Gift of Life 96 The Organ Transplant Podcast

Gift of Life

Gift of Life 96 The Organ Transplant Podcast

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Published on Feb 24, 2026, 5:30:36 AM
Total time: 00:22:46

Episode Description

In this episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we’re joined by Madison Staiger, a liver transplant recipient who received her life-saving transplant in December 2018 and recently celebrated her seven-year anniversary.

 

Madison shares how her journey began in February 2018, when what she believed was the flu quickly turned into a life-altering diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease. She walks us through the transplant evaluation process, the emotional challenges of waiting, and the moment she learned she was number one on the transplant list.

 

We talk about recovery after surgery, including time spent in the surgical ICU, being on oxygen for months, and learning to manage lifelong medications. Madison also opens up about the mental health side of transplantation and how working with a transplant-focused psychiatrist helped her navigate life after surgery.

 

Now thriving, Madison works as a program coordinator at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — the same hospital where she received her transplant. She’s currently pursuing her second master’s degree and gives back through volunteer work with the Humane Society and Lifeline of Ohio.

 

This episode is an honest and hopeful conversation about resilience, gratitude, and finding purpose after receiving the gift of life.

Let’s Stay Connected:

 

Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com

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BJ Odom’s book 

More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget 

🎯 Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO

📖 Available in paperback & eBook!

 

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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.