Sometimes the most precious gifts we pass down to our children are love, values, and memories. But for families like Jennifer’s, there is also a shared genetic legacy—one that brings with it enormous health challenges.

You may remember Dr. Robert Pritt from Episode 38, whose life was saved by a heart transplant. Robert and his daughter Jennifer share not only a deep bond as father and daughter, but also the same LMNA-related cardiomyopathy gene. This condition can lead to life-threatening heart problems and is now known to be carried by Jennifer’s brother and daughter as well.

In today’s episode, Jennifer bravely shares her own life-saving transplant journey—a story filled with resilience, gratitude, and hope. Thanks to the generosity of an organ donor, she can continue to cherish her husband, her four children, and the joy of a brand-new grandbaby.

We’ll also touch on promising research that gives hope for a future where this gene can be stopped from causing harm to others.

This is more than a story about survival—it’s about the strength of family, the power of science, and the incredible impact of organ donation.

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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.

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.

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

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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.