Gift of 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:

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:

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

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:

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.

 Connect with Us

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!

Connect with Us:

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.

Connect with Us:

In this inspiring episode 46 we sit down with Jen Muston, a lifelong athlete, head coach of the women’s lacrosse team, and assistant athletic director at York College in Pennsylvania. Jen’s journey is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the incredible power of organ donation.

Despite being dedicated to sports and coaching, it wasn’t until she and her husband moved to York that a new doctor took a closer look at her medical records. In 2017, she received life-changing news—she had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Facing an uncertain future, Jen’s competitive spirit and the unwavering support of her team kept her fighting. Thanks to a selfless donor and their family, she received a kidney transplant just in time, avoiding dialysis and regaining her strength.

Jen’s story is filled with ups and downs, but she embraces every challenge with the heart of an athlete. 

She credits her donor family for giving her the chance to keep coaching, competing, and living life to the fullest. Tune in to hear how she overcame adversity and continues to inspire both on and off the field.

Connect with Us: On Facebook Gift of Life The Organ Transplant Podcast

You may remember Dawn from Episode 37, where we shared her incredible journey to kidney health—a path filled with challenges, resilience, and ultimately, transformation. Diagnosing her condition, advocating for proper treatment, and ensuring access to life-saving medications were just some of the hurdles she faced. But through it all, Dawn remained determined, turning obstacles into stepping stones toward a brighter future.

This week, Dawn returns to Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast to share even more wisdom. As a licensed clinical social worker with a LCSW in Social Work and Rapid Implementation Specialist Clinician at CBHCare Wellness and Support Center, she brings valuable insights for transplant patients, their families, and anyone navigating a chronic illness. From practical tips on managing the transplant process to emotional guidance for those waiting for a life-saving organ, Dawn’s experience is both inspiring and deeply informative.

Beyond the struggles, her journey has also brought profound blessings—a fulfilling career, a loving marriage, and a deep appreciation for the present moment. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the life-changing gift of organ donation.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation, and let Dawn’s journey remind us all of the strength that lies within and the importance of advocating for our health.

Connect with Us:

Life has a way of surprising us, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. This week, we meet Julie Patterson of Madison, Georgia, whose journey with kidney disease began with a routine visit to the gynecologist. As a young woman, she was told she had high protein levels in her urine—an early warning sign that someday, her kidneys might fail. Like many of us would, she put the thought aside and continued living her life.

Fast forward many years, and that distant warning became reality—Julie’s kidneys were failing. It wasn’t until 2015 that she learned she would need a transplant to survive. But the biggest shock of all? The person who turned out to be her perfect match and life-saving donor.

Julie’s story is one of resilience, love, and the incredible power of living donation. Join us as she shares her journey from diagnosis to transplant and the emotional moment she discovered who would give her the gift of life.

This week, we bring you an incredible story of resilience, love, and the power of family. Meet Ronna, a kidney transplant survivor who did everything right—eating well, staying active, and living a healthy lifestyle. But a routine medical exam for life insurance uncovered a shocking truth—she was in renal failure.

As her world turned upside down, one person never hesitated—her sister. Stepping up without question, she was first in line to donate a kidney. But their journey was far from easy. From the emotional highs and lows of the transplant process to Ronna’s time on dialysis, this experience not only tested their strength but also deepened their bond in ways they never imagined.

Ronna’s story is one of hope, perseverance, and the unbreakable ties of family. You won’t want to miss this heartwarming episode!

In this powerful episode, we meet the resilient and inspiring Donna Williamson. In her 20s, Donna was diagnosed with kidney disease—a life-altering moment that could have defined her future. But by the grace of God, she was miraculously cured, allowing her nearly two decades of health and hope. Then, the disease returned with a vengeance, leading her to dialysis and, ultimately, her first kidney transplant.

Fifteen years later, she faced the unimaginable once again—another kidney transplant was needed. Through countless ups and downs, Donna’s unwavering spirit has helped her beat the odds time and time again. Today, she dedicates her life to helping others through the Fletcher Fund, an organization providing vital support for transplant patients in need of therapy and medication.