Gift of Life 124 The Organ Transplant Podcast
Published on Sep 8, 2026, 4:20:34 AM
Total time: 01:03:37
Published on Sep 8, 2026, 4:20:34 AM
Total time: 01:03:37
This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Jamie “Zig” Merckx, a husband, father, outdoorsman, and fighter whose life changed forever in an instant.
What began as an ordinary day sitting in a hunting blind quickly turned into a battle for survival when Jamie suffered what many call “The Widow Maker” — one of the most serious and deadly heart attacks a person can experience.
What followed was a journey that pushed him to the brink of death more than once.
Jamie spent 88 days in the ICU, endured 9 major procedures, and spent a total of 102 days in the hospital before receiving the greatest gift imaginable — a life-saving heart transplant on December 19, 2019.
Throughout the darkest moments of his journey, it was the love of his family, the dedication of his medical team, and the support of those around him that carried him forward. There were moments when last rites were given and hope seemed distant, but Jamie’s story became one of perseverance, faith, resilience, and second chances.
Now, more than five years later, Jamie has turned his experience into a mission to help others through his book, When Calm Meets the Storm. Even more inspiring, every dollar from the book goes directly to support the Cardiac Pediatric ICU at American Family Children’s Hospital, helping families facing battles of their own.
This is one of the most heartfelt, emotional, and inspiring warrior stories we’ve had the privilege to share on the podcast.
Jamie’s journey is a reminder that even when life brings the fiercest storms, hope can still be found in the calm that follows
Jamie "Zig" Merckx's Book:"When Calm Meets the Storm
”Available now on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/0h9ed0bq
Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast
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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.