Blog – Midwest Transplant Network

An infographic displaying 1,075, the number of lifesaving organ transplants provided by Midwest Transplant Network in 2024.

Lifesaving Achievements: Midwest Transplant Network saves lives through 1,075 organ transplants in 2024

February 3, 2025/in

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In 2024, Midwest Transplant Network set a new level of achievement for the number of organs recovered for transplantation, organ donors, eye and tissue donors, and laboratory tests performed in the accomplishment of its mission work.

MTN, a not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO), is privileged to work with donor families to extend their loved one’s legacy in providing 1,075* lifesaving organs for transplantation. The 399 donor hero’s gifts made it possible for grateful recipients to have a new lease on life. MTN recovered tissues from 1,447 donor heroes.

As a highly ranked OPO, Midwest Transplant Network consistently performs in the top 10% in the country among 56 OPOs, according to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“In 2024, for the first time in our history, we reached a milestone of 1,075 organs transplanted. It’s a remarkable achievement that’s only made possible by the generosity of people who said yes to being organ donors,” said Jan Finn, RN, MSN, President & CEO, Midwest Transplant Network.

“We are truly grateful to the donor heroes and their families for giving these gifts to save lives. The impact of their decision means so much, like a child receiving a kidney, or a teenager getting a new heart, or someone who’s been waiting for a long time getting the call that a liver is available and it’s a good match.

“This achievement reflects the commitment of our staff and hospital partners to honor the gifts of organ donation, and to make a difference in the lives of people who are waiting for a transplant. It’s all connected,” said Finn.

2024: An Impactful Year
One organ donor can save eight lives; a tissue donor can enhance 100 lives. Through MTN, organ, eye and tissue donor heroes and their families saved and enhanced lives:

• 399 donor heroes shared the gift of life, resulting in 1,075* lifesaving organ transplants.
(*Excluding organs donated for research)
• 1,447 cornea and tissue donor heroes saved and enhanced lives.
• MTN’s lab performed 40,075 transplant-supporting tests ranging from blood counts, urinalysis, basic chemistry panels and more.
• In its second full year of service, MTN’s Donor Care and Surgical Recovery Unit (DCU) cared for 131 donor hero patients resulting in 430 lifesaving transplants.

MTN’s award-winning histocompatibility lab conducts tests such as assessing blood work for potential matches for organ, tissue and bone marrow transplantation, as well as post-transplant monitoring.

“The MTN lab plays a vital role in organ donation, where our testing helps bridge the gap between hope and life, connecting donors to patients in need of life-saving transplants,” said Christina Bishop, MT(ASCP), Ph.D., F(ACHI), Chief of Laboratory Services.

“The Donor Care and Surgical Recovery Unit is two years into operation, and we know we’re making a difference. By having a dedicated intensive care unit and surgical recovery suite to recover organs, eyes and tissues means that our trusted staff can move quickly and efficiently to help save and enhance lives,” said Lori Markham, RN, MSN, CCRN, Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer.

At a Glance

Reflecting a National Increase in Organ Donation

MTN’s performance increases reflect a national upward trend for the organ transplant system.

The United Network for Organ Sharing reported that across the country, 48,149 lifesaving transplants were performed in 2024.

On average, the U.S. performed 132 organ transplants a day in 2024.

Although organ transplants are increasing nationally and locally, the waiting list grows. Nearly 104,000 people around the country need a lifesaving organ transplant — with approximately 488 of those people living in Kansas and 2,032 in Missouri.

The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) set a bold aim to achieve 50,000 annual organ transplants in 2026 by working with key stakeholders on multiple initiatives. Midwest Transplant Network is a leader in helping to reach the bold goal to save lives.

Incorporated in 1973, Midwest Transplant Network facilitates organ, eye and tissue donation in partnership with hospitals and other professional partners to give hope and share life. MTN’s service area is the state of Kansas and western two-thirds of Missouri, with its central office located in Westwood, Kansas, and satellite offices in Wichita, Kansas, and Columbia and Joplin, Missouri. MTN commemorated 50 years of service in 2023.

Mikayla Bonner: A Young Life Remembered, A Legacy of Healing Through Donation

January 29, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

Mikayla was 14 when she passed away from a pulmonary embolism.

Mikayla Bonner was bright, vibrant, had a great smile, and made friends with people who had difficulty making friends. Most of all, she made memories with her mother, Kola Atkins, and younger sisters, Mattie and Mae.

Mikayla was 14 when she passed away from a pulmonary embolism. Mom said there was “no hesitation” to make her an eye and tissue donor.

“Mikayla’s heart valves went to two babies that night that were at Children’s Mercy. So those moms got to hold their babies. Lots of her skin went to burn victims at Children’s Mercy. I find great comfort in that those moms got to hold their babies.”

Mom joined the donor registry at age 16. “I’ve always talked about organ donation with my girls and family growing up. It’s not an easy conversation, but you just work it in. This is what you do to help other people.”

Mattie and Mae followed Mikayla’s example through Girl Scouts, their love of music and helping others. “We’re able to take comfort in knowing she helped people even before she passed away, and now she’s continuing to help people. She’s being remembered in a way that I think she’d like to be remembered.”

The family shares lots of stories about Mikayla. “We won’t let her be forgotten. We still remember her.”

From Cancer Survivor to Advocate: Dawn Romano’s Journey with Tissue Donation and Hope

January 27, 2025/in

/by Joyce Allard

Tissue Donation is Lifesaving for Cancer Survivor Dawn Romano.

Dawn Romano, LCSW, LSCSW, Midwest Transplant Network Authorization Educator, shares her experience with cancer and breast reconstruction.

Dawn Romano is a clinically licensed social worker who focuses on organ and tissue donation as an Authorization Educator for Midwest Transplant Network. She joined MTN 15 years ago as a Family Services Coordinator.

Through the years Dawn has grown in her roles at MTN. “I have learned how to care for a family in their time of need and beyond,” she said.

What is the most challenging learning experience Dawn has faced? It was when she became a donor tissue recipient during her recovery from breast cancer and multiple surgeries associated with her care. She was diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer in April 2008. She had a lumpectomy and 33 rounds of radiation. She believed she was cancer-free until life handed her another curveball in the summer of 2015.

She felt a lump on her breast but ignored it because she didn’t think it was cancer again. A mammogram and biopsies confirmed the cancer had returned and was more aggressive. The next four months included chemotherapy treatments, hair loss and discouragement. “Looking at myself after the double mastectomy was the hardest thing to see and live with.”

Becoming a Donor Tissue Recipient

Dawn and her surgeon discussed the possibility of breast reconstruction. “I wanted to do whatever it took to feel like a natural woman,” she said. “I wanted to be the healthiest version of myself that was possible.”

Reflecting on her breast reconstruction Dawn said it is an intimate and personal decision after a mastectomy. “Everyone needs to weigh the options and make their own decisions. Having breasts was important to me. I wanted to create a new normal.”

She stressed it’s important for people to know the reconstruction process is complex and takes longer than you expect. “People don’t realize it is more than a surgery,” Dawn said.

What helped Dawn was the strength she found in her faith, family and friends. “I started a blog to sort through my own emotions and thoughts. I documented the milestones and how I felt physically and emotionally,” she said. “It was also therapeutic for me to put my thoughts in writing and share it with others.”

Cancer changed Dawn’s life in many ways. “I have learned patience and grace; how strong I am and how much I am loved,” she said.

Helping Others

Today, Dawn has no evidence of cancer and is driven to help others. She is now involved in educating people about cancer while supporting and mentoring individuals through the process. Her daily blog is now an October event promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She also shares her story informally with people.

She was raised to be a strong woman, and Dawn has always advocated for others. Her cancer and breast reconstruction have made her stronger than ever and she offers the following advice.

“First, it’s vital not to put off having your exam done,” Dawn said. “Men and women both need to have their tests done. People are often uncomfortable getting a mammogram, but cancer is more uncomfortable than having a mammogram.”

The second point is always taking another person with you to your doctor’s appointments. “Having another person there will help you get the details you need, and they can also ask questions. When you hear the doctor say you have cancer, it’s difficult to hear anything else after that.”

A Heartfelt Thanks

Thanking her donor heroes is the most important thing for Dawn. “We often hear that tissue donation is life-enhancing, but for many of us, it has saved our lives in countless ways.”

Dawn wrote touching letters to her donor hero families and shares a few of her thoughts here: Every day when I look in the mirror I am reminded of cancer. It’s been an extremely difficult and life-changing journey. But I’m alive and I’m a fighter. And I know I’m not alone on this journey. I have an amazing support system by my side, but I also have your loved one who has become a part of this journey and fights alongside me.

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

December 19, 2024/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

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.”