In this powerful episode of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we share the remarkable story of Jamie Imhof, a world-class athlete whose greatest battle wasn’t on the field—but for her very life.

Jamie’s journey took a devastating turn in June 2022 when a concerned friend called for a welfare check. Paramedics found her unconscious, her body ravaged by end-stage alcoholism. For most, the road ahead might have seemed insurmountable. But Jamie wasn’t just anyone—she was an elite athlete, trained to push beyond limits, to fight through pain, and to never, ever give up.

That same determination that once made her a world-class competitor became her greatest weapon. With grit and resilience, she faced the unimaginable—learning to walk again, enduring grueling rehabilitation, and ultimately receiving a life-saving liver transplant. But her fight wasn’t over. As her body struggled, she braced for yet another battle—the need for a kidney transplant. Through the incredible care of the team at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the unwavering spirit of a true champion, Jamie refused to surrender.

Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of the human spirit, and the life-changing impact of organ donation. If you’ve ever faced adversity, if you’ve ever felt like giving up—Jamie’s story will remind you that champions are made not in moments of victory, but in the battles they refuse to lose.

Join us as we meet Jamie Imhof and celebrate her extraordinary journey of survival, strength, and the gift of life.

Connect with Us:

Do you have a transplant story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com and join the conversation on Facebook at Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast.

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us spread awareness, celebrate the gift of life, and make a difference in the transplant community.

You may remember Dawn from Episode 37, where we shared her incredible journey to kidney health—a path filled with challenges, resilience, and ultimately, transformation. Diagnosing her condition, advocating for proper treatment, and ensuring access to life-saving medications were just some of the hurdles she faced. But through it all, Dawn remained determined, turning obstacles into stepping stones toward a brighter future.

This week, Dawn returns to Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast to share even more wisdom. As a licensed clinical social worker with a LCSW in Social Work and Rapid Implementation Specialist Clinician at CBHCare Wellness and Support Center, she brings valuable insights for transplant patients, their families, and anyone navigating a chronic illness. From practical tips on managing the transplant process to emotional guidance for those waiting for a life-saving organ, Dawn’s experience is both inspiring and deeply informative.

Beyond the struggles, her journey has also brought profound blessings—a fulfilling career, a loving marriage, and a deep appreciation for the present moment. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the life-changing gift of organ donation.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation, and let Dawn’s journey remind us all of the strength that lies within and the importance of advocating for our health.

Connect with Us:

Do you have a transplant story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com and join the conversation on Facebook at Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast.

If you enjoy the podcast, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread awareness, celebrate the gift of life, and make a difference in the transplant community.

Life has a way of surprising us, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. This week, we meet Julie Patterson of Madison, Georgia, whose journey with kidney disease began with a routine visit to the gynecologist. As a young woman, she was told she had high protein levels in her urine—an early warning sign that someday, her kidneys might fail. Like many of us would, she put the thought aside and continued living her life.

Fast forward many years, and that distant warning became reality—Julie’s kidneys were failing. It wasn’t until 2015 that she learned she would need a transplant to survive. But the biggest shock of all? The person who turned out to be her perfect match and life-saving donor.

Julie’s story is one of resilience, love, and the incredible power of living donation. Join us as she shares her journey from diagnosis to transplant and the emotional moment she discovered who would give her the gift of life.

Do you have a transplant story that deserves to be heard? We’d love to share it! Email us at giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com and join our community on Facebook at Gift of Life - The Organ Transplant Podcast.

If Julie’s story touched your heart, please subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a 5-star review. Together, we can spread awareness, celebrate the gift of life, and inspire hope for those still waiting for their second chance.

Thank you for listening—because every story has the power to save a life.