A Little Superhero with a Big Legacy – Owen Linder
At just 2 years old, Owen became a true superhero himself — an organ and eye donor who brought hope and healing to others.
The youngest in his family, Owen Linder was known for his big personality. He was funny, loud, and loved to dance. Rainy days meant adventures with his dad, and superheroes were among his favorite things.
Owen became an organ and eye donor at the age of two.
“It was probably the best outcome considering the accident,” said his dad, Joe. “I’m just glad that he was able to help other people with his organs.”
His mom, Morgan, says the decision came from the heart. “People told us we were so brave to donate Owen’s organs. But I’m like, why wouldn’t you want to do that?”
The Linders have connected with two of Owen’s recipient families, including daily conversations with the recipient of his heart. “I put myself in the other mother’s place and can kind of feel what they’re feeling,” Morgan said. “We got to save their kids and a husband. And that’s really cool for us.”
Morgan says the experience has reshaped how she lives every day. “For me, it gives meaning to the accident,” she said. “We always ask why, and there’s no reason why, but we got to save a bunch of lives, and that’s what has helped me keep going. My theme for life now is to never take a second for granted.”
The Linders have found strength in their community, who has supported them from day one. Whether it’s reuniting with Owen’s nurses at MTN’s Donate Life Legacy Walk or keeping in touch with other donor families, Morgan says those connections remind her that Owen’s spirit continues to shine.
To honor Owen’s legacy, the Linders created The Owen Project, which gives back to their community in meaningful ways. “We donate most-needed items to the Ronald McDonald House inside Children’s Mercy, offer senior scholarships at two schools in Cass County, sponsor youth sports, and my daughter runs Rae’s Sports Closet,” Morgan said. “We make sure every kid has the opportunity to play sports.”
“To us, hope means being able to move forward while knowing Owen is still with us in some ways,” she said. “It’s happiness for our family — and the promise that we’ll see him again one day.”
