BeTempered Episode 48 – Love in Action: How Sam’s Faith Led to the Largest Kidney Transplant Chain

In this powerful episode, we welcomed a very special guest, Sam Fledderjohann, whose incredible journey from protector to life-giver is a testament to resilience, faith, and divine timing. With co-host Kim Schmidt—Host Dan's wife—stepping in as Ben sits this one out, the conversation took on an even more heartfelt tone.

Born to a very young mother and raised in a home full of instability, Sam stepped into a caregiving role for her siblings early on. While her childhood was far from easy, she found comfort and stability at her grandparents’ farm—an experience that would later shape her values and skillset.

Sam’s story takes an extraordinary turn when, following a deep spiritual prompting, she chose to become a non-directed kidney donor. Unbeknownst to her at the time, that selfless act would launch Ohio State Wexner Medical Center's largest kidney transplant chain in history, helping ten people receive life-saving kidneys over just two days—all thanks to her.

But the divine orchestration didn’t stop there. After the surgery, Sam met her recipient—and in what can only be described as a "God moment," discovered he was deaf. Amazingly, Sam had studied sign language in college and was able to communicate with him directly. The moment moved even seasoned medical professionals to tears and confirmed for Sam that her journey was part of something much greater.

Today, Sam continues to pour into the lives of others as the Special Olympics Coordinator in Mercer County, expanding programming to include basketball, cheerleading, powerlifting, unified golf, equestrian activities, and more. Her guiding belief? "We are beloved children of God." It’s a truth that’s carried her through both the valleys and mountaintops of her life.

Sam's story reminds us that our past—no matter how difficult—can prepare us for a greater purpose. Her early experiences protecting others, her educational path, and her heart for service all aligned to create a ripple effect of hope and healing. When asked if she’d do it all again? She doesn’t hesitate: "A hundred times over."

Are you listening to the promptings in your own life?

Support the show