Soaring for a Cause: MTN Employees Take Flight to Celebrate Organ Donation

At Midwest Transplant Network, we often talk about how our team members are superheroes, showing up each day to give hope and share life. Two of those real-life heroes decided to embody that message in a bold, unforgettable way.

Family Services Coordinators, Janet Maxey and Jessica Rogers, both proud MTN employees, celebrated our superhero-themed Town Hall Skills Day by skydiving together, wearing their MTN organ donation T-shirts and superhero capes (at least on the ground). What better way to symbolize stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing life to the fullest?

For Janet, this was a long-time dream come true.

“I have always wanted to sky dive!! Jessica asked if I would like to go with her and I literally jumped at the chance. This was my first time to jump!”

Jessica, on the other hand, was already a seasoned skydiver. This marked her third time taking the leap.

“My first experience was in 2019 with a neighbor who had skydiving on her bucket list and no one else eager to join her,” she said. “This was my first skydive and big adventure activity with Janet — and I think you might find us up there again sometime!”

Both described the experience as exhilarating and deeply meaningful.

Janet said, “It was so amazing, better than I imagined! It was odd to me that I felt no hesitation or fear. I asked Jessica if I could go first so I couldn’t chicken out, but it turned out I was not a chicken. I was brave, confident and excited to do this!”

Jessica added, “It really is a little terrifying, getting yourself to the door. Once you are outside of the plane, it is hard to describe, but for me I feel truly present in that moment and inspired — the power of awe! My mind feels free to take in the view, the sounds of the wind, the feel of the temperature changes with the altitude. Other thoughts are temporarily quiet.”

Their choice to wear MTN gear, including capes, was no accident. As Janet put it, “The theme for Skills Day was superheroes, and I feel like in our roles it does force us to be outside our comfort zones, much like skydiving, so it seemed fitting to wear our capes and truly fly like superheroes.”

Jessica shared that she often wears MTN gear and felt honored to represent the organization during such a bold experience.

“I am really proud of the incredible mission and work that we do each and every day. Janet and I shared the message of organ, eye and tissue donation, and our excitement for the upcoming Skills Day and the theme of ‘the superheroes of MTN.’ We both enjoy a costume-wearing opportunity.”

For both women, the highlight wasn’t just the adrenaline rush, it was sharing the moment with each other.

“The best part was sharing this exhilarating experience of skydiving with my dear friend and colleague, Janet,” Jessica said. “I truly admire her personal and professional care and thoughtfulness as well as her adventurous spirit.”

Janet agreed, adding, “The best part was the feeling of accomplishment — showing myself I can really do anything. I felt proud of myself and ever so happy. I could not stop smiling.”

As for what’s next? Janet says she’s already planning a surprise skydive with her family. And based on the look in their eyes after landing, we’re pretty sure this won’t be their last jump together.