Gift of Life

• Gift of Life 83 The Organ Transplant Podcast

  In this moving episode, BJ Odom sits down with Brian Pitts, whose journey through heart disease and transplant is both harrowing and inspiring. Like so many others, Brian had no idea he was living with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)—until one life-changing day at a family wedding when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest. After being rushed to the hospital, Brian’s short-term memory was deeply affected—he found himself repeatedly asking, “Why am I here?” Doctors inserted a defibrillator to stabilize his heart, beginning a long and difficult road to recovery. Eventually, Brian received his life-saving heart transplant, and today, he embraces each day as a gift. Now, with renewed strength and gratitude, Brian dreams of one day sailing around the world—a powerful reminder that second chances aren’t just about survival, but about living life to the fullest. Brian Pitts links YouTube Page @DonateLifeBoat Heart Transplant Support on facebook Let’s Stay Connected Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife Featured in This Episode BJ Odom’s inspiring memoir: More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget A Story of Survival, Second Chances, and the Family That Held Me Together Grab your copy today: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO Available in paperback & eBook on Amazon If Brian’s story touched your heart, please help us spread the message of hope and organ donation awareness: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review Share this episode with friends and family Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings.

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• Gift of Life 82 The Organ Transplant Podcast

  This week, BJ sits down with Tim Andrews, a true pioneer in the transplant world and an inspiration to anyone who believes in the power of science and second chances. Tim made medical history as the longest-living person with a pig kidney transplant, thriving for nine incredible months before the organ was removed. His story reads like science fiction — but it’s 100% real. Now, Tim is once again waiting for a miracle: a living kidney donor. Despite being back on dialysis, his spirit remains strong, his humor intact, and his message clear — hope and innovation can change lives. If you or someone you know would like to see if you can help Tim, please visit the Mass General Hospital website at www.massgeneral.org for more information. Tim’s blood type: O positive. Let’s find Tim a kidney and keep this incredible story going. Let’s Stay Connected: Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife 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: https://a.co/d/gNgC9jO Available in paperback & eBook on Amazon. If this episode moved you, help us spread the message. Subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Share this episode 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.

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• Gift of Life 81 The Organ Transplant Podcast

  This week, we meet Jimmy Tolleson, a preacher from Alabama whose journey to a new heart is a powerful testimony of faith and endurance. Jimmy’s story began at just 16 years old, when he started experiencing chest pains. Despite repeated reassurances that his heart was fine, his symptoms continued for decades—until, at age 51, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio discovered the truth. There, he underwent his first open-heart surgery, beginning a long road toward survival. Years later, Jimmy received his life-saving heart transplant at St. Thomas West in Nashville, Tennessee. But his journey was made even more heartbreaking when his wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer—right as Jimmy was being placed on the transplant list. Balancing his own fight for life while saying goodbye to the love of his life tested his faith in unimaginable ways. In this emotional and inspiring conversation, Jimmy shares how he found strength through faith, community, and the incredible gift of organ donation. Let’s Stay Connected Email: [email protected] Website: www.giftoflifepodcast.com Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast Listen & Share: https://lnk.to/GiftofLife Featured in this Episode BJ Odom’s Memoir: More Parts Than a Chicken Nugget Grab your copy on Amazon — available in paperback and eBook! If Jimmy’s story touched your heart, please help us spread the message: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with friends and family. Together, we’re raising awareness, honoring donors, and celebrating new beginnings. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

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• Gift of Life 80 The Organ Transplant Podcast

  This week, we meet Heather McCoy, a true warrior whose story embodies courage, faith, and the incredible power of organ donation. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 10 years old, Heather faced challenges most of us can only imagine. At 20, she received her first double-lung transplant, a life-changing gift that allowed her to breathe freely again. Eight years later, when her lungs began to fail once more, she courageously went through it all over again—a second double-lung transplant. But Heather’s journey didn’t stop there. When her kidneys began to fail, she received yet another miracle—a kidney transplant—and with it, a renewed lease on life. Through every obstacle, Heather has remained a shining example of positivity and gratitude. Her laughter, determination, and joy for life remind us all that even the toughest battles can lead to the most beautiful victories. This is a heartfelt, inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the life-giving power of donation. Heathers music available on Spotify Amazon YouTube Music Pandora and ITunes here is the Spotify link people are also welcome to find me on social media on IG TikTok it’s heather_mccoy3 and FB under Heather McCoy https://open.spotify.com/artist/6FE5Do6KZpm8hrCw4cZR1V?si=h-yZoQiSTiuL2Fip5oee5w My book “Between The Salty Lines” is on Amazon at this link https://a.co/d/7tPFAU8 Let’s Stay Connected: Email: [email protected] 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. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

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• Gift of Life 79 The Organ Transplant Podcast

  In this inspiring and educational episode, BJ sits down with Shane Grant, who has been living with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) for nearly two decades. Over the years, Shane became her own best advocate—learning about her disease, seeking out specialists, and pushing for answers. Her persistence and courage led her through a long and emotional journey that ultimately resulted in a life-saving heart transplant earlier this year. This conversation offers hope and guidance for anyone affected by HCM or navigating their own transplant journey. You’ll hear Shane’s powerful reflections on: What it’s really like to live with HCM for 20 years The importance of self-advocacy and education The emotional and physical challenges before and after transplant How her new heart has transformed her outlook on life Whether you’re a patient, family member, or healthcare professional, this episode is filled with valuable insight and encouragement. Let’s Stay Connected Email: [email protected] 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. Thank you for being part of our life-giving community.

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