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.
Follow the podcast
RSS Feed
Caregivers are the unsung heroes in every transplant journey — offering love, strength, and unwavering support when it’s needed most. In this week’s touching episode, we continue our conversation with George Cecere, the devoted caregiver to his partner Terri, whom we met in our previous episode.
George shares how his personal caregiving experience inspired him to start TCH Caregivers Heart, a support group originally created for heart transplant caregivers. But as the need for support grew, so did the group — now welcoming caregivers of all transplant types. What began as a small community has blossomed into a powerful network, with monthly online meetings that offer connection, compassion, and guidance.
We dive deep into the emotional journey caregivers walk every day — the challenges they face, the support they need, and the vital role they play in the healing process of transplant recipients. Whether you’re a caregiver yourself, a recipient, or someone who loves them, this episode is a beautiful reminder of how important it is to care for those who care for us.
To learn more about TCH Caregivers Heart and how you can get involved, visit:
Let’s stay connected:
• Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com
• Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast
• Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com
βΈ»
If this episode touched your heart, help us keep spreading hope:
• Subscribe to the podcast
• Leave a 5-star review
• Share this episode with someone you love
Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.
Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.
At just 16 years old, Terri Cecere faced a life-altering diagnosis: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After enduring 10 rounds of chemotherapy, doctors warned her of possible long-term effects on her heart and kidneys. Life moved forward… until age 42, when Terri was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy—and her journey toward a heart transplant began.
In this inspiring episode, Terri shares the powerful story of becoming the very first heart transplant recipient at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her courage, resilience, and gratitude shine through as she reflects on her journey from young cancer warrior to transplant survivor.
This is a story of faith, determination, and the incredible gift of life.
Let’s Stay Connected!
Have a transplant journey close to your heart? Or know someone whose story deserves to be told? We’d love to connect:
Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com
Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast
Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com
If today’s episode touched your heart, help us continue our mission:
• Subscribe to the podcast
• Leave a 5-star review
• Share this episode with someone you love
Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.
Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.
How many times have you walked into a furniture store and walked out with a couch, a chair… and a kidney? Sounds unbelievable, right? But this week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we’re sharing a story that’s as heartwarming as it is miraculous.
In Episode 54, you’ll meet Dayna Cohen and Jake Rowland—two people brought together by chance, whose connection blossomed into an incredible friendship and a life-saving act. Dayna, in need of a kidney transplant, never imagined that someone she met in such an unexpected way would one day become her living donor.
Though they come from different generations and backgrounds, their bond grew stronger through compassion, trust, and a shared belief in doing good. Jake’s selfless decision to donate his kidney gave Dayna not only a second chance at life—but also a lifelong friend.
In this episode, we explore:
• The unlikely meeting that led to a life-changing friendship
• The emotional and medical journey leading up to the transplant
• The importance of living donors and community support
• And the deep impact one person’s “yes” can have on another’s future
Tune in for an uplifting, inspiring story about generosity, gratitude, and the power of friendship to change lives.
βΈ»
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!
Visit sodanational.org/scholarships or sodanational.org for all the details.
βΈ»
Let’s Stay Connected
Do you have a transplant story close to your heart? Or know someone whose journey deserves to be shared? We’d love to hear from you.
Email us at: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast
If today’s episode moved you, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share with someone you love. Together, we’re spreading awareness, celebrating new beginnings, and honoring the heroes who give the ultimate gift—LIFE.
Thank you for being part of our beautiful, life-giving community.
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!
Email us: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com
Join our community on Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast
If this episode touched your heart, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review. Your support helps us continue to spread awareness, celebrate donors and recipients, and uplift every person impacted by transplantation.
From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for an incredible first year.
Here’s to life.
Here’s to love.
Here’s to the gift of tomorrow.
With gratitude,
BJ and the Gift of Life Team
Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast | Episode 51
In this heartfelt episode, we welcome back an old friend from my radio days, Al Brock, who is celebrating two years with his new liver after a transplant at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN.
Al’s journey hasn’t been easy—his first year was especially tough, filled with challenges that left him needing a wheelchair and a walker. But with faith, resilience, and the unwavering support of his incredible daughter and son-in-law, who stepped up as both business partners and caregivers, Al is now thriving in year two.
Together, we reflect on the highs and lows of his transplant experience, the power of family, and the miracle of a second chance at life.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with gratitude, perseverance, and the ultimate gift—life itself.
Connect with Us
Have a transplant story to share? We’d love to hear from you!
Email us: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com
Join our community on Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast
If this episode touched your heart, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us spread awareness, celebrate the gift of life, and uplift the transplant community. Thank you for listening!
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:
Have a transplant story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com
Join the conversation on Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast
οΈ If you love the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—your support helps us spread awareness, celebrate the gift of life, and inspire others in the transplant community!
In this heartfelt episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we sit down with Dan Daggett, General Manager of WMPI I-105.3 in Scottsburg, Indiana. Dan’s journey with kidney disease is ongoing as he awaits his first kidney transplant. While he hopes for a living donor, he remains open to receiving a deceased donor kidney, knowing that every transplant is a precious gift.
Dan shares the challenges of balancing dialysis with work and family life, offering an inside look at the emotional and physical toll it takes. Yet, through it all, his strength and optimism shine, reminding us of the resilience of those waiting for the gift of life.
Let’s rally around Dan and help spread the word! You can follow his journey and show support on Facebook at Kidney 4 Dan.
Connect with Us:
Do you have a transplant story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com and join the conversation on Facebook at Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast.
If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us spread awareness, celebrate the gift of life, and make a difference in the transplant community!
Listen Now: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast
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.
Let's Stay Connected: Do you have a transplant journey to recount? We are here to listen. Reach out to us at giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com and engage with us on Facebook at Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast. If this podcast resonates with you, please consider subscribing and sharing a glowing 5-star review. Your solidarity aids us in spreading awareness, honoring the beauty of life, and fostering change within the transplant community.
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:
Do you have a transplant story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com and join the conversation on Facebook at Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast.
If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us spread awareness, celebrate the gift of life, and make a difference in the transplant community!