Send us a text

A spiritual calling, a kidney voucher, and two pastors reconnecting after decades apart—this is no ordinary transplant story.

When Jim Pearl was diagnosed with Fabry's disease in 2004, he had no idea his journey would lead him back to Jeff Barker, a seminary friend from the '90s. After five years on dialysis, Jim clung to his mantra: "In the waiting, God is working." Meanwhile, Jeff saw Jim's Facebook post and felt a spiritual nudge to step forward, despite knowing little about kidney donation.

Though not a direct match, Jeff became a voucher donor donating at NYU Langone. His kidney went to someone in the NKR system, and Jim received a kidney voucher due to Jeff’s donation. Just three months later, Jim received his transplant at University of Utah Health.

For both pastors, the experience was deeply spiritual. Jim named his kidney "Gigi" (God’s Gift). Jeff sees the donation as part of Christian incarnational theology—"We often think about giving money, but we can give our very selves."

GiftWorks supported them throughout the journey, helping Jim share his story widely and guiding Jeff through the donation process. Their experience shows how organ donation not only saves lives, but also renews connections, deepens faith, and transforms both donor and recipient.

Jim’s advice for recipients: "Share your story as broadly as possible. It only takes one set of eyes." Jeff encourages potential donors to remember: "Your first yes is not your final yes. Each step requires thought, and each decision matters."

Learn more at yourgiftworks.com and consider how making yourself available to others can be a part of something greater.

Links:
Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook

Send us a text

What if a casual Sunday scroll through Facebook could save a life? In this heartfelt episode of Donor Diaries, Rich and Cali share the extraordinary story of how a social media post led to a life-saving kidney transplant and an unexpected lifelong connection.

Rich, living with polycystic kidney disease, feared the wait for a deceased donor and the possibility of having to go on dialysis, and took a leap of faith by sharing his story online. Cali, grieving the loss of her brother to the same disease, stumbled upon Rich’s post and felt an unshakable pull to help. Neither could have predicted the twist of fate that would link them even closer—Rich had once been her brother’s boss.

Their journey is one of vulnerability, determination, and the incredible power of human connection. From meticulously tracking spreadsheets to navigating emotions and medical evaluations, both Rich and Cali approached the process with equal heart and grit. In the end, their story reminds us that sharing our struggles can spark unexpected miracles—and that even the smallest connections can change lives.

Rich and Cali represent a major milestone; they were the first successful kidney transplant to come out of the GiftWorks Program pilot. The GiftWorks Program is built on three core pillars that support both transplant recipients and those who step forward as living donors: Education, Support, and Advocacy.

To learn more about the GiftWorks program that helped make this match possible, visit yourgiftworks.com and check out our show notes.

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook

Send us a text

Join us on Donor Diaries as we welcome Dr. Harry Wilkins, CEO of Gift of Hope, who transitioned from a 36-year career as a trauma surgeon to leading an organ procurement organization in 2020. With his unique perspective as both a physician and an industry leader, Dr. Wilkins offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complex and deeply personal world of deceased organ donation. From the moment of injury to the life-changing decisions families face, he sheds light on the critical role OPOs play in guiding and supporting donor families through the process.

A Chicago native, Dr. Wilkins shares how his childhood fascination with car mechanics unexpectedly led him to a career in surgery, a path shaped by his family's strong values of faith and service. Now, he is driven by a bold vision: a future where no one dies waiting for an organ. He discusses the transformative potential of xenotransplantation, 3D-printed organs, living donation, and emerging advancements in organ preservation—what he calls a growing set of tools in the transplant toolbox.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Wilkins highlights the dedication of his team at Gift of Hope and their relentless work to save lives every day. He also explores the importance of dispelling myths about organ donation, increasing public awareness, and fostering a culture where donation is the norm.

This episode is an eye-opening look at the challenges and breakthroughs shaping the future of deceased organ transplantation—and the innovative solutions that could one day eliminate transplant waitlists. Tune in for an inspiring and informative discussion with one of the field’s most passionate advocates.

Gift of Hope
National Organ Donor Registry Sign-up
Harry Wilkins Bio
The Art of Effective Physician Education (Book)
Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook
Connect with Laurie Lee
GiftWorks

Donor Diaries Website
Donor Diaries on Facebook