Blog – Midwest Transplant Network

MTN Staff Spotlight: Drew Toler, Director of Family Services, reflects on career & future

December 19, 2024/in

MTN Staff Spotlight: Drew Toler, Director of Family Services, reflects on career & future

When Drew Toler was taking a class in graduate school 36 years ago, he didn’t know his career would be influenced by a discussion between a student and professor. Once he recalled the conversation, everything clicked and the foundation for a life-changing and inspirational career began.

In 2019, Drew joined Midwest Transplant Network as a Family Services Coordinator, but his relationship with MTN started much earlier. He was a chaplain at Children’s Mercy Kansas City when MTN wanted to offer training for chaplains to become designated requesters for families of children who had passed away and had the opportunity to give gifts through tissue donation.

“I was one of the first in the group of chaplains trained to be a designated tissue requester, and that’s how I was introduced to the MTN mission,” he said. A few years later, he became the liaison between MTN and Children’s Mercy.

In time, Drew had an opportunity to return to his home state of Arkansas to provide leadership to start a family services department at ARORA, an organ procurement organization. He stayed connected to people at MTN.

Today, Drew leads MTN’s Family Services department and provides resources and support to staff who meet families at the worst time of their lives.

“The Family Services team is a group of people who are incredibly passionate, compassionate and brave, and they join with families and support them through a significant and unanticipated loss that they’re going through. And, at the same time, empower the families with a decision to make a difference, not only in the life of another person through organ transplantation, but also to make a difference in how they will journey through their grief experience,” he explained.

Drew noted that organ donation does not take away a person’s grief. “It allows a person to create meaning and hope out of their loss. Donor hero families can transition with other families of donor heroes. The MTN Family Services donor family team continues that journey with the family by giving them effective communication about how a recipient’s outcomes are and supporting them through various events that we do to celebrate their donor family member. Sometimes a bereaved spouse or a bereaved parent may call the donor family group and just need a listening ear. This group continues the journey with them for as long as a family needs it.”

How it started
In 1988, Drew was in a biomedical ethics class in graduate school. The class spent the semester talking about topics and ethical dilemmas facing the country. At the end of the semester, a student raised his hand and asked the professor, “What do you think is the most pressing ethical dilemma this country faces?”

Without missing a beat, the professor said, “Perfectly good organs that should go to help save the lives of those on the transplant waiting list.”

And though Drew heard that, it didn’t really make an impact until later when he was working as a chaplain in a pediatric intensive care unit and a family was told that their child was declared brain dead.

“I met with the organ procurement coordinator for that local OPO in Alabama, and as they talked to this family about how the gifts that their child could give to save the life of another child, that conversation from years earlier in that ethics class just drove home the importance of what the professor said that day and this type of work.”

Drew wasn’t looking to work for an organ procurement organization, yet he was struck with how families at the time of such devastating news are looking for a way to make something meaningful and hopeful to come out of that.

“I could see, as the organ procurement coordinator was talking to the family, that was what the family needed,” he said. “The family immediately grabbed onto what the coordinator said and responded that they needed to do this. They said it would help their family as well, knowing that they were sparing another family from going through a similar loss.”

That’s when everything came together for Drew, and he understood how impactful this role is and what organ procurement organizations do.

A rewarding career
Reflecting on his career, Drew is inspired by the decisions families make during a significant tragedy happening in their life. “Somehow, they are able to think about and consider the needs of others at that time,” he said.

“The stories my team share about families and their interactions with them continues to be very inspiring to me and makes me incredibly grateful for the impact that the Family Services department can make in the lives of other people at the most difficult time in their lives.”

MTN President & CEO Jan Finn, RN, MSN, has high regard for his work.

“Drew has provided MTN with a stable and supportive environment for the Family Services team to work and thrive in for several years,” she said. “We were grateful when Drew came to us from Arkansas and knew he would make a positive impact immediately. We didn’t realize the depth completely until we heard how he approached every situation to make it better for everyone.”

Best practices
Drew is a lifelong learner. “The biggest thing that I’ve had to learn and put into practice is being a non-anxious presence, being able to walk into a room where a family is completely grief stricken, and the emotional climate can be intense. It might be sad, it might be anger, but to be able to go into that and be a non-anxious presence means being able to bring the emotional climate of that room to a place where families can have a thoughtful discussion about what organ donation can mean.”

The team benefits from discussions about being a non-anxious presence and how they can lead conversations in a very thoughtful and empowering way with donor families.

Carol Benson, RN, MSM, Director of Hospital Services at MTN, said Drew’s work has had a positive impact on MTN. “He has been a mentor to so many, including me. I always appreciate his curiosity and ability to really listen and reflect on what you are saying.”

A new chapter
Drew will retire from MTN Dec. 31, 2024. Retirement brings him to a place where he will have time for hobbies and much more. He has a four-generation family cabin that was once a small farm.

“I’ve not been able to go there as frequently as I like. I plan to go there, and I enjoy writing and gardening. I like to ride my horses in the back country out west or at my place in Arkansas. I like to fly fish and tie flies. I will travel and see family and friends who live across the country.

“There are a lot of good memories I have had over the years, lots of good relationships and friendships I know that will outlive my time at MTN,” he said.

Lessons from Drew

“Drew has taught us so much,” said Sarah Oland, LMSW, Chief Stakeholder Engagement Officer.

“We have learned from Drew how important it is to be curious…when we want to know more, we listen to understand and that makes us more a supportive presence for others. Drew is a role model for this with his team and colleagues, and we in turn, offer that same support to our donor families. He has taught us the importance of being brave in the face of grief and all the intense emotions that come with that. Our staff face challenges on the path to donation and he helps us to face those challenges, feel confident in our abilities to be successful, and to leave everyone a little bit better than we found them.”

Please join us in wishing Drew a happy retirement.

Joe Hecht, donor hero, wearing a white button-down shirt with a grey and maroon tie.

MTN Donor Hero to be Honored on OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade Float, Jan. 1

December 4, 2024/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Joe Hecht, donor hero, Midwest Transplant Network

It’s the time of year for holidays, celebrations and parades on TV!

Midwest Transplant Network is proud to co-sponsor the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade® float and honor a donor hero from our area with a floragraph portrait on the float.

Donor Hero Joe Hecht
MTN chose donor hero Joe Hecht of Sturgeon, Mo., as the 2025 Rose Parade honoree.

Joe was 38, a son, husband and father. He died in July 2020 and donated his kidneys at MU Health Care in Columbia, Mo., saving the lives of two people.

Growing up, his mother, Sheila Hecht, served in the Navy. They lived in Florida and Washington, experiencing the world along the way. Baseball, working on cars and “California Love” by Tupac were his vibe. He enjoyed a life of adventure with his wife, Melissa, taking trips to the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu in Peru. Joe loved being outside with their young daughters, Elena and Isabelle.

“We are proud of Joe’s legacy as an organ donor. We always talk about daddy. He’s a hero. We are thankful to be invited to represent Joe at the Rose Parade®. It’ll be a wonderful memory for our family,” said Melissa Hecht.

Floragraph Portrait
All Rose Parade floats must be covered with flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark.

The OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade® float features numerous floragraphs – portraits made entirely of organic materials – remembering donors from around the country. The floragraphs are created by volunteers. To allow the families to be part of the experience, a small portion of the floragraph is left incomplete so the family can add the final touches.

In November, MTN hosted a floragraph ceremony for the Hechts to complete Joe’s portrait. The ceremony welcomed family, friends and representatives from MU Health Care.

The Hechts will participate in parade events hosted by OneLegacy, the organ procurement organization of southern California. They’ll get to see Joe’s floragraph on the float ahead of the parade and watch from the grandstand as the float travels down the route.

About the Parade & Float
The 2025 Rose Parade® theme is Best Day Ever.

The OneLegacy Donate Life float theme is Let Your Life Soar, inspired by the Japanese celebration of Children’s Day. The float will feature a vibrant scene of colorful koi nobori, or windsocks shaped like fish, flying over a garden of flowering trees, stone lanterns and a bridge. Streamers will bear a family crest, followed by koi nobori in a sequence representing father, mother and children. In Japan, “koi fish represent strength, courage and health. These same attributes define those who chose to give the gift of life, as well as their families and recipients.” The scales of the koi fish are floral portraits, or floragraphs, representing donor heroes.

Learn more about the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade® float.

Watch the Parade
The 2025 OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade® float will be featured during the 136th Rose Parade® on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8 a.m. PST. The Rose Parade will broadcast live in the U.S. on NBC, ABC and Univision; please check your local broadcast listings for details.

A display table with framed portraits, a vase filled with flowers and a rendering of the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float 2025.

MTN hosted a floragraph finishing ceremony for the Hecht family as part of the Rose Parade experience.

A floragraph portrait of Joe Hecht, a donor hero from Sturgeon, Mo. The floragraph will be featured on the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float on Jan. 1, 2025.

A bouquet of flowers in the foreground and a woman getting a hug in the background.

Melissa Hecht gets a hug from a friend during the floragraph ceremony for her husband, Joe Hecht.

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.”

Leaders from organ transplant centers and hospital executives gathered in Kansas City, Missouri, for the Transplant Growth Collaboration, a working session focused on increasing the rate of successful organ transplants and saving more lives.

Midwest Transplant Network Welcomed Execs to Transplant Growth Collaboration to Advance Progress, Innovation to Increase Organ Transplantation

November 5, 2024/in

Blog,
News

/by Joyce Allard

Story of Hope: Tyler Barker

October 30, 2024/in

Blog

/by Joyce Allard

Tyler Barker, Liver Recipient with a picture from Legacy Walk with his Donor Hero Jesse Burd.

As part of Liver Awareness Month, recognized in October, Tyler Barker shares the story about how his life was saved by a donor hero.

Tyler Barker is a natural at baseball and loves playing the sport. Baseball is part of the family’s DNA. His dad and uncle both played serious ball, and the family has a passion for watching games.

Tyler’s family never thought he would become the athlete that he is today. At 10 weeks old, doctors diagnosed him with biliary atresia, a childhood liver disease, which required surgery. After this surgery, the doctors told the family he would need a liver transplant. At 21 months, the Barkers received the 2 a.m. call that there was a match for his new liver.

“It was very emotional, because I knew, as we were excited to get something that could potentially save my baby’s life, someone else was going through their worst day,” said Tyler’s mother, Trish. “It was a weird feeling to have the joy but yet, know it was a really bad day for someone else.”

Jesse Burd was 14 when a car hit him, and he passed away. He became a donor hero and saved Tyler’s life. “I know he was a great guy and a compassionate person,” said Tyler. “He also played baseball.”

Jesse’s family reached out to the Barkers, and they began doing things together. For several years they did a balloon release at Jesse’s gravesite. Today they stay in contact and are friends on Facebook. “Their family is always happy to hear about Tyler’s success and just how much it has helped him,” said Trish. “We appreciate everything they’ve done and the sacrifice they made.”

The Barkers recognize Liver Awareness Month every October. The family has also participated in the Midwest Transplant Network Donate Life Legacy Walk for three years. “We honor Jesse and his family for giving us life,” said Trish. “It’s an important event for anyone who cares about organ donation.”

A bright future

This is Tyler’s last year at Holden (Missouri) High School. He is excited about the future and signed to play baseball at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.

When he was growing up, Tyler dreamed about being drafted to play baseball. “Right now, I want to be an athletic trainer with the end goal of working with a professional team. Anywhere will be fine,” Tyler said with a huge grin.

BRA Day: MTN’s Lisa Cummins’ Story

October 16, 2024/in

/by Joyce Allard

Lisa Cummins is a Quality Assurance Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network.

Lisa Cummins works at MTN as a Quality Assurance Coordinator. She is also a two-time tissue recipient.

A closer look at how cancer and breast reconstruction changed the life of Lisa Cummins

In recognition of Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day, MTN Quality Assurance Coordinator II Lisa Cummins, ASQ-CQIA, spoke about her journey with breast reconstruction.

Cancer would change life for Lisa Cummins not once, but three times. Little did she know how her cancer treatment and recovery would change the lives of countless others since her initial surgery in 2001.

Lisa’s first fight with cancer was against a rare form of cancer in her uterus. Her treatment included a hysterectomy and five rounds of chemo. She was excited to celebrate being cancer-free at the five-year mark of her recovery in 2006, but doctors found that she had breast cancer. This unexpected news brought the diagnosis of an early stage of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Lisa battled breast cancer with intense radiation treatment and surgery for breast reconstruction with LifeCell tissue she received.

“At my five-year anniversary appointment for breast cancer — the golden mark where cancer patients can consider themselves true survivors — they found a second breast cancer,” Lisa said. It was 2011 and her doctors confirmed the cancer had returned in the same breast. It was a more aggressive cancer, and surgeons gave Lisa the option of a mastectomy.

“I did not want to go through this again and had the double mastectomy,” she said. Lisa underwent breast reconstruction, becoming a donor tissue recipient for the second time. The entire reconstruction process took 18 months. Today, Lisa proudly celebrates 12-, 17-, and 22-year milestones of being cancer-free.

Giving Back

Lisa is enthusiastic about sharing her story and is not shy about talking to others. She tells her story at hospitals in the Kansas City metro, at Midwest Transplant Network’s Donate Life Legacy Walk, at conferences and live events to help others with their breast cancer journeys, all to support the lifesaving impact of tissue donation.

“I was never able to write to the donor family after either reconstruction,” she said. “This is one reason I give back to others by sharing my story. And tissue donor families don’t get the feedback that they save lives with tissue donation.”

“During a Royals game, I talked to a delightful man in our group who is on a heart transplant waiting list,” Lisa said. “I told him about my experience, and we really connected. The man

sitting in front of us was the recipient of a liver transplant and is also a volunteer for Midwest Transplant Network.”

Lisa’s story and the work of MTN is also shared by others in her circle. Her boyfriend, Kevin, was wearing a green ribbon at a work event where Sluggerrr, the Royals’ mascot, noticed the ribbon and asked about it. “Kevin explained that the green ribbon is a badge of honor, a symbol of giving hope and sharing life through organ, eye and tissue donation,” Lisa said.

When her son was six years old, his favorite TV series focused on police, firefighters, paramedics and ordinary people as they responded to real 911 emergency phone calls. During one episode he looked at her and said, “Do you know what I want to be when I grow up? I want to be an organ donor.”

His comments warmed her heart and once her children had their learner’s permit to drive, they checked the box to become organ donors.

What are the important things Lisa wants people to know and take seriously? “Do not skip appointments with your doctors,” she said. “When you become a registered organ donor, you need to talk to your family about this decision.”

With a sparkle in her eyes, Lisa added one more thing to the list. “I’ve found the best way to deal with any type of news from your doctor is to dress up for the appointment. Dressing up makes you feel great and makes it easier to deal with any type of news from your physician.”

MTN is her heart

As a Quality Assurance Coordinator Lisa knows she has an impact on donor heroes. “My job follows the recovery of tissue; obtaining all medical records needed current and past, and ensuring that all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed.”

Lisa has worked at MTN for 42 years. She started as a Receptionist and transitioned to different roles before working in Quality Assurance.

“I am grateful for MTN’s benefits,” Lisa said. “MTN paid for all my education.” She attended Johnson County Community College and earned an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts graduating in 2005. She completed online classes at Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Arizona, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in management. Lisa’s graduation date was extra special as it was the same date as her 30-year anniversary at MTN on Nov. 8, 2012.

Lisa is passionate about her work at MTN. Sharing a megawatt smile she said, “MTN is my heart and who I am.”

MTN Story of Hope: I.C. Collins

September 27, 2024/in

Blog,
News

/by Mitch Weber

Cornea and heart transplant recipient I.C. Collins

I.C. Collins is a cornea and heart recipient and a volunteer Ambassador for Midwest Transplant Network (MTN).

“You only get one life, and at any moment, it can be taken away.”

I.C. Collins had been healthy until a bacterial eye infection led to him struggling with his vision. Despite receiving aggressive vision treatment, he still had eye difficulties.

Meanwhile, he began suffering from what he believed to be seasonal allergies. Nothing helped, and doctors assumed he must have previously had COVID-19 and had lingering symptoms. One day, a coworker mentioned that he didn’t look healthy and insisted that he see a doctor.

A cardiologist informed I.C. that his heart was failing. He was placed on strong medication to try to heal his heart.

Amid the chaos of learning about his heart failure, I.C. received a corneal transplant for his injured eye; he eventually also received a heart transplant.

“You only get one life, and at any moment, it can be taken away,” said I.C.’s son I.C. Collins IV. “For him to get the heart and for his body to receive it so well, it’s an awesome thing.”

Since his transplants, I.C. has become a volunteer Ambassador for Midwest Transplant Network, educating others about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

“I decided I wanted to try to help as many people as I can,” he said.

To donor families, I.C. has one simple message: “Thank you from the bottom of whoever my donor’s heart was.”

MTN Staff Spotlight – Andrea Starks

September 10, 2024/in

/by Mitch Weber

Andrea Starks is a Quality Assurance Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network (MTN).

Meet Andrea Starks

She began at MTN as a temporary worker in March of 2007, with no prior clinical experience or knowledge of organ and tissue recovery, but quickly fell in love with the close-knit, family-like atmosphere. Now a full-time member, Andrea’s daily work involves gathering and sharing information to support healthy tissue donation and transplantation. She humorously likens her role to that of a sleuth, juggling many tasks.

Andrea’s time at MTN has profoundly changed her, making her more aware of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. As a bone graft recipient herself, Andrea deeply values organ donation, as it gave her a second chance at life through donation.

Why did you want to work at MTN?

I lucked into MTN. My friend used to work here and asked if I could temp for about 12 weeks while someone was on medical leave…and I never left! I was a blank slate when I started; no clinical background and no organ/tissue recovery or transplant knowledge. I just knew I liked the close family feel/ mom and pop culture. I never guessed in a million years MTN would ask me to stay.

What is a day like for a Quality Assurance Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network?

Lots of pokers in lots of fires! We spend all day collecting and sharing information to support healthy tissue donation and transplant. Lol–I never thought I’d be a sleuth in this lifetime but here I am being okay-ish at it!

Tell me about your experience at MTN and how it’s changed you.

There are good and bad traits I’ve picked up over the years: I’m more aware of death and how it sometimes happens confusingly fast so I definitely worry more. I’m paranoid my asthma is going to take me out at any moment! I also love harder and appreciate the act of giving and getting time with family and friends way more than anything else.

How do you live the MTN mission?

I love the idea of treating everyone with dignity and respect anyway. We don’t know anyone’s story until we are given those privileges. There are heroes among us everywhere!

What does organ donation mean to you?

I am a bone graft recipient who would have died without my donor’s gift. I was in a car accident in 2001. My face hit the door frame when I was thrown out of the car and fractured my 2 front teeth. The hairline fracture was missed when I was getting veneers. 10 years later, the infection broke through my gum wall. This infection had compromised the bone housing my front teeth—so, I got a bone graft to hold my implants. I get to live this wonderful life and be all the things to all my people because of this second chance. It means everything.

How do you spend your weekends?

Usually on the go! We have a 13-year-old son who plays soccer and has a small mowing business he takes very seriously. We also have a 12-year-old daughter who has a slight Target addiction and plays on 2 competitive soccer teams…lots of practice, lots of games! We also like to go to our parents’ too so kids can see their grands.

What’s the last adventure or vacation you’ve been on?

While in Florida, we took a pontoon out to Crab Island and spent the day paddle boarding and relaxing on a floating water pad. AND fighting jellyfish! They were everywhere and we all got stung! It was brutal and exciting!!

If you could spend your entire paycheck on something that’s not a bill, what would it be?

I’ve gotten sucked into the time warp that is Hobby Lobby too many times to not be embarrassed. I imagine endless possibilities of necessary items I could toss my whole paycheck at if bills weren’t chasing after me!

MTN Story of Hope: Jimmy Cansler’s Journey to a Second Chance at Life

August 20, 2024/in

Blog,
News

/by Mitch Weber

“I’m very thankful for the family that made the sacrifice to save me.”

In the summer of 2020, as the world grappled with the uncertainties of a global pandemic, 25-year-old Jimmy Cansler faced his own personal health crisis. What began as a persistent cough, which he initially thought was a sign of COVID-19, soon turned into a battle for his life. Despite being young and healthy, Jimmy’s condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a shocking diagnosis: he needed a heart transplant.

The news was devastating. The reality of waiting for a donor heart amid a pandemic, when families were forced to stay apart, added another layer of difficulty. However, shortly after Jimmy was placed on the transplant waitlist, he received word a heart was available.

On the day of the surgery, Jimmy’s family was unable to be with him in the hospital due to COVID-19 restrictions, so they gathered at a nearby bar and grill, anxiously awaiting news. Then, they witnessed something extraordinary. “It was a surreal moment when we saw a helicopter land, and I knew that that was his heart,” recalled Ashley Garcia, Jimmy’s sister. “I knew that meant his heart was here, and it was either going to work or it wasn’t. An hour and a half later, we got the call that everything went well.” The transplant was a success, and Jimmy was given a second chance at life. But the experience left a lasting impact on the entire family, especially as they thought about the person who made this miracle possible… Jimmy’s donor. “When I think of beauty beyond, I think of how we can live our lives with grace and gratitude for families that are losing someone in order to save another life,” said Ashley.

For Jimmy, the gift of life is something he carries with deep appreciation. “I’m very thankful for the family that made the sacrifice to save me,” he said. “I’m grateful, and I want them to know that.” Today, Jimmy and his family continue to honor the memory of his donor, even though they remain anonymous, living each day with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. Jimmy’s story is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact that organ donation can have, not only for the recipient but for everyone involved.

MTN Staff Spotlight – Ashley Woodin

August 14, 2024/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Ashley Woodin is a Laboratory Support Coordinator with Midwest Transplant Network since 2016.

August is National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, a collaborative initiative to save and improve the quality of life of diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Midwest Transplant Network will recognize and support National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month with original content featuring voices who represent diversity and the mission to give hope and share life. We hope you enjoy the perspectives of our friends!

Meet Ashley Woodin

Ashley Woodin is a Laboratory Support Coordinator and joined Midwest Transplant Network in October 2016 – one day after her birthday. She is a mom, a cyclist and enjoys new experiences. On any given day at MTN, you’ll see Ashley on her way to the outpatient lab, full of energy and always with a smile to help care for a person who is waiting for a transplant and needs a lab test.

What’s your career experience in health care?

Before I worked at MTN, I worked at North Kansas City Hospital as a cardiology technician. I saved two lives by noticing heart rhythm patterns from patient Holter monitors.

Where’d you go to college?

I have a Bachelor of Arts in biology and a master’s in healthcare administration, both from Park University.

Who is the first person you met in college? Are you still friends?

Serena Franklin. We’ve been friends for 15 years. She’s my best friend, and she works at MTN. She’s worked here for five years. When we’re at work, we are focused on work, but we are best friends.

You’ve been invited to career day at a middle school. How would you explain your job to the students?

Organ transplantation is like giving someone a special gift – an organ, like a heart or kidney – that helps their body work better. Donation is when someone decides to give their organs after they pass away to help others live longer and healthier lives. It’s a bit like being a superhero by saving lives even after you’re gone. Midwest Transplant Network is like a group of real-life heroes. We work to make sure organs from generous donors get safely to people who need them. It’s like a team of helpers ensuring that the gift of life reaches those who need it most.

How has working in this field influenced your perspective? What does organ donation mean to you?

As a Laboratory Support Coordinator, I support the transplant process and impact patient care and organ matching. My responsibilities include assisting with phlebotomy, managing lab supplies, and ensuring timely and accurate blood draws, collaborating with hospital coordinators, communicating with lab staff for urgent testing needs and more.

Working in this field has given me a unique perspective on the critical need for organ donations, the impact on recipients’ lives, and challenges within the healthcare system. It also gives insight into ethical considerations like equitable organ allocation, consent, and the balance between saving lives and respecting donor wishes. Also, the emotional aspect of organ donation. It’s a process that involves both the joy of saving lives and the grief associated with loss, creating a complex mix of emotions for both healthcare professionals and families involved.

Organ donation is a powerful means of giving someone a second chance at life. It’s a sense of fulfillment and purpose knowing that my work contributes to saving lives and improving the well-being of others.

August is National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month. How would you use your experience as a Black woman working in organ donation to encourage people from diverse racial and ethnic communities to learn more and register as donors?

There is mistrust and a history of mistrust in healthcare among multiethnic communities, and I understand. I volunteered at MTN’s booth for Juneteenth at 18th & Vine to share information about organ donation. I had to ask myself “Why should they trust me?” while explaining what I know to be true about organ donation and sharing facts.

Also, knowing what I know…people are dying who look like me. Children who look like my kids are dying, so if we don’t step up and register to be an organ donor, we’re never going to give hope to someone else or give hope to another person in need. It’s important to be informed and educated about organ donation, to learn and understand, and trust your heart.

What’s your connection, or experience, with patients who come to MTN for tests? Can you share a story to explain?

I hear their stories, their struggles, trials and tribulations on their journey. They just want someone to listen. I’ve gotten close to a patient over the years, and I’ve learned about her life. She’s an author and a three-time kidney recipient.

Some of the patients have the most positive outlook, even though they’re waiting for a transplant and might not be doing so well. Or they received a transplant and now they’re much better and they’re still positive. For example, I have a patient who is doing much better after a kidney transplant. He tells me stories about going fishing with his grandkids and living his life.

And there are some patients who ask for me when they come in for tests, and that’s nice.

I like working on behalf of the patients, communicating with coordinators and doctors. I make sure I do my job well and completely because it means someone gets a second chance, and it means that someone needs me to be an advocate for them.

You’re a cyclist. What piqued your interest in cycling?

The freedom of movement, the joy of exploring new places, the physical benefits, and the sense of camaraderie within the cycling community. When you ride, you can let your mind go to a different place.

What’s been your longest ride distance?

The longest ride was 73 miles, the Bacon Ride in Iowa. It was a summer ride with stops along the way with music.

Most memorable ride – good or bad?

It was a 50-mile ride from Prairie Village, Kansas, to Lee’s Summit, Raytown and Independence in Missouri, then back to Prairie Village. I didn’t eat well. My legs cramped so bad, I stopped in Kansas City and got a ride back to my car. That was a bad bike ride.

What’s your advice for anyone who might want to try cycling?

My advice to newcomers is to start gradually, get the right equipment, and get fitted for a bike for your height and length of your legs. When you’re riding, find enjoyment in the process rather than being focused only on performance. And, pickle juice helps with leg cramps.

What’s the best concert you’ve been to?

Rob Zombie. It was theatrical and unexpected to me.

What songs are you listening to?

I like a mixture of genres of music. I’m listening to Billie Holiday, Chris Stapleton, John Coltrane and Elvis Presley. I’m not a music snob.

It’s summer. Do you have a favorite summer memory?

Taking my kids on trips over the years. I’ve taken my kids to lots of places, and we’ve been to Disney a few times. This summer, my daughter turned 16, and that’s exciting!

If you could spend your entire paycheck on something that’s not a bill, what would it be?

I’d travel! I’d go on a wine and food tour in Europe and take my mom with me.