Transplant Recipients

Recipient Stories

Organ, eye and tissue donation can have a lasting impact on transplant recipients and their loved ones. Learn more about the individuals whose lifesaving and life-enhancing transplants were made possible by the generosity of donor heroes and their families.

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Alex’s Story

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Alex Brown

After confirming they were a match, Alex received a lifesaving gift from his best friend.

Jason Patrick

Seven months later, Jason became an organ and tissue donor himself after being fatally struck by a car while walking into work.

Brandon Pate

When he died unexpectedly, his wife and family knew donation would honor his life while helping others.

I.C. Collins

Ultimately, a corneal transplant restored his vision, and soon after, a heart transplant saved his life.

Jimmy Cansler

“I’m very thankful for the family that made the sacrifice to save me,” Jimmy said. “I’m grateful, and I want them to know that.”

Lucas Oswald

His mother said Lucas’ legacy lives on through his ability to donate and impact over 100 lives.

Ryan Stoway

Following a tragic vehicle accident, his wish to help others was fulfilled when he became a donor.

Joe Hecht

After a senseless act of gun violence, he became an organ donor, which gives his family some comfort today.

Joel Stinnett

Although his life ended prematurely, Joel’s legacy continues through his decision to be an organ donor.

Jason Talk

Jason Talk learned he was in end-stage renal failure when he went to the hospital with suddenly swollen legs. He started dialysis soon after that and later was told he was an unlikely fit for…

Carla Poke

When Carla passed away, her mom knew Carla would want to give what she could to others through donation.

Cecilia Niemann

Before she passed away, her parents knew donation was the right decision and agreed to donate her organs and tissues.

Eric Miller

When Eric’s life ended prematurely due to COVID-19, he was able to heal others through donation. He became the first coronavirus-positive heart donor in the United States.

Jeannette Hendricks

In her death, she saved two lives as an organ donor and enhanced countless more as a tissue donor.

Rocky Delfs

While his family struggled with his loss, there was no debate about Rocky becoming an organ donor, knowing his selfless, giving heart.

Julie Filbeck

The gift of tissue allowed Julie to return to her work as a nurse while caring for her three young children.

Chelsey Updike

That day came unexpectedly when her 16-year-old life was cut short by a drunk driver in May 2021.

Katharine Cooper

After a life of giving to others, breaking barriers and shaping young minds, her gift of life-enhancing tissue was in line with the way she lived.

Drew Hedrick

When Drew’s life was cut short suddenly and unexpectedly, his family’s only comfort was his choice to be a donor.

Tonya Buffington

They now take comfort in the fact that organ donation has given others more time with their families.

Jenna Mihalevich

Thanks to a donor hero, Jenna received a lifesaving small bowel transplant and her family has become passionate about organ donation because of the lifesaving impact it has had on them.

Josh Stark

After a lifelong battle with mental health, Josh’s life ended in 2014. His family did not hesitate at the chance for him to become a donor.

Maxine McMullen

Through educational booths at health fairs and dialysis centers, Maxine sheds light on the options available to those facing kidney failure.

Ward “Buck” Newman

When keratitis began to take his sight, Buck required a cornea transplant so he could continue driving for the “Rescue Road Warriors,” a group whose volunteers rescue dogs from puppy mills.

Sam Harter

Since Sam became an organ, eye and tissue donor, Kim and Jay have felt some comfort associated with their decision for him to donate.

Dymond Shafer

Linnie hopes Dymond’s story will inspire others to join the organ, eye and tissue donor registry.

Whitni Noyes

For some, like former MTN staff member Whitni Noyes, that mission becomes personal.

Sandy Locke

She had registered as an organ donor, and although her children did not know that, they knew that her wish must have been important to their stubborn, determined mother.

Addisen Snyder

When a tragic incident took Addisen Snyder's life, her parents, Scott and Katie, decided to donate her organs and tissues.

Michele Baumgardner

When Michele died unexpectedly, she had the rare opportunity to save and enhance lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.

Carl Larsen

He loved his family, including his two young children with wife, Joy Larsen, above all. When Carl’s life ended prematurely, he saved and enhanced lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.

Austin Cross

When a car accident cut 22-year-old Austin’s life short, his family learned of his wish to become an organ, eye and tissue donor. Supporting her son as he saved lives through organ donation drove his…

Isaiah Ross

When Isaiah suddenly passed away, his family initially struggled with his wish to become an organ donor. After learning more about Isaiah’s potential to save lives, they became supportive.

Regeina Brazeal

Regeina did not believe that she would be able to donate due to her advanced age. With the increase in age limit, she was able to fulfill her wish of becoming a donor.

Korbin Staten

Six years later, Korbin received a kidney transplant; unfortunately, the transplanted kidney faced two types of rejection.

Josh Birrell

The Birrells are grateful for Josh — who donated organs and tissues — and everyone who gives the gift of life.

Rose Erickson

Since then, Ashley has met her mother’s liver recipient. “When we first met, it was kind of bittersweet,” Ashley said. “The liver was a perfect match.”

Trista and Kyle Smith

When Trista Smith lost her husband, he became a tissue donor. A couple years later, Trista passed away and became an organ, eye and tissue donor. Although the losses have been painful for them, Trista's…

Kirsten Stuck

Receiving donated tissue has changed Kirsten’s perspective on organ, eye and tissue donation.

Rando Williams

When Rando passed away, his family members were pleasantly surprised to learn that he could still be an organ donor at age 84.

Leah Brown

Leah’s mother, Gretchen Brown Carroll, is an emergency department nurse who — in the face of extreme tragedy and loss — advocated for her daughter to become a tissue and eye donor.

Sebastian Vazquez

Initially when she was asked to donate Sebastian’s organs, Denisse was shocked and unsure what to do.

JJ Hayes & Michelle Horne

Cindy had heard radio host and Green Ribbon Champion JJ Hayes talk on air about his wife, Michelle, and her need for a lifesaving kidney transplant. Although she didn’t know JJ or Michelle at the…

Matthew & Brandi Waters

“Their legacy will be how we live our lives and remember them,” said Scott. “Brandi and Matthew never gave up; they kept fighting even to the end. They donated their organs and still help people,…

Crystal Sharp

“I was very proud of her,” said Crystal's mother, Jeannie. “She knew how terribly proud I was of her, because I told her all the time. We were very close friends.”

Jeremiah Broadwell

Although members of Jeremiah’s close-knit family struggle with their loss, they have found comfort seeing his legacy continue through his donation. One of his sisters said, "He was always about family, friends, giving and being…

Zach Mendoza

Zach's parents recall that when he first received a driver’s license, he did not hesitate to join the organ, eye and tissue donor registry. Since he passed away, they have found immense comfort knowing that…

Leea Crawford Walker

After developing diabetes while pregnant with her son, Leea needed a kidney transplant. She was trying to become healthy enough to rejoin the waitlist when she passed away.

Chris Garcia

Growing up, Chris Garcia always knew he wanted to become a police officer. Upon fulfilling this dream, Chris proudly patrolled the streets of his hometown, dedicating his energy for two years to the challenging and…

Sadie Miller

Sadie Miller was a healthy, recently married mother of two when she contracted viral cardiomyopathy. After receiving a heart transplant, she became a strong supporter of organ donation. “Every time anybody went to the DMV,…

Kari Alejandre

When her daughter, Keely, passed away, Mary Ann Bjorgaard was devastated. Then a chance meetup led her to learn who Keely’s heart saved, and she realized that in a way, Keely was now able to…

Nicholas Bean Sr

In 2006, Nicholas Bean Sr and Kimberli Bean reached milestones like those of many other young couples: They got married, bought a house and purchased a car. Before their wedding, Nicholas had a routine physical…

Olivia Eisenhauer

Olivia Eisenhauer was an ordinary, active teenager. That all changed the day she collapsed between volleyball matches and was unconscious and without a heartbeat for several minutes. Miraculously, Olivia survived — yet she and her…

Margaret Gorrell

In early 2017, Kristen Gorrell suffered cardiac arrest during the middle of the night. Her husband, Bryce, performed lifesaving CPR. Soon afterward, Bryce and Kristen’s previously healthy baby, Margaret, fell ill. Doctors could not determine…

Joe Rethford

Riding motorcycles and playing guitar are two of Joe’s favorite hobbies – hobbies he didn’t think he’d ever be able to enjoy again after falling from a ladder and suffering compound fractures in both wrists.

Gentleman Nguyen

Shortly after Thanksgiving 2012, Gentleman received the call that a liver was waiting for him. “I have much to be thankful for and feel better now than I have in a long time,” he said.

Braxton Woods

When Braxton Woods was 10, he went with his mother, Loretta, to the DMV. Braxton requested a Missouri identification card, and after learning what it means to be an organ, tissue and eye donor, he…

Chad Stacy

Chad Stacy dedicated his adult life to others as a Marine, serving two tours in Iraq. His mother, Linda Isaac, said Chad’s choice to serve rang true to his personality. “He had the biggest heart…

Cassia Millspaugh

In a video beloved by her family, Cassia can be seen trying and failing to provide basic directions between two major cities in the state in which she always lived. Her frequent smiles, laughter and…

Wyatt Hughes

A goofy overthinker who loved fishing, Wyatt Hughes had a big heart. His parents, Jenny and Sean Hughes, describe him as a class clown who liked to help others. It was no surprise to Jenny…

Elly Liebenguth

Funny, genuine and full of love, Elly was “one of the kindest people you’ll meet,” according to her mom, Cindy Liebenguth. Elly enjoyed time outdoors hunting and training dogs with her dad. Soon after beginning…

Rickey Rayford

Rickey was known for his life-loving attitude and infectious smile. He loved music, the outdoors, and spending time with close friends and family. He would give not only the shirt off his back, but also…

Mike Smoker

Juliane Smoker summed it up well: “Organ donation is a tragically beautiful thing.” When her husband, Mike, was in the hospital after suffering an aneurysm, she learned he had registered as an organ, eye and…

Leo Woodruff

Julianna Armato feels a special connection to organ donation. Several years ago, she donated one of her kidneys to her mother, who enjoyed many more years with her family as a result. More recently, Julianna…

Christopher Hutson Jr

In the wake of 19-year-old Christopher Hutson Jr's death in a road rage shooting, Carthesa has been comforted knowing that her son’s senseless death has led to new life for several individuals who received his…

Reat Underwood

When Reat Underwood went with his mother Mindy to get his driver’s permit, he said, “Mom, you are a donor, right?” After Mindy said yes, Reat turned with a smile to the woman behind the…

Jason Keck

Jason joined the Air Force after high school and then continued his service as part of the National Guard. He was committed to helping others, which made his decision to go to nursing school an…

Dr. Larry Romang

Simply put, in the eyes of his family, Larry was the “man who hung the moon.” His quiet confidence and ability to just enjoy the world around him left those who knew him feeling valued…

Hally Yust

Nine-year-old Hally had a drive to live life in a big way. She had a passion for basketball, water sports and, most important, a love for Jesus. She declared she was going to play basketball…

Nhue “Kevin” Thong Hoang Nguyen

Energetic, funny and handsome are just a few words that Nhue’s family use to describe him. When he tragically passed away at only 19 years old, his family made the decision for him to be…

Cynthia Hardaway

Cynthia suffered cardiac arrest on New Year’s Day 2014 while coming home from work and was pronounced brain dead at the hospital. Her children, Willie and LaCresha, made the decision for her to be a…

Andre Maloney

Andre dreamed of “making it big,” and at only 17, it seemed he was on track to do just that. A standout football player, Andre committed to playing for the University of Kansas after high…

Hope Ray

Hope spent only two weeks of her short life at home with her parents and big sister. At just five weeks and five days old, Hope suffered a seizure that ended her life far too…

Sarah Grant & Tori Walker

Generous, giving and compassionate are just a few of the words used to describe Sarah. As a wife, mother and intensive care trauma nurse, it is these characteristics that make her so good at her…

Brendan Elam

Brendan was born with a genetic disorder that eventually led to liver failure. In March 2012, he was placed on the liver transplant list, and the wait for him and his family began. After being…

Tiffany White & Daisetta Huggens

Daisetta desperately needed a kidney transplant but insisted that her daughter, Tiffany, not consider donating. “I wanted her to live her life, have children and not sacrifice for me,” Daisetta said.

Gary Class

“I thought for sure I wasn’t going to make it,” Gary said. “Just walking across the room was a chore for me, but since my liver transplant, I get to chase my grandchildren and be…

Ray Ramirez

At 27 years old, after waiting three years for the liver transplant he needed to survive, Ray had a new outlook on life. “I decided life is too short to not have fun,” he said.

Deb Blaker & Paula Auten

Deb and Paula share a love for books, and as former school classmates, they were reunited by joining a local book club together. Little did they know that they shared something much deeper. At one…

Darrin Henry & Jake Jones

As Darrin’s health continued to get progressively worse, his doctor told him he would need a kidney transplant to survive. Jake heard how sick another member of his church congregation was, and he knew he…

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