Ambassador Spotlight – Midwest Transplant Network

Amanda (Hux) Wright and her family after her first liver transplant.

MTN Ambassador Spotlight: Amanda (Hux) Wright, liver transplant recipient

April 23, 2025/in

Amanda and her family after her first liver transplant.

Do you believe everything happens for a reason? Amanda (Hux) Wright does — and her story of faith, resilience, and two life-saving liver transplants is nothing short of powerful.

Do you believe in coincidence or things happening for a reason? Amanda (Hux) Wright and her family understand the power of coincidence and how the timing of events can change a life. They have a strong faith and believe God has a big part in how our lives happen.

Amanda grew up in a close-knit family who dealt with the struggle of her father’s Type 1 diabetes at home and in hospitals. The family was always caring and supportive with health scares and Amanda was especially close to her dad.

A life-changing diagnosis

It was during an exam for bruises on her legs that Amanda’s life would change in February 2016. She was admitted to the hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she lived. A biopsy would reveal she had two autoimmune diseases. She was 26.

At the time of her diagnosis, doctors in St. Joe thought her autoimmune diseases could be controlled with medication. As fate would have it, she began transplant evaluations in December 2016 and her first liver transplant surgery was at KU Health System on June 17, 2017. A Father’s Day to remember.

“When I came out of surgery my dad was so happy,” Amanda said. “He said, ‘This is the best Father’s Day present I could have.’” He wondered how Amanda would top this gift the next year. Her mom said, “We’re not even going to try.”

Amanda’s recovery process went well for a year. “Everything was amazing, and the doctors were happy with how my numbers looked. My recovery was phenomenal with that liver.”

She was out of the hospital in a week and back to work in four months at her job with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver Testing Program. Her doctors were surprised at how fast she healed from the surgery. Her life returned to normal; but then things changed.

Signs of rejection

It was nearly a year to the date that Amanda started experiencing rejection with her transplanted liver. She spent the next few months in and out of the hospital with biopsies and treatment while the signs of rejection continued.

Amanda and her family didn’t sit back and wait for what was next. They took the initiative and researched the best places in the U.S. for a liver transplant. They narrowed it down to hospitals in Arizona and Nebraska.

On July 12, 2021, Amanda received the call that she could have a liver transplant in Omaha, Nebraska. By coincidence her dad was also in an Omaha hospital with his own health challenges.

“The second liver transplant was really hard,” Amanda said. “I had false expectations going into this. My first one was so easy, and I thought it was not a big deal, I can do this again.”

She quickly learned this time was quite different. She was older, COVID-19 was a global pandemic, she was in an unfamiliar place and couldn’t have anyone she knew with her.

The special video call

One day Amanda decided to have a video call with her parents. Her dad wasn’t talking much from his hospital bed, but when she called, he grabbed the phone and said, “How are you?”

This was the last time she ever spoke to her dad. Four days after Amanda was released from the hospital, he passed away.

Amanda and her mom believe he was holding on to know his daughter was going to be all right. Once he knew, it was all the comfort and peace he needed.

Giving back

“I am 100% better now,” Amanda said. “It took a long time to get here, but I’m doing really good.”

After her transplant experience, she wanted to do something that would make a difference. “I decided to go back to school at Missouri Western State University for nursing. I want to do something where I could have an impact on people that would potentially be in a situation like mine. I want to have an impact on transplant nursing.”

She has volunteered as an MTN Ambassador since August 2024 and receives the highest level of college credit for her time because the work is related to her major.

“Being an MTN Ambassador has been informational and educational. My favorite thing is interacting with the other Ambassadors and hearing their stories, especially with people who have been in my shoes. I also like talking to the donor families and hearing their perspectives. Understanding different points of view is fascinating to me. I really appreciate that.”

Tiffany Nyquist saved Scott Norman's life when she donated her kidney to him.

How Tiffany Nyquist and Scott Norman Celebrate Life and Their Kidney-versary

April 2, 2025/in

/by Joyce Allard

Tiffany saved Scott’s life with her kidney donation.

National Donate Life Living Donor Day is April 2. It’s a day dedicated to thanking and honoring living donors and their lifesaving generosity. Tiffany Nyquist is a Midwest Transplant Network Ambassador who shares her story of donating a kidney to her friend Scott Norman. The day we talked to Tiffany and Scott was their 18th kidney-versary.

Scott Norman grew up on a farm in western Kansas. He was a star athlete who lettered in baseball and basketball and could have played college sports. There wasn’t any thought that his strep-infected kidney, diagnosed at age five, would slow him down. It did lead to a kidney transplant from a donor hero when he was 18. He kept living his life.

As a young man from a family of military service members, Scott knew he would continue the family legacy of his father, grandfather and great grandfather. “I signed up for the military and was accepted and approved for the very elite nuclear program at the time, which was the 80s,” he said. “I was looking forward to this new adventure, a new career and earning a college degree while serving.”

Scott completed the academic testing and needed to have a physical at the Naval testing facility. His test results were devastating. The commander told him his urine was spilling protein, and he would lose his kidneys someday. “It could be six months or six years,” the commander said. “We don’t know when this might happen, but unfortunately, we can’t accept you.”

Scott’s dream of serving his country was over. However, his deep faith led him to believe and know this would not be the end of his career success or his future.

A lifesaving friendship

Tiffany Nyquist met Scott through work. They became friends, socializing with their spouses and families. She started babysitting Scott’s three children and grew close to them. Their families spent a lot of time together, even celebrating big holidays.

It was years later when Tiffany watched Scott become sicker with kidney issues. She knew she had to do something to help. “He had been sick for a while and it wasn’t until he was admitted to the hospital that I started thinking about his kids and how close I am with my own dad. I didn’t want to think of his kids not having a father. That’s when I decided to get tested and see if I could be a match for him.”

An early MTN connection

In 2007, Tiffany worked in an office in the same building as Midwest Transplant Network. One day on her lunch break, she went MTN’s reception desk and said, “I know this is going to sound crazy, but I have a friend who’s on the kidney transplant list, and I’d like to see if I could be a match. And I’d like for him not to know it’s me.”

The initial blood work led to more testing. Tiffany was informed she was a match and could donate a kidney to Scott.

It was during a Thanksgiving celebration with the two families that Tiffany told Scott and his wife they were a match, and she wanted him to have her kidney. Scott and his wife were surprised and overwhelmed. And after a few days of praying about it and thinking it over they decided they were ready to move forward.

“I’m a thriver”

After the surgery, Tiffany was in the hospital for three days. After a few weeks, she was back at work and going to the gym. Scott returned to work in three weeks and continued in his leadership role with his company.

Scott said his kidney transplant was a seamless and easy process. “I am a living, walking miracle thanks to Tiffany and Midwest Transplant Network. I’m not just a survivor, I’m a thriver. I’ve been successful in starting a medical device manufacturing company that is saving lives and changing the world of healthcare.”

Tiffany became a registered organ, eye and tissue donor when she got her driver’s license at age 16. “Registering to become a donor when you get your driver’s license is great. I think a lot of people don’t realize the living donation process can be as easy as it was for me. After donating you can live a normal life. I feel like it’s not a huge sacrifice to give somebody 18 or more years of life.”

Tiffany and Scott are both high-energy entrepreneurs running multiple businesses. They don’t spend as much time together as they would like to. However, they do take every opportunity to talk to others about registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor and share their individual experiences.

They celebrate their kidney-versary every March 6 with a call, text, flowers or lunch. “There’s always some type of acknowledgement,” Scott says beaming with a 1,000-watt smile.

Kayla Corbett, Tag Office Supervisor, Sedgwick County Auto Licensing department, Wichita, Kansas. cornea transplant

MTN DMV Spotlight: Kayla Corbett’s cornea transplant changes her life

March 11, 2025/in

/by Joyce Allard

Kayla Corbett is thrilled to work in a job she loves after a cornea transplant.

Kayla Corbett is a Tag Office Supervisor at the Sedgwick County Auto Licensing department in Wichita, Kansas. She shares her story about how a cornea transplant changed her life.

She started to notice a change in her vision when she was in college. Kayla Corbett was 25 when she was diagnosed with Keratoconus in her right eye. It’s an eye disease that causes the cornea to become thin and bulge into a cone shape and leads to blurred and distorted vision. Her doctor said she may one day need a cornea transplant.

“At that time, I thought ‘It’s not that bad,’” said Kayla. “I’ll never have to worry about a transplant or anything.”

But her vision would decline with time. She experienced continual headaches at her job in a school district. Reading to students throughout the school day caused eye strain.

Time passed, and 25 years later, it was 2018. Kayla’s vision had decreased to the point of being legally blind in her right eye. She thought she was too old to have a cornea transplant but found hope in a conversation with her doctor. He assured Kayla that her age would not matter when it was time for the cornea transplant.

A range of emotions

She was terrified when it was time for the surgery. Kayla traveled several hours across Kansas to a doctor in Overland Park. She found herself more relaxed with the procedure once she was settled in and encouraged by the medical staff. Within an hour, the procedure was complete. Her recovery would take less than a week.

The surgery was life-changing for Kayla. She was thrilled with the results of her cornea transplant. “I noticed the changes right away. It was spring and everything was so bright and green.”

Her life improved in many other ways. Spending time with her family was at the top of Kayla’s list of treasured activities. A much-loved hobby of photographing old barns and buildings in black and white also became more focused. “I was able to take a photo of a certain part of the barn with all the details rather than a shot of the entire building.”

Grateful beyond words

Kayla hasn’t connected with the family of her donor hero and is grateful when she says, “I like the word hero because I have a hero that I can’t thank enough. Every day I thank them because I can see. I can play catch with my nieces and nephews. I can go to places I couldn’t before. I can see and that is great.”

Becoming a stronger person throughout this process seems natural for Kayla. She has immense pride in her work and said, “I couldn’t do this job without having had the surgery.”

A new mission

Kayla was familiar with the positive impact of tissue donation after her nephew experienced skin burns. “He received skin grafts that helped him heal more quickly.”

Kayla shares her experience with enthusiasm. “I share my story whenever I can. When Jessica from MTN in Kansas City comes to our office in Wichita, people are always asking questions. I can say that I’m here at this job because of a generous donor hero.”

Our partners

Midwest Transplant Network values our partnerships with DMV, licensing, treasury and Department of Revenue offices in Kansas and Missouri. More individuals can become organ, eye and tissue donors when they say “yes” to the state donor registry at the DMV. According to Donate Life America, 98% of registered donors join the donor registry through their local driver’s license office.

Marine Corps Vets Share Connection As Organ Recipient and MTN Ambassador

November 11, 2024/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

November 11 is Veterans Day and Midwest Transplant Network Ambassador Fred Harper is proud to share his story with us. Veterans Day is the perfect time to thank current and retired military personnel for their service.

Fred Harper has always taken immense pride in his work. He feels honored and privileged to be part of something bigger than himself. This was true after his first semester in college, and he made a life-changing decision.

He made a big announcement when he told his parents he was leaving college to join the U.S. Marine Corps. His dad was curious about Fred’s decision and asked him why.

Fred rattled off the reasons. “I want to get away from home. I am tired of studying all the time. And I am tired of people telling me what to do.” His dad laughed.

Military life begins

It was 1972 and boot camp took Fred to Parris Island, South Carolina. From there he trained at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and at Quantico, Virginia. He received orders to serve in Okinawa, Japan.

The brother he never had

Fred met Mike Miller at the Marine Corps Computer Sciences School (CSS) in Quantico. Mike was in the class ahead of Fred, so they didn’t spend much time together. “The class schedule was intense with lectures and demonstrations all day and homework assignments due at the start of the next training day,” said Fred.

After CSS, both men received orders to Okinawa, Japan. They served there for a year and became close friends. After Okinawa, they were sent to the Marine Corps Automated Services Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

They were assigned to support the same computer systems, working together closely, and spending their off-duty time on social and recreational activities. By now, they were truly closer than most brothers. Their families also spent time together. “Mike became the brother I never had.”

Their time working together ended for Fred when his enlistment was completed in 1978. Mike ended his enlistment in 1981. They stayed in touch, but not as often; careers, marriage and children took much of their time and attention.

Mike and Fred catching up after several years.

With their collective experiences and rapport, they remained “brothers.” These days, they stay in touch on social media, email and personal visits when Mike is in Kansas City. Regardless of the time between their conversations they can pick right up where they left off.

An unexpected diagnosis

Mike was diagnosed with chronic liver disease, and by late 2012, had liver failure. He was placed on a transplant registry in January 2013. Ten months later, he got a second chance at life. It was October 16, 2013. According to his doctor, Mike was hours from death when he was saved by the generosity of donor hero Neal Swogger and his family. The procedure took place at Baylor Transplant Center in Dallas, Texas.

Mike has recovered from his transplant surgery and his liver function has been restored to almost perfect health. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Janice, and spending time with his family. He has five adult children, 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Half of the grandchildren were born after Mike received his transplant.

An active retirement

Life changed again for Fred when he was considering retirement. He talked to his wife, Nancy, Senior Director of Information Technology Services at Midwest Transplant Network. She listened, and she wanted to know what he planned to do.

“I told her I was planning to walk dogs for the KC Pet Project and be an Ambassador for Midwest Transplant Network.”

Fred Harper with KC Pet Project dog who is available for adoption.

Fred volunteers at KC Pet Project. He walks dogs weekly who are available for adoption.

Being familiar with the organ, eye and tissue donation process, Fred felt compelled to support MTN and its mission. “I’ve had friends who are donor heroes, my parents signed up to be donors, I’ve registered to be an organ donor and one of my best friends had his life saved with a liver donation.”

Fred volunteering with MTN as an Ambassador.

His best decision

Fred knows the bonds you form with fellow military members last forever. “The shared experiences bond you to each other. That’s why we call other Marines our brothers or sisters.”

Being a veteran, Fred knows the best decision he ever made was to join the Marine Corps. “It made me the person I am. It gave me strength and confidence to push forward for my goals and to help my children understand the value of being part of something bigger than yourself.” He smiled and said, “I also know why my dad laughed when I told him the reasons I was joining the Marines.”

A proud MTN Ambassador

“It is a privilege to be an Ambassador and represent MTN and the work they do,” said Fred. “It’s a quality organization and I’m honored to help in some small way. It fits my need for being part of something bigger than myself and giving back.”

Fred noted that working with other Ambassadors, those who have received an organ, or those who are donor hero families has given him a new perspective. “I realize how brave those families are to support the decision of their loved ones. They look at it as a legacy their loved one gave to someone else. The recipients that I’ve talked to are so grateful they have that chance for more life; and how they are giving back. It is an inspiration.”