Gift of Life 121 The Organ Transplant Podcast

Gift of Life

Gift of Life 121 The Organ Transplant Podcast

Clean

Published on Aug 18, 2026, 4:20:04 AM
Total time: 00:54:03

Episode Description

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
 
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.

 
More about Gift of Life

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.