How many times have you walked into a furniture store and walked out with a couch, a chair… and a kidney? Sounds unbelievable, right? But this week on Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, we’re sharing a story that’s as heartwarming as it is miraculous.

In Episode 54, you’ll meet Dayna Cohen and Jake Rowland—two people brought together by chance, whose connection blossomed into an incredible friendship and a life-saving act. Dayna, in need of a kidney transplant, never imagined that someone she met in such an unexpected way would one day become her living donor.

Though they come from different generations and backgrounds, their bond grew stronger through compassion, trust, and a shared belief in doing good. Jake’s selfless decision to donate his kidney gave Dayna not only a second chance at life—but also a lifelong friend.

In this episode, we explore:

• The unlikely meeting that led to a life-changing friendship

• The emotional and medical journey leading up to the transplant

• The importance of living donors and community support

• And the deep impact one person’s “yes” can have on another’s future

Tune in for an uplifting, inspiring story about generosity, gratitude, and the power of friendship to change lives.

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Love is in the air—and so is life, hope, and inspiration! As Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast kicks off Year 2, we’re celebrating with a very special guest: Sophia Renner, Engagement Manager for SODA: Student Organ Donation Advocates.

Sophia joins us to share how SODA is empowering the next generation of organ donation advocates and making waves across college campuses nationwide. You’ll learn about the incredible work they’re doing—and how YOU or a student you know can get involved!

Even more exciting? SODA’s Scholarship Program is back and better than ever! This year includes:

• The Daniel Gives Back Scholarship (brand new for 2025!)

• The Student Advocacy Scholarship

• The HBCU Donation Advocacy Scholarship

Whether you’re heading to college, in grad school, or know a passionate student advocate, this is your moment. Applications are open now through June 15—don’t miss out!

Visit sodanational.org/scholarships or sodanational.org for all the details.

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Let’s Stay Connected

Do you have a transplant story close to your heart? Or know someone whose journey deserves to be shared? We’d love to hear from you.

Email us at: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast

If today’s episode moved you, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share with someone you love. Together, we’re spreading awareness, celebrating new beginnings, and honoring the heroes who give the ultimate gift—LIFE.

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

In this very special episode, we continue to honor National Donate Life Month by welcoming a truly inspiring guest—Renee Collins, a heart transplant recipient whose story is one of strength, perseverance, and love.

Renee opens up about her health struggles that began long before her transplant journey. She shares her experience living with atrial fibrillation and enduring several ablations. But everything changed the day she suffered a cardiac arrest—a moment that would lead to hospitalization and ultimately, the gift of a life-saving heart transplant.

Through all the challenges, Renee never walked alone. By her side was her devoted husband and caregiver, navigating the emotional roller coaster of recovery together. From moments of fear to sparks of hope, Renee’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of love, the strength of the human spirit, and the priceless gift of life that organ donation brings.

As we reflect on our first year, our hearts are full. Thank you for embracing this podcast, for listening, for sharing, and for being a part of this growing, supportive community. Each episode, each story, and each life touched is a celebration of second chances.

Connect with Us

Have a transplant story of your own? We’d love to hear from you!

Email us: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

Join our community on Facebook: Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast

If this episode touched your heart, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review. Your support helps us continue to spread awareness, celebrate donors and recipients, and uplift every person impacted by transplantation.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for an incredible first year.

Here’s to life.

Here’s to love.

Here’s to the gift of tomorrow.

With gratitude,

BJ and the Gift of Life Team