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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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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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

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

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

In Episode 67 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we meet Yesenia Zaragoza — a proud Hispanic woman, a compassionate nurse, and a living kidney donor whose journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.

Yesenia’s story began while working with liver transplant recipients at Tampa General Hospital. Now part of the LifeLink of Florida team, her commitment to saving lives didn’t stop at the hospital doors. One day, while sitting in on a surgery, she overheard a conversation about living kidney donation — including how donors receive top priority if they ever need a kidney themselves. That moment led her to take action.

Motivated by the facts, her compassion, and her culture, Yesenia became a living kidney donor. In this episode, she shares her unique path to donation and how her heritage and profession both play a vital role in her advocacy — especially during National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month.

Episode 67 is packed with insight, empathy, and a heartfelt call to action for communities of all backgrounds to say “yes” to donation.

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:

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Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

Welcome to The Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, where every story beats with hope and every voice makes a difference. I’m your host, BJ Odom.

In this powerful episode, we shine a light on National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month — a time to elevate voices, shatter myths, and inspire communities to say “yes” to life-saving organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Joining us is Erica Clare, Multicultural Communications Relations Coordinator, and a true champion for inclusive awareness and action. Erica shares what this month is all about, how cultural connection plays a vital role in donation advocacy, and what still needs to be done to build trust and bridge the gap in historically underserved communities.

We also dive into common misconceptions, cultural barriers, and how the National Multicultural Action Group is leading the charge in changing lives — one conversation at a time.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Why National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month matters

• The impact of representation and culturally aware communication in donation

• How we can all take part in building a more inclusive donation culture

• The truth behind some of the biggest myths surrounding donation

So grab a cup of coffee, lean in, and join us for a conversation that truly matters.

Let’s Stay Connected:

Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com

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Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating second chances at life.

What inspires someone to donate a kidney to a complete stranger?

For Jeri Gill, it started with a viral YouTube video—a woman surprising her husband with a custom baseball card revealing she was his living kidney donor. That moment planted a powerful seed in Jeri’s heart. She couldn’t shake the thought: Could I do something like this for someone else?

A short while later, a Facebook post caught her eye. A woman was searching for a kidney donor. Jeri felt compelled to learn more… and what she discovered would change not only the life of that woman, but her own life forever.

In this deeply touching episode, Jeri shares her emotional and selfless journey from inspiration to action, from stranger to lifesaver. It’s a testament to the human spirit, the power of connection, and the incredible gift of life.

A must-listen for anyone who believes in kindness, courage, and the ripple effect of doing good.

Let’s Stay Connected:

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Tell your story or thank a donor—every voice makes a difference

Together, we honor donors, celebrate recipients, and inspire hope. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

Chris shares the ups and downs of his journey with heart failure and how the LVAD has given him the strength, energy, and freedom to keep living fully while he awaits a transplant. From connecting deeply with this podcast to inspiring his family and others, Chris reminds us that there’s hope before the transplant too.

What You’ll Learn:

• How the LVAD works and supports those with heart failure

• Chris’s personal story of resilience, recovery, and joy

• Why he believes the LVAD is his gift of life

• The importance of community, connection, and raising awareness

Whether you’re a recipient, a caregiver, or just someone who cares, this episode will move and inspire you.

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Let’s Stay Connected:

Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com

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

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

In today’s heart-touching episode, we sit down with Kristin Worthen, a devoted mother with an incredible story of courage, faith, and unwavering love. Kristin shares the journey of her amazing son Theo, whose strength and resilience will inspire anyone who hears it.

At Kristin’s final ultrasound before giving birth, she received devastating news—Theo had a severe heart defect. What followed was a long, emotional journey filled with surgeries, hospital stays, prayers, and miracles. After enduring five heart surgeries, Theo’s life was saved by a heart transplant at just 7 years old.

Theo is a true warrior, and Kristin is a shining example of a mother’s love and determination. Don’t miss this powerful story of hope, healing, and the gift of life.

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Let’s Stay Connected:

Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com

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

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

Subscribe to the podcast

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Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring selfless donors, and celebrating second chances at life.

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