Sometimes, life brings people into your path for a reason. On a recent visit to Tampa General Hospital, I found myself needing a ride — and that’s when I met Tammy Zettles. As I climbed into her car, I noticed a Donate Life sticker on her window. That simple sticker led to a powerful conversation that I’ll never forget.

Tammy is a donor mom. Her son, DJ, passed away at the young age of 21 — a tragic and heartbreaking loss. But in the midst of that unimaginable grief, DJ gave the ultimate gift. He was an organ donor who saved and enhanced many lives.

In this special episode, Tammy joins us to honor DJ’s life and legacy. With grace, strength, and love, she shares his story — not just the story of how he died, but the story of how he lived. She reminds us that behind every donation is a family, a heartbeat, and a love that continues to ripple through the world.

I’m proud to now call Tammy a friend, and even prouder to welcome her to the Gift of Life family. DJ’s light continues to shine through her words and her advocacy.

You don’t want to miss this touching conversation about love, loss, and the legacy of giving.

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Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com

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Say “yes” to donation – be someone’s gift of life

This week’s episode is truly a family story like no other. We’re joined by mother-daughter duo Carman Negron and Carmen Tipton, both working with LifeLink of Florida to help make the gift of life possible for others. Alongside them is sister Aliris Rosas, a pancreas transplant recipient whose own journey brings the conversation even closer to home. And in the background, the family’s strength and hope continue as their father awaits a kidney transplant.

I’ll admit — with all these incredible connections, I got a little lost in the family tree at first! But as the stories unfolded, it all came together into one powerful reminder: organ, eye, and tissue donation touches entire families, not just individuals.

We also continue to honor National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, celebrated each August. This important initiative, led by the National Multicultural Action Group, works to inspire a positive culture of donation—especially in diverse communities that have historically been underrepresented in both donation and transplantation.

Whether you’re a donor, a recipient, a healthcare professional, or simply someone with a heart for others, this episode is filled with inspiration, connection, and hope.

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Let’s Stay Connected:

Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com

Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast

Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife

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.

In this deeply moving episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we welcome Dr. Angelie Roman—a compassionate physician, an immigrant from the Philippines, and now a grateful kidney transplant recipient.

Angelie came to the United States at a young age, driven by a dream to help others. She pursued that dream and became an oncology physician, dedicating her life to healing patients facing some of their toughest battles. But in her 20s, Angelie faced her own unexpected diagnosis—a hereditary condition discovered during a urinary infection that doctors told her would eventually require a kidney transplant.

Fast forward more than 25 years, and Angelie’s journey came full circle when she received the gift of life—a kidney that transformed her future.

Her story is not only one of medical triumph but also a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the incredible generosity of organ donors.

We also continue to honor National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, celebrated each August. This vital initiative, led by the National Multicultural Action Group, works to promote a positive culture around organ, eye, and tissue donation—particularly in diverse communities that have historically been underrepresented in donation and transplantation.

Whether you’re a donor, a recipient, a healthcare professional, or simply someone with a heart for others—this episode will leave you inspired and informed.

Let’s Stay Connected

Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com

Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast

Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife

If this episode touched your heart, help us spread the message:

Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform

Share Episode 68 with your family and friends

Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.

Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.