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.

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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.

Looking for beautiful, handcrafted gifts with meaning? Visit Hajnalka’s Etsy shop:

Heartfelt Laser Works
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartfeltLaserWorks

Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast

Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform.

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:

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.

Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast

Listen and share on your favorite podcast platform.

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.