On Episode 132 of Gift of Life – The Organ Transplant Podcast, BJ Odom meets Ben Zion Cohen, father of young Lavi Rafael, whose extraordinary journey has taken his family from Israel to Miami, Florida, in a fight to save their son’s life.

Lavi was born in Israel with a devastating intestinal condition. Just days after his birth, he underwent the first of numerous surgeries and was eventually left without a functioning digestive system. His survival depended on intravenous nutrition — and ultimately, doctors determined that his best hope was an incredibly rare multi-organ transplant.

The Cohen family made the life-changing decision to leave their home, family and community in Israel and relocate to Miami so Lavi could receive the specialized care he desperately needed.

After approximately three years on the United States transplant waiting list, the call they had been praying for finally came.

On June 13, 2025, Lavi underwent an extraordinary five-organ transplant at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

He received a:

• Small intestine
• Large intestine
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Stomach

It was one of the most complex transplant procedures imaginable.

But receiving those five precious gifts was not the end of Lavi’s fight.

His recovery has been long and difficult, requiring extensive hospitalization, medical treatment and rehabilitation as his family continues to stand beside him every step of the way.

Ben openly shares that English is his second language. He and his family came from Israel to the United States for one reason — to give their little boy a chance to live.

In this emotional conversation, you’ll hear a father’s perspective on watching his child endure more than most people experience in a lifetime, the decision to leave everything familiar behind, the agonizing wait for donor organs, and what it means to finally receive the gift that could save your child’s life.

Behind Lavi’s five transplanted organs is also the incredible generosity of organ donation — gifts that gave one little boy and his family something priceless:

Hope.

Lavi’s story isn’t finished. His family is still fighting alongside him.

This is a story about transplantation, family, sacrifice, faith, and a little boy who continues to fight for his future.

This is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Let’s Stay Connected

Email: giftoflifepodcast@gmail.com

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BJ Odom’s Book

More Parts Than A Chicken Nugget

A story of survival, second chances, and the family that held it all together.

Grab your copy today on Amazon in paperback or eBook!

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Every donor can change a life. Every donor family creates a legacy. And every transplant story reminds us why the Gift of Life matters.

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