Gift of Life

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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As of today, more than 103,000 individuals are on the national transplant waiting list. Of those, approximately 86%—nearly 90,000 people—are waiting for a kidney transplant.

This week, we revisit Dan Daggett, a familiar voice and a determined fighter who is still waiting for his life-changing kidney transplant. Dan remains on dialysis, but his spirit and story continue to inspire.

 Follow Dan’s journey and show your support on his Facebook page:

Love is in the air—and so is life, hope, and inspiration! As Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast kicks off Year 2, we’re celebrating with a very special guest: Sophia Renner, Engagement Manager for SODA: Student Organ Donation Advocates.

Sophia joins us to share how SODA is empowering the next generation of organ donation advocates and making waves across college campuses nationwide. You’ll learn about the incredible work they’re doing—and how YOU or a student you know can get involved!

Even more exciting? SODA’s Scholarship Program is back and better than ever! This year includes:

• The Daniel Gives Back Scholarship (brand new for 2025!)

• The Student Advocacy Scholarship

• The HBCU Donation Advocacy Scholarship

Whether you’re heading to college, in grad school, or know a passionate student advocate, this is your moment. Applications are open now through June 15—don’t miss out!

In this very special episode, we continue to honor National Donate Life Month by welcoming a truly inspiring guest—Renee Collins, a heart transplant recipient whose story is one of strength, perseverance, and love.

Renee opens up about her health struggles that began long before her transplant journey. She shares her experience living with atrial fibrillation and enduring several ablations. But everything changed the day she suffered a cardiac arrest—a moment that would lead to hospitalization and ultimately, the gift of a life-saving heart transplant.

Through all the challenges, Renee never walked alone. By her side was her devoted husband and caregiver, navigating the emotional roller coaster of recovery together. From moments of fear to sparks of hope, Renee’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of love, the strength of the human spirit, and the priceless gift of life that organ donation brings.

As we reflect on our first year, our hearts are full. Thank you for embracing this podcast, for listening, for sharing, and for being a part of this growing, supportive community. Each episode, each story, and each life touched is a celebration of second chances.

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Have a transplant story of your own? We’d love to hear from you!

In this milestone 50th episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we bring you an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.

Derek Lindstrom didn’t just run—he lived to run. With 114 marathons behind him, his heart was his engine. But when his heart function plummeted to a devastating 6-10%, his life took a dramatic turn. By the time he was admitted to intensive care, hope seemed distant. The odds were against him, and his future as a runner—and as a survivor—was uncertain.

Yet, through sheer will and the lifesaving gift of organ donation, Derek found his way back to the starting line. His journey is one of incredible highs and heartbreaking lows, but in the end, he did what he once thought impossible—he ran again.

This is a story of perseverance, second chances, and the unbreakable bond between the past and the future. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that will leave you believing in the impossible!

 Listen now and be inspired!

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In Episode 48 of The Gift Of Life Podcast we delve into the touching journey of Sam Dey – a tale of resilience and the preciousness of life. Sam's existence has been intertwined with the challenges of heart disease, influenced by a family lineage burdened with similar struggles. However, his true trial began in 2008 when the weight of his relentless work ethic manifested in a heart attack. Amidst his whirlwind of global adventures and dedicated labor, the unexpected twist in his life unfolded. Join us as Sam reveals his profound odyssey – from the staggering diagnosis to the transformative power of organ transplantation. His narrative exemplifies courage, compassion, and inner strength, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments, optimism shines through. Embrace this heartfelt episode, shedding light on the marvelous act of organ donation and the remarkable opportunity for a new beginning.

In this episode 47 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we welcome Emilee Brock Burdette, whose kidney journey began at the tender age of 4. Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) her entire life, Emilee has faced countless challenges, yet her unwavering faith and resilience have guided her through every step. With both her mother and grandmother also battling CKD and dialysis, Emilee’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and the power of community.

Through hardships and triumphs, Emilee shares how her journey—one she believes was written by God—has shaped her life and blessed those around her. Her inspiring perspective on friendship, faith, and the gift of life is one you won’t want to miss.

Tune in now for a story of strength, love, and the incredible impact of organ transplantation.

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