stop there. As Roxy and her family tried to navigate the emotional roller coaster of hospital stays, procedures, and endless prayers, they learned Lennox would eventually need something even more rare and complex — a partial heart transplant.   This is a story no mother ever wants to live through, but one every parent should hear. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength of a parent’s love, the miracles of modern medicine, the importance of organ donation, and the resilience children can show even in the toughest battles.   Roxy’s honesty, courage, and faith shine throughout this emotional conversation as she shares the highs, the lows, and the hope that carried her family forward. Lennox Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/site/f39c7b66-1fa1-11f0-bee8-89148f7c71b4?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page    Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com    Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast    Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform.   BJ Odom’s bookMore Parts Than A Chicken Nugget… Grab your copy today: Available on Amazon 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.

  5. Jul 21

    Gift of Life 117 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Al Boykin — an athlete, military man, devoted husband, and family man whose life changed when his body began telling him something wasn’t right. While working overseas, Al noticed symptoms he simply could not ignore. After returning to the United States and seeking medical answers, he received a life-changing diagnosis in 2023: cardiac amyloidosis — a rare and progressive disease often referred to as “stiff heart syndrome,” where abnormal proteins build up in the heart, causing it to become thick and unable to function properly. As his condition worsened, Al traveled to Johns Hopkins for specialized care. What began as appointments and monitoring eventually turned into the moment no patient wants to hear — doctors telling him he could not leave the hospital. Then came the wait. Thirty days later, Al received the gift that would save his life… a heart transplant and a second chance at living. In this emotional and inspiring episode, Al shares his journey through fear, uncertainty, faith, family support, and the gratitude that comes with receiving the ultimate gift of life. His story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and how organ donation gives hope where there once was none. Let’s Stay Connected: Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com 📱 Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast 🎧 Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform. BJ Odom’s book More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget… Grab your copy today: Available on Amazon 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.

  6. Jul 14

    Gift of Life 116 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    In this unforgettable episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet a true “unicorn” in the world of living organ donation. Kristie Sue’s journey began with a husband born with only one kidney, making organ donation a cause already close to her heart. But with love, faith, and encouragement from her family, she made a life-changing decision that few people ever consider.   She donated one of her kidneys… to a complete stranger.   What she experienced afterward was something impossible to describe fully—the overwhelming feeling of purpose, gratitude, and knowing she had helped save someone’s life. That experience impacted her so deeply that years later, she made another incredible decision.   She became a living donor again.   This time, donating a portion of her liver to another stranger in desperate need of hope and a second chance.   Kristie Sue’s story is one of extraordinary compassion, unwavering faith, and the incredible power of giving. It’s a reminder that even in a world filled with challenges, there are still people willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for someone they may never meet.   This episode will inspire you, move you, and remind you what humanity looks like at its very best.   Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com    Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast    Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform.   BJ Odom’s bookMore Parts Than A Chicken Nugget… Grab your copy today: Available on Amazon 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.

  7. Jul 7

    Gift of Life 115 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Kathy Snead. In 2009, Kathy was diagnosed with HCM, a diagnosis that would slowly change the course of her life. Year after year, her health challenges continued to grow more serious. Doctors warned her that one day she may need a liver transplant, but nothing could prepare her or her family for how quickly that day would come.   In 2024, Kathy’s journey took a dramatic turn when she suddenly needed an emergency liver transplant.   Through fear, uncertainty, setbacks, and emotional moments, Kathy leaned on faith, love, and the unwavering support of her husband who stood beside her every step of the way. Together they faced the unknown while holding onto hope and believing that God still had a purpose for Kathy’s life.   In this powerful and emotional episode, Kathy shares the reality of living with chronic illness, the terrifying moments leading up to transplant, the miracle of organ donation, and the gratitude she now carries every single day.   Her story is one of perseverance, faith, second chances, and a reminder that miracles still happen.   Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com    Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast    Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform.   BJ Odom’s bookMore Parts Than A Chicken Nugget… Grab your copy today: Available on Amazon 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.

  8. Jun 30

    Gift of Life 114 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Steven Gregory, a musician whose life was built around faith, family, and music alongside his wife. Like so many transplant journeys, Steven’s story began with what seemed like a normal life… until everything suddenly changed.In his mid-50s, Steven learned he was suffering from cardiomyopathy, a diagnosis that would turn his world upside down. What followed was a difficult and emotional battle that led to a hospital stay lasting four and a half months. During that time, Steven spent nearly 100 days connected to a balloon pump while waiting and praying for the gift that could save his life.Through every setback, every uncertain day, and every difficult moment, Steven says his faith carried him through.Then came the call that changed everything — a life-saving heart transplant.In this powerful and emotional episode, Steven shares:• His life before heart failure changed everything• The shocking diagnosis of cardiomyopathy• What it was like spending months hospitalized waiting for hope• The physical and emotional challenges of living on a balloon pump• How faith, prayer, and family helped him keep going• The moment he received the call for his new heart• His gratitude for organ donation and the second chance he’s been givenToday, Steven is slowly getting back to normal life, returning to the music he loves, and embracing each day with gratitude and renewed purpose.This episode is a reminder that even during life’s darkest moments, hope, faith, and the gift of organ donation can bring healing and new beginnings.Let’s Stay Connected:Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform.BJ Odom’s bookMore Parts Than A Chicken Nugget… Grab your copy today: Available on Amazon 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.

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The Organ Transplant Podcast. Gift of Life is Hosted by BJ Odom, a double transplant recipient who received a life-saving heart in 2003 and a kidney in 2015. BJ knows firsthand the power of organ donation. After receiving a heart transplant and facing the challenges of anti-rejection medication, he needed a second transplant – a kidney. Now, BJ shares his inspiring journey and those of others in the organ transplant world. Hear from those in the medical field, transplant recipients, donor families, and more, all to raise awareness about the lifesaving gift of organ donation.

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