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. 1d ago

    Gift of Life 132 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    On Episode 132 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, BJ Odom meets Ben Zion Cohen, father of young Lavi Rafael, whose extraordinary journey has taken his family from Israel to Miami, Florida, in a fight to save their son’s life. Lavi was born in Israel with a devastating intestinal condition. Just days after his birth, he underwent the first of numerous surgeries and was eventually left without a functioning digestive system. His survival depended on intravenous nutrition — and ultimately, doctors determined that his best hope was an incredibly rare multi-organ transplant. The Cohen family made the life-changing decision to leave their home, family and community in Israel and relocate to Miami so Lavi could receive the specialized care he desperately needed. After approximately three years on the United States transplant waiting list, the call they had been praying for finally came. On June 13, 2025, Lavi underwent an extraordinary five-organ transplant at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. He received a: • Small intestine• Large intestine• Liver• Pancreas• Stomach It was one of the most complex transplant procedures imaginable. But receiving those five precious gifts was not the end of Lavi’s fight. His recovery has been long and difficult, requiring extensive hospitalization, medical treatment and rehabilitation as his family continues to stand beside him every step of the way. Ben openly shares that English is his second language. He and his family came from Israel to the United States for one reason — to give their little boy a chance to live. In this emotional conversation, you’ll hear a father’s perspective on watching his child endure more than most people experience in a lifetime, the decision to leave everything familiar behind, the agonizing wait for donor organs, and what it means to finally receive the gift that could save your child’s life. Behind Lavi’s five transplanted organs is also the incredible generosity of organ donation — gifts that gave one little boy and his family something priceless: Hope. Lavi’s story isn’t finished. His family is still fighting alongside him. This is a story about transplantation, family, sacrifice, faith, and a little boy who continues to fight for his future. This is one episode you won’t want to miss. 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 A story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together. Grab your copy today on Amazon in paperback or eBook! Help Us Spread the Message If Lavi’s story touches 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. Every donor can change a life. Every donor family creates a legacy. And every transplant story reminds us why the Gift of Life matters. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

  2. Oct 27

    Gift of Life 131 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    On Episode 131 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, BJ Odom welcomes Jay Waddell, whose life changed dramatically after suffering two mini-strokes followed by a major stroke. The damage ultimately affected his heart and led to something he never expected — the need for a heart transplant. Jay had always enjoyed journaling and documenting life. When he learned he needed a new heart, he began searching for information about heart transplantation and connecting with others who had traveled similar roads. Those connections introduced Jay to incredible stories of survival, courage, gratitude, and second chances. He eventually brought those stories together in his book, “Voices From the Heart: A Collection of Inspiring Heart Transplant Stories,” available on Amazon. In this episode, Jay shares his own journey from strokes and heart damage to transplantation, what he learned from others in the transplant community, and how those experiences inspired him to preserve and share their stories in a book. It’s another powerful reminder that behind every transplant is a story — and every story has a voice worth hearing. 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 — A story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together. Grab your copy today on Amazon in paperback or 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 donor families, and celebrating the incredible gift of new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

  3. Oct 20

    Gift of Life 130 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    On Episode 129 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Michael Ungar, a living kidney donor whose journey toward donation began in a place he never expected. As a rabbi, Michael was simply doing his job while visiting and supporting people at a local hospital. But those experiences planted a spark—one that continued to grow until, in 2021, Michael found himself becoming a living kidney donor. Michael takes us through his journey from beginning to end: what inspired him to consider living donation, the process of becoming a donor, the surgery itself, his recovery, and what life has been like since giving someone else the gift of a healthier life. Michael says it can be difficult to hear himself called a hero. But those of us in the transplant community understand just how extraordinary living donors truly are. They willingly undergo surgery and recovery so another person can have a second chance at life. Hear Michael Ungar’s inspiring story and discover how one small spark of compassion eventually became the Gift of Life. In this episode: ● How Michael’s work as a rabbi introduced him to the transplant world ● The moment living kidney donation became personal ● His decision to become a donor in 2021 ● Preparing for living-donor surgery ● Michael’s recovery and life after donation ● Why he has a hard time considering himself a hero ● The incredible impact living donors have on recipients, families, and the transplant community Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast shares the stories of transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, caregivers, and others whose lives have been touched by organ donation. Episode 129 — Michael Ungar: Living Kidney Donor Please listen, subscribe, and share Michael’s story. One story can educate someone about living donation—and perhaps inspire the next gift of life.

  4. Oct 13

    Gift of Life 129 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    In 2016, Katherine Mismas learned that something wasn’t right with her kidneys. Eventually, she received the news that a kidney transplant would be in her future. Today, Kathy’s story is still being written. She is searching for a living kidney donor — someone who could give her the chance to avoid spending the rest of her life on dialysis and begin a new chapter with a healthy kidney. In Episode 129 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, Kathy shares her journey with BJ Odom — from first learning about her kidney problems to where she is today and her hope of finding that special person willing to consider living kidney donation. More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant, and behind every number is a person, a family, and a story. Kathy is one of those people. Could you be the person who helps Kathy find her kidney? To learn more, search Facebook for “Let’s Get Kathy a Kidney.” Those interested in learning about living kidney donation for Kathy can also contact HCA Florida Largo Hospital at 727-588-5837 and use her legal name, Katherine Mismas, when calling. Even if you cannot be a donor, you can help by sharing Kathy’s story. The right person may be only one share away.  Hear Kathy’s story on Episode 129 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast and share it with 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 — a story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together. Grab your copy today on Amazon, available in paperback and eBook. Help Us Spread the Message If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message. Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with your family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, supporting those still waiting, and celebrating the gift of new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

  5. Oct 6

    Gift of Life 128 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    In Episode 128 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Jessica Clark, whose journey is a remarkable story of resilience, gratitude, and finding hope even when life takes unexpected turns. Jessica was diagnosed with liver disease at a young age, but like many transplant patients, she was able to live for years before her condition progressed to the point that she needed a liver transplant. Along the way, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her mother, who also battled liver disease—a loss that would shape her own journey in profound ways. In June of 2023, Jessica received the life-saving gift of a liver transplant. While the thought of transplant surgery can be overwhelming, Jessica shares that the experience was easier than she ever imagined, giving her a renewed chance at life. But just when it seemed the hardest part was behind her, another unimaginable challenge appeared. In April of 2024, following what was expected to be a routine medical procedure, Jessica developed severe sepsis. The infection became life-threatening and ultimately resulted in the loss of both of her legs. Many people would struggle to find hope after facing so much adversity, but Jessica refuses to let her circumstances define her. She remains incredibly grateful for her liver transplant, forever thankful to her donor and donor family, and continues to embrace each day surrounded by the love and support of her own family. This episode is a powerful reminder that while transplant can save a life, the journey doesn’t always end there. Jessica’s courage, determination, and positive outlook will inspire anyone facing life’s unexpected challenges. In This Episode Jessica’s early diagnosis with liver disease Losing her mother to the same illness Receiving her life-saving liver transplant in June 2023 Why the transplant surgery was easier than she expected The devastating sepsis that followed a routine procedure Learning to live after losing both legs The importance of family, faith, and perseverance Her gratitude for organ donation and her donor family Finding purpose and hope one day at a time Please Help Spread the Gift of Life If Jessica’s story inspires you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your family and friends. Every shared story helps raise awareness about the life-saving impact of organ donation and gives hope to those waiting for their own second chance at life. Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

  6. Sep 29

    Gift of Life 127 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    Some journeys begin at birth. For Chris Marsh, living with congenital heart disease meant he never really knew life without heart problems. But despite the challenges, he kept moving forward—until college, when his heart condition took a dramatic turn. Chris became critically ill and eventually required a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) to keep him alive. At the time, he believed that machine might be part of his life forever. The thought of ever receiving a heart transplant seemed out of reach. Then came a conversation that changed everything. A young nurse encouraged Chris not to give up hope. She told him that if he could lose enough weight, he could become eligible for the heart transplant waiting list. Those words sparked a new determination. Chris got to work. Through incredible discipline, perseverance, and faith, he reached his goal, earned his place on the transplant list, and this past May received the greatest gift imaginable—a life-saving heart transplant. Today, just a little over two months into his new life, Chris joins us to share his inspiring journey of hope, resilience, and gratitude. His story is a reminder that sometimes one person’s encouragement can change another person’s life forever. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep believing when the odds seem impossible, this episode will inspire you to never give up. Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Chris Marsh. Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. BJ Odom’s memoirMore Parts Than A Chicken Nugget: A Story of Survival, Second Chances, and the Family That Held Me Together Available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon. If this episode encouraged you, please help us spread the message of hope by: • Subscribing to the podcast• Leaving a 5-star review• Sharing this episode with your family and friends Together, we honor organ donors, celebrate transplant recipients, and inspire others through the incredible gift of life. Because every “yes” to organ donation gives someone another chance to live life

  7. Sep 22

    Gift of Life 126 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we welcome back our friend Alex Barrios, whose inspiring journey has touched listeners several times over the years. After spending five long years on dialysis, Alex has finally received the incredible gift of a second kidney transplant. For Alex, the wait wasn’t simply about finding a donor. Because of antibodies left behind from his first kidney transplant, finding a compatible kidney became an extraordinarily difficult challenge. Like many highly sensitized transplant patients, Alex faced obstacle after obstacle while hoping and praying for the call that could save his life. That call finally came. In this emotional and uplifting episode, Alex shares what it was like to endure years of dialysis, the physical and emotional toll of waiting, and the overwhelming gratitude he feels after receiving another chance at life through organ donation. Together, we also discuss: Why antibodies can make finding a matching kidney so much more difficult. The advances in transplant medicine that are giving hope to highly sensitized patients. The importance of never giving up, even when the wait seems impossible. The incredible generosity of organ donors and their families. Encouragement for others who may be facing similar challenges while waiting for their own transplant. Alex’s story is a powerful reminder that hope can survive even the longest wait, and that medical breakthroughs, perseverance, and the selfless gift of organ donation continue to change lives every day. Whether you’re a transplant recipient, someone waiting for a transplant, a caregiver, or simply someone who believes in the power of hope, this episode will encourage and inspire you. 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 — Available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon. If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message: • Subscribe to the podcast.• Leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.• Share this episode with your family and friends. Together, we can raise awareness, honor organ donors and their families, and give hope to those still waiting for their miracle.

  8. Sep 15

    Gift of Life 125 The Organ Transplant Podcast

    Sometimes, God’s greatest blessings arrive in the middle of our darkest moments. In Episode 125 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Beth Beathard, a remarkable 69-year-old woman whose journey is a powerful testimony of faith, gratitude, organ donation, and the precious gift of a second chance at life. Beth’s heart troubles began when she was just 50 years old. Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and suffering from sarcoidosis, she found herself facing a future filled with uncertainty as her heart grew weaker. But God wasn’t finished writing Beth’s story. In 2008, Beth received the call that would change everything: a donor heart was available. Behind that miracle was unimaginable heartbreak. Beth’s donor was a young woman, just 23 years old and the mother of three children. In the midst of tremendous loss, her family made the selfless decision to say YES to organ donation. That one decision gave Beth the gift of tomorrow. Today, Beth honors that incredible gift by truly living. At 70 years old, she remains active, participates in 5K events, and embraces each day with gratitude for the second chance she was given. Her story is also one of deep appreciation for the donor family whose generosity made her life possible. Their decision during one of the most difficult moments a family could ever face became a miracle for someone they had never met. There is something incredibly powerful about organ donation: one family’s act of love can become another family’s answered prayer. Beth’s journey reminds us that a transplant is more than a medical procedure. It is a sacred connection between two families, born from both tremendous loss and extraordinary generosity. Every heartbeat carries a legacy. Every additional birthday is a gift. Every 5K Beth crosses is another reminder that her donor’s gift continues to live on. Faith carried her. A donor saved her. Gratitude keeps her moving forward. Join us for Episode 125 as we celebrate Beth Beathard’s incredible journey, honor the beautiful young woman whose heart gave her a second chance, and recognize the donor family whose courageous YES made it all possible. Because sometimes the greatest miracle begins with one simple word: YES. 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 A story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together. Grab your copy today — available on Amazon in paperback and eBook! Help Us Spread the Gift of Life 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 donor families, celebrating recipients, and reminding the world of the incredible power of saying YES to organ donation. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. Honor the donor. Celebrate the gift. Live the life you were given.

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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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