The Book

Surrender: What My Liver Transplant Taught Me About Control and Self-Acceptance now available on Amazon.com

On June 12, 2011, at the age of 28, I received a liver transplant at the University of Cincinnati Health Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. My donor, Dustin, was just 18.

I couldn’t have known that I’d be confronted with the possibility of my death at the age of 28, or that all my years of striving for physical perfection would end up undermining my wellness to such a devastating degree. But one of the most surprising aspects of this crisis was the unexpected feeling of relief that washed over me as it all unfolded. After a lifetime of trying to be self-sufficient, at the top of my game, as close to perfect as possible, I finally had to admit that I couldn’t control this situation on my own.   

I needed a liver transplant to survive, and thanks to Dustin and his family, I received the greatest gift – the gift of life.

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    As a transplant survivor, I believe there is no greater power than the power of love. Through my passionate and compassionate message, I help listeners face health-related challenges with positive determination and hope.

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    Jessica Zampieri is a motivational speaker whose message helps listeners face health-related challenges with positive determination and hope.