Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) reached major milestones in 2022, from opening our Donor Care and Surgical Recovery Unit (DCU) to kicking off recognition of our 50th anniversary — which we will continue to celebrate through October 2023. Other projects made just as much impact for our team and our community: recovering organs with dignity and compassion from more than 350 donor heroes; connecting with individuals and organizations through 70+ community outreach events; and seeking to maximize every donation possibility alongside our transplant centers and hospital partners.

One such example involves Bhargava Mullapudi, MD, Chief, Section of Transplant Surgery and Co-Director of the Brendan Tripp Elam Transplant Center with Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Upon learning that a charter flight to the east coast to recover a liver was going to be extremely expensive, he flew commercial. MTN staff members worked with the local OPO to arrange ground transportation and provide supplies for Dr. Mullapudi upon his arrival. After recovery, he returned to Kansas City via charter to ensure his young recipient received their lifesaving liver transplant in time.

Dr. Mullapudi’s story of thinking outside the box to maximize resources and being committed to patients is impressive and inspiring. Yet we know there are many more stories like this one of people refusing to give up when it comes to saving and enhancing lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. We appreciate everyone involved in the donation process and salute those who go above and beyond to enable the gift of life given through donation.

Warm regards,

Jan Finn, RN, MSN
President & Chief Executive Officer
Midwest Transplant Network