#BeTheGift Connections

Hosted by Tennessee Donor Services

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

#BeTheGift Connections is a series of monthly programs designed to inform and connect the public to lifesaving stories of organ donation and transplantation. Episodes feature real-life conversations with donor hero families, living donors, transplant recipients, and healthcare professionals directly involved in the recovery and transplant of organs/tissues. Each episode tackles a specific aspect of donation and the challenges facing those waiting for their lifesaving gift. We hope these episodes will inform and inspire others to be the gift and save lives by registering at BeTheGiftToday.com.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202624 min

#BeTheGift Connections: Running on Generosity

We are just days away from the 2026 Transplant Games of America and are excited to spotlight a member of Team Tennessee competing in the inaugural Living Donor Division! 💙💚Megan Conner is a singer/songwriter, personal trainer and marathon runner based in Nashville, TN. On January 16, 2025, she made the selfless decision to become a living donor for her friend, Kim.She joins us on this segment of #BeTheGift Connections to share why donating a kidney was one of the most meaningful decisions of her life.

June 11, 202614 min

#BeTheGift Connections: One Liver Going for Gold

We're warming up for the upcoming 2026 Transplant Games of America on #BeTheGift Connections! 💙💚In one week, liver recipient Tom Satkowiak will be one of an estimated 3,000 athletes gathering in Denver, Colorado, to celebrate the impact of donation and showcase what's possible after transplantation.Tom joins us on this segment to share his inspiration for joining this year's Transplant Games and what the competition means to him as a recipient.

May 19, 202617 min

#BeTheGift Connections: A Living Link

What would inspire someone to be a living kidney donor for a complete stranger?On this segment of #BeTheGift Connections, we're joined by Stewart County Clerk Natalie Hardison, a living donor, and Elaine Ford, her kidney recipient, as they share how donation intertwined their lives forever.

May 12, 202618 min

#BeTheGift Connections: Heart of Gratitude

Every heartbeat tells a story, and we're honored to share them on #BeTheGift Connections!On this segment, we're joined by Kristina Hudgins, a mother who was in the middle of raising her two children when she learned she would need a heart transplant to survive.

May 7, 202622 min

#BeTheGift Connections: The Kidney That Made a Nurse

We have a special segment of #BeTheGift Connections in honor of National Nurses Week!Matthew Darling was just three years old when he received a kidney transplant. He joins us to share how that one gift inspired him to pursue a career in nursing years later.

April 7, 202623 min

#BeTheGift Connections: Public Service, Personal Survival

It's time to celebrate Donate Life Month with stories of hope and healing on #BeTheGift Connections!On this segment, we'll hear from Tennessee State Representative Kevin Raper, a liver recipient whose lifesaving transplant allowed him to return to public office with a deeper understanding of the process that touches so many lives.

March 26, 202629 min

#BeTheGift Connections: Far From Home, Fighting for Life

We're raising awareness for kidney health and the critical need for kidney donors during National Kidney Month on #BeTheGift Connections! On this segment, we're joined by Justin Ballew, a kidney recipient, as he shares what it was like to go from complete independence to a medical crisis in a matter of days while abroad and the journey that led him to finally receive a transplant.

February 18, 202635 min

#BeTheGift Connections: Trust, Access & Healing

We're celebrating Black History Month on #BeTheGift Connections! ❤️💚💛🖤On this segment, Dr. Beau Kelly, Sierra Donor Services Surgical Director, joins us to discuss his career as a transplant surgeon, disparities in access to medical care and how we can work together to create a more equitable future in donation and transplantation.

February 11, 202623 min

#BeTheGift Connections: Second Down, Second Chance

We're celebrating Black History Month on #BeTheGift Connections! ❤️💚💛🖤On this segment, former Tennessee Titans player Albert Haynesworth III joins us to share the remarkable journey that led to his lifesaving kidney transplant.

January 30, 202628 min

#BeTheGift Connections: The Gift She Gave

Take a break from the ice and snow with a heartwarming story about one selfless young woman who changed countless lives through donation.Jordyn Wilson was ready to start a new life at 18 years old when she became a donor hero. Her parents, Don and Tracy, join us to share more about her life and the incredible gift she gave others in her final moments.