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On Episode 132 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, BJ Odom meets Ben Zion Cohen, father of young Lavi Rafael, whose extraordinary journey has taken his family from Israel to Miami, Florida, in a fight to save their son’s life. Lavi was born in Israel with a devastating intestinal condition. Just days after his birth, he underwent the first of numerous surgeries and was eventually left without a functioning digestive system. His survival depended on intravenous nutrition — and ultimately, doctors determined that his best hope was an incredibly rare multi-organ transplant. The Cohen family made the life-changing decision to leave their home, family and community in Israel and relocate to Miami so Lavi could receive the specialized care he desperately needed. After approximately three years on the United States transplant waiting list, the call they had been praying for finally came. On June 13, 2025, Lavi underwent an extraordinary five-organ transplant at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. He received a: • Small intestine• Large intestine• Liver• Pancreas• Stomach It was one of the most complex transplant procedures imaginable. But receiving those five precious gifts was not the end of Lavi’s fight. His recovery has been long and difficult, requiring extensive hospitalization, medical treatment and rehabilitation as his family continues to stand beside him every step of the way. Ben openly shares that English is his second language. He and his family came from Israel to the United States for one reason — to give their little boy a chance to live. In this emotional conversation, you’ll hear a father’s perspective on watching his child endure more than most people experience in a lifetime, the decision to leave everything familiar behind, the agonizing wait for donor organs, and what it means to finally receive the gift that could save your child’s life. Behind Lavi’s five transplanted organs is also the incredible generosity of organ donation — gifts that gave one little boy and his family something priceless: Hope. Lavi’s story isn’t finished. His family is still fighting alongside him. This is a story about transplantation, family, sacrifice, faith, and a little boy who continues to fight for his future. This is one episode you won’t want to miss. Let’s Stay Connected Email: [email protected] 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 A story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together. Grab your copy today on Amazon in paperback or eBook! Help Us Spread the Message If Lavi’s story touches 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. Every donor can change a life. Every donor family creates a legacy. And every transplant story reminds us why the Gift of Life matters. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

On Episode 131 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, BJ Odom welcomes Jay Waddell, whose life changed dramatically after suffering two mini-strokes followed by a major stroke. The damage ultimately affected his heart and led to something he never expected — the need for a heart transplant. Jay had always enjoyed journaling and documenting life. When he learned he needed a new heart, he began searching for information about heart transplantation and connecting with others who had traveled similar roads. Those connections introduced Jay to incredible stories of survival, courage, gratitude, and second chances. He eventually brought those stories together in his book, “Voices From the Heart: A Collection of Inspiring Heart Transplant Stories,” available on Amazon. In this episode, Jay shares his own journey from strokes and heart damage to transplantation, what he learned from others in the transplant community, and how those experiences inspired him to preserve and share their stories in a book. It’s another powerful reminder that behind every transplant is a story — and every story has a voice worth hearing. Let’s Stay Connected Email: [email protected] 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 — A story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together. Grab your copy today on Amazon in paperback or eBook. Help Us Spread the Message If this episode touched your heart: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors and donor families, and celebrating the incredible gift of new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

On Episode 129 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Michael Ungar, a living kidney donor whose journey toward donation began in a place he never expected. As a rabbi, Michael was simply doing his job while visiting and supporting people at a local hospital. But those experiences planted a spark—one that continued to grow until, in 2021, Michael found himself becoming a living kidney donor. Michael takes us through his journey from beginning to end: what inspired him to consider living donation, the process of becoming a donor, the surgery itself, his recovery, and what life has been like since giving someone else the gift of a healthier life. Michael says it can be difficult to hear himself called a hero. But those of us in the transplant community understand just how extraordinary living donors truly are. They willingly undergo surgery and recovery so another person can have a second chance at life. Hear Michael Ungar’s inspiring story and discover how one small spark of compassion eventually became the Gift of Life. In this episode: ● How Michael’s work as a rabbi introduced him to the transplant world ● The moment living kidney donation became personal ● His decision to become a donor in 2021 ● Preparing for living-donor surgery ● Michael’s recovery and life after donation ● Why he has a hard time considering himself a hero ● The incredible impact living donors have on recipients, families, and the transplant community Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast shares the stories of transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, caregivers, and others whose lives have been touched by organ donation. Episode 129 — Michael Ungar: Living Kidney Donor Please listen, subscribe, and share Michael’s story. One story can educate someone about living donation—and perhaps inspire the next gift of life.

In 2016, Katherine Mismas learned that something wasn’t right with her kidneys. Eventually, she received the news that a kidney transplant would be in her future. Today, Kathy’s story is still being written. She is searching for a living kidney donor — someone who could give her the chance to avoid spending the rest of her life on dialysis and begin a new chapter with a healthy kidney. In Episode 129 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, Kathy shares her journey with BJ Odom — from first learning about her kidney problems to where she is today and her hope of finding that special person willing to consider living kidney donation. More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant, and behind every number is a person, a family, and a story. Kathy is one of those people. Could you be the person who helps Kathy find her kidney? To learn more, search Facebook for “Let’s Get Kathy a Kidney.” Those interested in learning about living kidney donation for Kathy can also contact HCA Florida Largo Hospital at 727-588-5837 and use her legal name, Katherine Mismas, when calling. Even if you cannot be a donor, you can help by sharing Kathy’s story. The right person may be only one share away.  Hear Kathy’s story on Episode 129 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast and share it with others. Let’s Stay Connected Email: [email protected] 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 — a story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together. Grab your copy today on Amazon, available in paperback and eBook. Help Us Spread the Message If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message. Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with your family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, supporting those still waiting, and celebrating the gift of new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

In Episode 128 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Jessica Clark, whose journey is a remarkable story of resilience, gratitude, and finding hope even when life takes unexpected turns. Jessica was diagnosed with liver disease at a young age, but like many transplant patients, she was able to live for years before her condition progressed to the point that she needed a liver transplant. Along the way, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her mother, who also battled liver disease—a loss that would shape her own journey in profound ways. In June of 2023, Jessica received the life-saving gift of a liver transplant. While the thought of transplant surgery can be overwhelming, Jessica shares that the experience was easier than she ever imagined, giving her a renewed chance at life. But just when it seemed the hardest part was behind her, another unimaginable challenge appeared. In April of 2024, following what was expected to be a routine medical procedure, Jessica developed severe sepsis. The infection became life-threatening and ultimately resulted in the loss of both of her legs. Many people would struggle to find hope after facing so much adversity, but Jessica refuses to let her circumstances define her. She remains incredibly grateful for her liver transplant, forever thankful to her donor and donor family, and continues to embrace each day surrounded by the love and support of her own family. This episode is a powerful reminder that while transplant can save a life, the journey doesn’t always end there. Jessica’s courage, determination, and positive outlook will inspire anyone facing life’s unexpected challenges. In This Episode Jessica’s early diagnosis with liver disease Losing her mother to the same illness Receiving her life-saving liver transplant in June 2023 Why the transplant surgery was easier than she expected The devastating sepsis that followed a routine procedure Learning to live after losing both legs The importance of family, faith, and perseverance Her gratitude for organ donation and her donor family Finding purpose and hope one day at a time Please Help Spread the Gift of Life If Jessica’s story inspires you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your family and friends. Every shared story helps raise awareness about the life-saving impact of organ donation and gives hope to those waiting for their own second chance at life. Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Some journeys begin at birth. For Chris Marsh, living with congenital heart disease meant he never really knew life without heart problems. But despite the challenges, he kept moving forward—until college, when his heart condition took a dramatic turn. Chris became critically ill and eventually required a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) to keep him alive. At the time, he believed that machine might be part of his life forever. The thought of ever receiving a heart transplant seemed out of reach. Then came a conversation that changed everything. A young nurse encouraged Chris not to give up hope. She told him that if he could lose enough weight, he could become eligible for the heart transplant waiting list. Those words sparked a new determination. Chris got to work. Through incredible discipline, perseverance, and faith, he reached his goal, earned his place on the transplant list, and this past May received the greatest gift imaginable—a life-saving heart transplant. Today, just a little over two months into his new life, Chris joins us to share his inspiring journey of hope, resilience, and gratitude. His story is a reminder that sometimes one person’s encouragement can change another person’s life forever. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep believing when the odds seem impossible, this episode will inspire you to never give up. Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Chris Marsh. Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: [email protected]  Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast  Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. BJ Odom’s memoirMore Parts Than A Chicken Nugget: A Story of Survival, Second Chances, and the Family That Held Me Together Available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon. If this episode encouraged you, please help us spread the message of hope by: • Subscribing to the podcast• Leaving a 5-star review• Sharing this episode with your family and friends Together, we honor organ donors, celebrate transplant recipients, and inspire others through the incredible gift of life. Because every “yes” to organ donation gives someone another chance to live life

This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we welcome back our friend Alex Barrios, whose inspiring journey has touched listeners several times over the years. After spending five long years on dialysis, Alex has finally received the incredible gift of a second kidney transplant. For Alex, the wait wasn’t simply about finding a donor. Because of antibodies left behind from his first kidney transplant, finding a compatible kidney became an extraordinarily difficult challenge. Like many highly sensitized transplant patients, Alex faced obstacle after obstacle while hoping and praying for the call that could save his life. That call finally came. In this emotional and uplifting episode, Alex shares what it was like to endure years of dialysis, the physical and emotional toll of waiting, and the overwhelming gratitude he feels after receiving another chance at life through organ donation. Together, we also discuss: Why antibodies can make finding a matching kidney so much more difficult. The advances in transplant medicine that are giving hope to highly sensitized patients. The importance of never giving up, even when the wait seems impossible. The incredible generosity of organ donors and their families. Encouragement for others who may be facing similar challenges while waiting for their own transplant. Alex’s story is a powerful reminder that hope can survive even the longest wait, and that medical breakthroughs, perseverance, and the selfless gift of organ donation continue to change lives every day. Whether you’re a transplant recipient, someone waiting for a transplant, a caregiver, or simply someone who believes in the power of hope, this episode will encourage and inspire you. Let’s Stay Connected Email: [email protected] 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 — Available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon. If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message: • Subscribe to the podcast.• Leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.• Share this episode with your family and friends. Together, we can raise awareness, honor organ donors and their families, and give hope to those still waiting for their miracle.

Sometimes, God’s greatest blessings arrive in the middle of our darkest moments. In Episode 125 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Beth Beathard, a remarkable 69-year-old woman whose journey is a powerful testimony of faith, gratitude, organ donation, and the precious gift of a second chance at life. Beth’s heart troubles began when she was just 50 years old. Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and suffering from sarcoidosis, she found herself facing a future filled with uncertainty as her heart grew weaker. But God wasn’t finished writing Beth’s story. In 2008, Beth received the call that would change everything: a donor heart was available. Behind that miracle was unimaginable heartbreak. Beth’s donor was a young woman, just 23 years old and the mother of three children. In the midst of tremendous loss, her family made the selfless decision to say YES to organ donation. That one decision gave Beth the gift of tomorrow. Today, Beth honors that incredible gift by truly living. At 70 years old, she remains active, participates in 5K events, and embraces each day with gratitude for the second chance she was given. Her story is also one of deep appreciation for the donor family whose generosity made her life possible. Their decision during one of the most difficult moments a family could ever face became a miracle for someone they had never met. There is something incredibly powerful about organ donation: one family’s act of love can become another family’s answered prayer. Beth’s journey reminds us that a transplant is more than a medical procedure. It is a sacred connection between two families, born from both tremendous loss and extraordinary generosity. Every heartbeat carries a legacy. Every additional birthday is a gift. Every 5K Beth crosses is another reminder that her donor’s gift continues to live on. Faith carried her. A donor saved her. Gratitude keeps her moving forward. Join us for Episode 125 as we celebrate Beth Beathard’s incredible journey, honor the beautiful young woman whose heart gave her a second chance, and recognize the donor family whose courageous YES made it all possible. Because sometimes the greatest miracle begins with one simple word: YES. Let’s Stay Connected Email: [email protected] 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 A story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together. Grab your copy today — available on Amazon in paperback and eBook! Help Us Spread the Gift of Life If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message. Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors and donor families, celebrating recipients, and reminding the world of the incredible power of saying YES to organ donation. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community. Honor the donor. Celebrate the gift. Live the life you were given.

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 Let’s Stay Connected  Email: [email protected]  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 formats. If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message: • Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.• Share this episode with family and friends.• Help us continue raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating second chances and new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we are honored to welcome Richard Stowe, a devoted husband, loving father, respected high school teacher, and coach whose life changed forever when heart problems first appeared in 2017. For years, Richard continued to pour his heart into his family, his students, and the athletes he coached, all while quietly fighting a battle that few could truly understand. As his condition gradually worsened, he faced the uncertainty, fear, and emotional roller coaster that so many transplant patients know all too well. Through every setback, Richard remained determined to keep moving forward, supported by the love of his family, his faith, and the hope that one day the call would come. In 2025, that life-changing phone call finally arrived. Richard received the priceless gift of a new heart—a gift made possible by the incredible generosity of an organ donor and a family who chose hope in the midst of unimaginable loss. Now beginning a new chapter of life, Richard shares what it was like to wake up with a second chance, the challenges of recovery, and the overwhelming gratitude he carries every single day. He also talks about attending this year’s Transplant Games, where he joined thousands of fellow transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and supporters in a celebration unlike any other. Richard reflects on the friendships he made, the inspiration he found, and why the Games reminded him just how precious the gift of life truly is. Richard’s story is one of perseverance, faith, resilience, and the incredible impact that one “yes” to organ donation can have—not only on a recipient but on countless lives that continue because of that selfless decision. Whether you’re a transplant recipient, donor family member, caregiver, medical professional, or someone simply looking for a story that will inspire your heart, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Let’s Stay Connected:  Email: [email protected]  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 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 are raising awareness, honoring donor heroes, celebrating transplant recipients, and reminding the world that the gift of life is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give. Thank you for being part of our Gift of Life family. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that inspire hope, encourage organ donation, and celebrate the miracle of second chances.

This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we welcome Hajnalka Morse, whose remarkable journey begins in Hungary, where she worked as a translator and met a young American soldier. Their love story led to marriage and a life of service as an Army family, moving from military base to military base across the country. What began as minor health concerns during her college years slowly became something much more serious. As the years passed, each move meant finding a new cardiologist, starting over with new doctors, and facing fresh challenges while searching for answers. Eventually, Hajnalka heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “You’re going to need a heart transplant.” Despite the uncertainty, constant moves, and the emotional toll of living with advanced heart disease, Hajnalka never lost hope. Surrounded by the love of her family and strengthened by her faith, she continued moving forward one day at a time. Then, during one of the most difficult seasons of her life, a book found its way into her hands—a book that would change everything. In this inspiring conversation, Hajnalka shares how hope can arrive when you least expect it, how faith carried her through life’s greatest challenges, and how the gift of organ donation gave her a second chance at life. It’s a powerful story of resilience, love, family, faith, and the incredible impact of never giving up. Heartfelt Laser Works Looking for beautiful, handcrafted gifts with meaning? Visit Hajnalka’s Etsy shop: Heartfelt Laser Workshttps://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartfeltLaserWorks I.C.U. God: (I See You God)https://a.co/d/00wgLKL1 Let’s Stay Connected  Email: [email protected]     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 is available now on Amazon in paperback and eBook. It’s a heartfelt story of survival, second chances, and the incredible people who made the journey possible. If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message of hope and organ donation. Subscribe to Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast 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 and their families, and celebrating the gift of second chances. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

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 Writing Circle: https://yourtransplantvoice.netlify.app/    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: [email protected]  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.

On this episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Brigid Bergan, a woman whose life has been shaped by courage, determination, and hope. For more than 20 years, Brigid has lived with serious liver disease. Through countless doctor visits, treatments, and challenges, she has continued to push forward with strength and grace. But now, after two decades of fighting, her condition has progressed to the point where she urgently needs a liver transplant. Today, Brigid is searching for a living liver donor with a blood type of A or O. While the road ahead is uncertain, she remains hopeful that someone will step forward and offer the incredible gift of life. In this heartfelt conversation, Brigid shares her journey, the realities of living with chronic liver disease, the emotional challenges of waiting for a transplant, and the hope that keeps her moving forward each day. Her story is a powerful reminder of how organ donation changes lives and how one person’s decision can create a future for someone desperately in need. If you have ever wondered about living donation, or if you’ve been looking for a way to make a life-changing difference, this episode will inspire you and show the profound impact that one act of generosity can have. If you are blood type A or O and would like to learn more about helping Brigid, we encourage you to explore living donation and see if you might be able to give the gift that could save her life. Links:  Register as a potential donor - Donor Registration  UW Health transplant phone number (608) 263 1384 Facebook Page: ALIVER4Brigid https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1D1Z512wr9/   Let’s Stay Connected: Email: [email protected]  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 family and friends.• Help raise awareness about the life-saving power of organ donation. Together, we honor donors, celebrate recipients, and give hope to those still waiting. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

You may remember Andrea McConaughy from Episode 109, where she shared her incredible journey and her upcoming celebration of 30 years with her heart transplant.   In Episode 119, we hear the story from a different perspective—that of her husband, Rob McConaughy.   Rob met Andrea after her transplant. What began as a chance meeting turned into a love story built on faith, commitment, resilience, and understanding. As their relationship grew, Rob found himself stepping into a role he never expected: becoming the caregiver of a transplant recipient while learning firsthand about the challenges, uncertainties, and triumphs that come with life after transplant.   This heartfelt conversation explores what it means to love someone whose journey includes major health challenges, and how a strong partnership can thrive through life’s ups and downs. Rob shares the lessons he’s learned, the joys they’ve experienced together, and the unique perspective of loving and supporting a transplant survivor.   This is a touching story of love, resilience, and the power of standing beside someone through every chapter of life. It’s an episode that will leave you inspired and feeling the deep connection Rob and Andrea share.   Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: [email protected]   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, is available now on Amazon in paperback and eBook formats.   If this episode touched your heart, please help us spread the message:   • Subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.• Share this episode with family and friends.• Help us raise awareness, honor organ donors, and celebrate the gift of life.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

This week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Roxy Staricha, a mother whose world changed forever during a routine 20-week anatomy scan.   What was supposed to be an exciting milestone in pregnancy quickly became the beginning of a journey filled with fear, uncertainty, faith, and unimaginable strength. Roxy shares the emotional story of her son Lennox, an amazing little fighter whose life began with a serious congenital heart condition known as transposition of the great arteries.   Just days after birth, Lennox would undergo life-saving open-heart surgery. But the challenges didn’t stop there. As Roxy and her family tried to navigate the emotional roller coaster of hospital stays, procedures, and endless prayers, they learned Lennox would eventually need something even more rare and complex — a partial heart transplant.   This is a story no mother ever wants to live through, but one every parent should hear. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength of a parent’s love, the miracles of modern medicine, the importance of organ donation, and the resilience children can show even in the toughest battles.   Roxy’s honesty, courage, and faith shine throughout this emotional conversation as she shares the highs, the lows, and the hope that carried her family forward. Lennox Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/site/f39c7b66-1fa1-11f0-bee8-89148f7c71b4?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page    Let’s Stay Connected:   Email: [email protected]    Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast    Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform.   BJ Odom’s bookMore Parts Than A Chicken Nugget… Grab your copy today: Available on Amazon in paperback & eBook!   If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Share this episode with family and friends. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.   Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.