Blog – Midwest Transplant Network

A Second Chance at 16: Titus’ Story of Hope

February 24, 2026/in

At 16, Titus Woods faced liver cancer not once, but twice.

At just 16 years old, Titus Woods has already shown what true courage looks like.

In March 2022, the high school junior and soccer player was diagnosed with liver cancer. What began as a typical season of school and sports quickly turned into doctor appointments, surgery and chemotherapy. Titus underwent surgery to remove part of his liver, followed by months of treatment.

Through it all, he kept his focus on getting back to the life he loved. Eventually, he returned to school, friends and the soccer field. For a while, it felt like things were moving forward.

Then, a year later, the cancer came back.

This time, Titus would need a liver transplant.

Leaning on Faith and Family

Titus’ parents, Tracey and Carmi, serve as hospital chaplains. Their work has long connected them to patients, families and the realities of organ donation. Even with that understanding, facing the transplant journey as parents brought a different perspective.

As Titus endured more treatments and the uncertainty of waiting for a transplant, the Woods family leaned deeply on their faith and the support of their community. Friends, extended family and their church surrounded them with encouragement and prayer.

Titus’ brother, Terrell, witnessed the physical and emotional toll up close. Watching someone you love suffer is never easy, but he also saw something else in Titus: resilience.

Despite the setbacks, Titus continued to push forward.

Another Unexpected Loss

In the midst of Titus’ medical battle, the family faced another devastating hardship. A house fire destroyed nearly everything they owned. It was yet another moment that could have broken their spirits.

Instead, they held tightly to gratitude for what remained and hope for what was ahead.

The Gift of Life

Two weeks after being listed for a transplant, Titus received the call. A donor family had made the selfless decision to give the gift of life.

The transplant was successful.

Today, Titus is growing stronger each day. He carries himself with new confidence and perspective. What he has endured has shaped him, but it has not defined him.

“It touches my heart, and I am so thankful to the donor family,” his mom, Tracey, shared. “His whole life has changed.”

A Voice for Hope

For Titus, courage means pushing through hardship with faith and hope. His journey has inspired not only his family but everyone who has followed his story.

Now, he uses his voice to advocate for organ donation, knowing firsthand the life-changing impact of one decision.

Because of a generous donor and their family, Titus has a future filled with possibility.

And because of stories like his, more families can see the power of saying yes to organ donation.

Watch Titus’ Story of Hope and learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

National Kidney Month is both a call to action and a message of hope

February 24, 2026/in

/by Mitch Weber

March is National Kidney Month, a time to focus on kidney health as a vital part of overall well-being. While we honor the generosity of kidney donors and celebrate recipients whose lives and health have been restored, this month challenges us to take proactive steps that help prevent kidney disease and keep more people off the transplant waiting list.

More than 35 million people in the U.S. are living with kidney disease, and over 102,000 individuals are currently waiting for a kidney transplant. In 2025, the generosity of 21,795 living and deceased kidney donors made 27,575 kidney transplants possible, an extraordinary reminder of the lifesaving power of donation.

National Kidney Month is both a call to action and a message of hope: prioritize kidney health through prevention and early detection, support those waiting for a transplant and consider registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Together, we can protect kidney health, reduce the need for transplantation and ensure lifesaving gifts are available when they are needed most.

The American Transplant Foundation offers guidance to help reduce the risk of kidney disease:

Get Screened: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, regular kidney function tests can help detect problems early.

Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, excessive salt and sugary drinks.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys function properly and flush out toxins.

Control Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure: Keeping these levels in check is essential for reducing the risk of kidney disease.

Avoid Excessive NSAIDs: Overuse of painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen can damage the kidneys over time.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing stress can all contribute to better kidney health.

Make Time for Sleep: Aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.

Join the organ, eye and tissue donor registry, read donor and recipient stories, or learn more about donation by visiting ShareLifeMidwest.com.

Midwest Transplant Network Kidney Donor/Recipient Stories

Personal stories help us understand the profound impact of organ, eye and tissue donation on health and wellbeing.

A Journey of Living Donation – Joey and Audrey Sughroue – Joey and Audrey Sughroue met when Joey learned he had a genetic kidney disease. Audrey hoped to be a match for Joey and donate her kidney, but she wasn’t. Eventually, they participated in a paired kidney exchange, a life-changing experience for both of them.

A Story of Hope – Jason Talk – Jason Talk learned he was in end-stage renal failure when he went to the hospital with swollen legs. He started dialysis soon after that. Years later, Jason received news that he was a transplant candidate, and shortly after being placed on the waitlist, he received the call that changed his life.

Resilience and Faith – Korbin Staten’s Journey – As a teenager, Korbin Staten discovered he had kidney disease. Six years later, he received a kidney transplant; unfortunately, the transplanted kidney faced two types of rejection. Korbin went back on dialysis but never lost resilience or faith. He was able to navigate adversity and eventually received a second transplant. With the support of his wife and medical team, Korbin has returned to full health.

Resources to explore if you’d like to join the National Kidney Registry or become a living donor:

How to Donate a Kidney

Steps to Become a Living Kidney Donor

An infographic made of a large purple circle with the number 1080 in the center of the circle.

Honoring the gift of life: Midwest Transplant Network saved lives through 1,080 organ transplants in 2025

January 29, 2026/in

Blog,
News

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Midwest Transplant Network is proud to share a level of achievement for transplanting lifesaving organs.

In 2025, MTN honored the legacies of 371 donor heroes through their gifts of donation and provided 1,080 organs for transplant.

In 2024, MTN transplanted 1,075 organs from 399 donor heroes. It was the first time MTN reached and surpassed one thousand organ transplants in a single year.

Midwest Transplant Network is a not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) and consistently performs in the top 10% among 55 OPOs in the country, according to data measures by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“We are truly grateful to the donor heroes and their families for giving these gifts to save lives and help so many people. This is only possible because of the generosity of donor heroes, and the commitment of our staff and hospital partners to honor their gifts with dignity and compassion,” said Jan Finn, RN, MSN, President & CEO, Midwest Transplant Network.

“The impact of donation means lives are changed in ways that truly make a difference. Because of the meaningful work we do, it means the grandmother who needed a kidney gets to see her grandchildren grow up. It’s the husband who waited for weeks in the hospital for a heart transplant and he’s healthy enough to ride bikes and take trips with his wife and sons. It’s the young woman who had a second liver transplant that brought her back to health, so much so that she’s in nursing school to become a transplant nurse.

“We want the donor families to feel honored and respected for their part of the donation journey. And we want the transplant recipients to know we are working for them, too. It’s these reasons this work is so meaningful,” said Finn.

2025 – Honoring the gift of life

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:

371 donor heroes shared the gift of life, resulting in 1,080* lifesaving organ transplants.
(*Excluding organs donated for research)
1,682 cornea and tissue donor heroes saved and enhanced lives.
MTN’s award-winning histocompatibility lab performed 39,122 transplant-supporting tests including bone marrow matching and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of transplants.
MTN marked its third full year of the onsite Donor Care and Surgical Recovery Unit (DCU), caring for 90 donor hero patients resulting in 345 lifesaving transplants.

At a Glance

An infographic of purple, green and blue circles with end-of-year data numbers connected by a wavy gray line.

MTN Year-End Numbers for 2025

More lives to save

Organ transplants save lives every day, yet data reports from Health Resources and Services Administration show that more than 108,000 people across the country are on the waiting list for an organ transplant. In Kansas, more than 500 people are on the waiting list; in Missouri, more than 2,100 are waiting for a transplant.

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.

Viola’s Final Gift: Proving It’s Never Too Late to Save a Life

January 23, 2026/in

/by Mitch Weber

A nurse, community leader and lifelong caregiver, Viola believed even one more act of kindness could matter. When she and her husband, Bob, renewed their driver’s licenses, they chose to be registered organ donors.

Viola Remington was known for her sense of humor and the sparkle in her eyes. She and her husband, Bob, shared a life full of playful banter and jokes. She loved her career as a nurse and the opportunity to help others. Viola was a leader at her church and in the community.

When Bob and Viola last renewed their driver’s licenses, they checked the box to become registered organ donors. Viola was 87 and Bob was 86. Being a registered organ donor was important to Viola because it meant she would have one last opportunity to help someone. They had no idea what an impact their decision would have to give hope to another family.

Viola became Midwest Transplant Network’s oldest donor hero when she passed at age 91. She saved a man’s life with the gift of her liver. “You hear people say they are too old to be an organ donor,” said Bob. “Viola would want you to know you are never too old or it’s never too late to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Watch Viola’s Story of Hope and learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

MTN Spotlight: Advocacy and a gift to build awareness

January 15, 2026/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

MTN Spotlight: Advocacy and a gift to build awareness

Advocacy for organ, eye and tissue donation is demonstrated in as many ways as there are people who’ve received the gift of donation.

Andrew Widman

Andrew Widman is a heart transplant recipient who openly shares his personal journey. He was born with a rare congenital heart defect and had open heart surgery as a child. He grew up doing well, but as an adult, his heart began to fail. Eventually, he needed a transplant. Time went by. After a doctor’s appointment, he was too sick to go home and was admitted to Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. It was there that he waited. In March 2017, his mobile phone rang. A donor hero’s heart matched his needs, and Andrew became Saint Luke’s 745th heart recipient.

Soon after, Andrew became a volunteer Ambassador for Midwest Transplant Network to advocate for donation and be a voice in the community. In January 2024, he became a member of MTN’s Governing Board.

Andrew’s advocacy is also shown through a generous grant to Midwest Transplant Network through an award from his employer.

A grant for growth
Andrew Widman, CLF®, is a Senior Financial Representative with Principal Financial Network.

Principal® Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Principal Financial Group®, recognized more than a dozen nonprofit organizations from across the country through a new program, the 2025 Principal® Financial Network Community Service Awards.

The awards celebrate 15 members of Principal Financial Network who “demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service through long-term volunteerism and commitment to nonprofit organizations in their communities.” Each award includes a charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization chosen by the recipient.

Andrew is a Builder Award honoree, presented to “dedicated volunteers helping drive measurable growth within organizations.” Midwest Transplant Network will receive a $15,000 grant.

Of course, we had a conversation to learn more about the grant and why Andrew chose MTN to receive the grant.

What inspired you to apply for the grant award?
Anytime there is an opportunity to raise money for a cause that is very important to me, I jump at the chance. When I found out that Principal® Foundation was offering this large grant, I applied immediately.

What inspired you to choose MTN as the beneficiary?
Midwest Transplant Network does amazing work, both on the recipient’s and donor’s side. MTN matched me with my life-saving heart, and I am grateful. I am also in awe of how caring and respectful MTN is in taking care of the donor families.

How long have you served on the board for Midwest Transplant Network? How long have you been an Ambassador?
I have served on the governing board for two years, and I’ve been an Ambassador for almost nine years.

From your perspective as a transplant recipient and an advocate for donation, what community outreach is most meaningful to you?
The reason I became an Ambassador is to tell my story. My favorite thing to do post-transplant is to meet and speak to donor families. I am able to show them what donation looks like on the recipient side, thank them for being heroes and form special bonds with them over related experiences.

What’s one thing you’d like people to understand about organ, eye and tissue donation?
I want everyone to know that organ, eye and tissue donation is the greatest gift you can give to someone. One person can save up to eight lives with organ donation and can improve the lives of over 75 people with eye and tissue donation.

MTN is humbled by the generosity of donation advocates in all ways they choose to give of their time, personal stories or gifts. Thank you, Andrew Widman, for your sincere support of organ, eye and tissue donation.

Note: Monetary donations given to Midwest Transplant Network are used to support public education for organ, eye and tissue donation, as well as donor family services. Donated funds help ensure that people have access to information to make decisions about organ, eye and tissue donation.

A man gives high fives to people in line at an event.

Andrew Widman, MTN Ambassador and Governing Board Member, gives high fives to people at an annual symposium.

A man and two women at a decorated table at a special event.

Andrew Widman, MTN Ambassador and Governing Board Member, hands out wrapped cookies at a symposium hosted by MTN.

Jake Reed’s Story of Hope | A Life of Service That Continues Through Donation

January 14, 2026/in

/by Mitch Weber

Officer Jake Reed’s legacy continues through the lives he saved, the family who honors him every day and the memories shared with his son, Charlie.

From the time he could talk, Jake Reed knew what he wanted to be. Becoming a police officer wasn’t just a goal, it was a calling he followed with focus and heart.

As a kid, Jake took part in youth police programs and went on ride-alongs whenever he could. Law enforcement officers knew him by name long before he ever wore a badge. That dedication carried him to Missouri Southern State University, where he earned a degree in criminal justice, met his wife Bayley and completed the police academy. In Joplin, Missouri, Officer Reed was living the life he worked so hard to build.

“He actually did what he wanted to do,” his father, Bob Reed, said. “He was living his dream.”

Jake was known as humble, helpful and deeply connected to his family. Those qualities defined both his career and the way he showed up for the people around him. At 27, Jake’s life was tragically taken in the line of duty, a loss his family continues to carry every day.

In the midst of their grief, Jake’s decision to register as an organ donor became a powerful extension of who he was. His family was able to spend meaningful time with him in his final days, time Bob describes as profoundly impactful. Through organ donation, Jake helped save lives, turning heartbreak into hope.

“It wasn’t shocking that he was an organ donor,” said Jake’s brother, Sam. “His job was helping people, so of course he was going to be an organ donor.”

Jake and Bayley share a son, Charlie, who will grow up knowing his father through the love, stories and memories passed down by family. Jake’s legacy also continues through a memorial scholarship established at Missouri Southern State University and the Officer Jake Reed donor fund, both created to honor his life and service.

Jake Reed’s story is one of purpose, courage and compassion. Even after his life was taken, his impact continues, reminding us how one decision can save lives and create hope for others.

Watch Jake’s Story of Hope and learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

MTN Tissue Services Team Wins ARTEMIS Award

January 9, 2026/in

/by Morgan Henderson

As winners of the ARTEMIS award, the Tissue Services team was celebrated for their excellence in pediatric tissue recovery, ensuring lifesaving grafts for the youngest patients.

Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) is proud to highlight an outstanding achievement within the organization. In November, the Tissue Services team was honored by LifeNet Health as winners of the notable ARTEMIS award (Pediatric Performance), part of the broader 2025 Partnership Excellence Awards. These awards celebrate the extraordinary individuals and teams whose expertise and dedication transform tissue donations into lifesaving and life-enhancing gifts.

MTN partners with LifeNet Health to recover and provide musculoskeletal, dermis and cardiovascular tissues for transplantation and surgical restoration. At the 2025 LifeNet Health GRNS Health Expo, the MTN Tissue Services team was recognized for their commitment to quality and dedication to treating every donor hero with dignity and respect. As winners of the ARTEMIS award, the Tissue Services team was celebrated for their excellence in pediatric tissue recovery, ensuring lifesaving grafts for the youngest patients.

Melissa Williams, MSW, CEBT, CTBS, Director of Tissue Services, describes how the award, “signifies excellence and commitment to providing pediatric heart valves for transplant patients. MTN is committed to always doing its very best to recover these critical tissues with precision.”

This prestigious award was accompanied by a traveling trophy belt that is currently featured in the MTN tissue lounge. As the recipients of MTN’s first trophy belt, Williams and the team were thrilled to receive the honor. “Pediatric tissue recoveries are complex and require a delicate hand. Knowing that we are doing an excellent job means so much.”

LifeNet Health is a global leader in regenerative medicine. The organization offers groundbreaking transplantation and cellular solutions that support healthcare providers and power scientific research.

John D’Abbracio, Senior Vice President of LifeNet Health Global Donor Services, states, “Our recovery professionals demonstrate extraordinary physical and emotional endurance to ensure every donor is treated with the utmost respect. Each recovery is performed with dignity, honoring the donor’s gift and extending their legacy of healing.”

Midwest Transplant Network applauds the Tissue Services team for their high standards and ongoing commitment to exceptional performance and care. This tremendous recognition is well deserved and spotlights the selfless dedication of the entire Tissue Services department.

Staff Spotlight: Suyen Silvestri, Laboratory Technologist III

December 18, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

Suyen Silvestri’s work reflects skill, compassion and the power of helping others.

Employee Spotlight: Suyen Silvestri, Laboratory Technologist III

Behind every successful transplant is a team of dedicated professionals working with precision, compassion and care. Suyen Silvestri, Laboratory Technologist III at Midwest Transplant Network, is one of those people whose work often happens behind the scenes but makes life-changing impacts every day.

With more than 20 years of laboratory experience across multiple countries and roles, Suyen brings a global perspective, deep technical expertise and a strong sense of service to her work. Guided by the Filipino value of bayanihan, or helping others through collective effort, she approaches donation and transplantation with empathy, dependability and purpose.

Get to know Suyen below as she shares what brought her to MTN, the moments that have stayed with her throughout her career and what brings her joy outside the lab.

What originally brought you to work at MTN?

Initially, I was hired as a Renal Placement Coordinator (RPC). Three years later, I held the dual role of an HLA Bench Tech while maintaining my RPC position to cover the evening shift.

I was referred by a Lab Tech Intern whom I worked with at Warrensburg Medical Center. At that time, my husband worked for FOX 4. The distance between our jobs was not ideal for us, thus we moved to Kansas City.

HLA lab work drew my interest. I worked for more than 20 years as a General Hospital Lab Tech both in the Philippines and North Africa (Libya). I took a hiatus in 1998 to set up an internet café business in the Philippines, where I met my husband.

I came to the States in the winter of 2003. My vision at that time was to get a job that offered opportunity for growth in my career while contributing meaningfully.

What’s a moment at work that made you feel proud, challenged or reminded you why this work matters?

One very memorable moment that sticks out is when my friend Ray Gabel, a fellow colleague, was in need of a second heart transplant. The offer came in during my evening shift. I cross-matched his sample against the donor and the results came out compatible. I will never forget how excited I was for him, and this was very meaningful and fulfilling.

Another moment at work that challenged me was when I performed my dual roles in the Lab, which I was trained and hired for.

I transitioned back and forth from an RPC to an HLA Bench Tech, then to Courier.

I performed the HLA typing of the donor’s blood, entered the type into UNET and started allocation. Back then, serologies were tested at CBC. When I finished the compatibility testing (crossmatches) between prospective patients with the donor, I relayed results to the transplant coordinators. I completed the whole case by delivering both kidneys to the KU Medical Center.

How does your cultural identity influence your conversations about organ donation?

My desire to help was instilled in me when I was growing up.

In the Philippines, we call it the bayanihan spirit, which is a value of communal unity, cooperation and collective effort, where people work together to help someone in need.

As a Catholic and a medical professional, I am given the grace to have a balanced understanding of my spirituality and scientific knowledge, that one’s life or body is sacred and not a loss especially when it can save others’ lives.

How would your coworkers describe you in three words?

Empathetic, dependable and easy to get along with.

What’s something outside of work that brings you joy?

Taking photos, relaxing drives, gardening, cooking, visiting family and visiting and exploring new places.

How do you and your family spend the holidays?

Honoring our special annual traditions, shopping local at antique shops and flea markets and planning for yearly vacations. We also enjoy spending time with our pets and going to eat at our local favorite restaurants.

Learn more about Suyen and her family in the following video:

Be ALL In Spotlight: Meet Alex Alzate

November 24, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Alex with her husband, Raul, and son, Leo. Photo courtesy of Alex Alzate.

Be ALL In Spotlight: Alex Alzate, Hospital Service Coordinator III

Meet Alex Alzate, a valued member of Midwest Transplant Network’s Hospital Services team since July 2022. Prior to joining MTN, Alex served as an organ procurement organization Hospital Services Coordinator at Jackson Memorial Hospital at the University of Miami Health System in Florida. She came to MTN ready for big challenges.

Life’s experiences influence conversations about organ donation

Beyond her professional experience in the OPO world, Alex brings a wealth of life experience. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Alex immigrated to the United States with her family as a child. Spending many years in Miami provided Alex with the opportunity to know and work with people from all parts of the world. She speaks fluent Spanish, Portuguese and English, and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America, Central America and North America.

In her role as an HSC III, Alex uses her vast experiences to provide support to larger donor-potential hospitals and is prepared to facilitate donation conversations with families in times of high donor volume or urgent situations. Her cultural knowledge enables her to foster trust with families from other cultures like her own. Alex commits many evenings and weekends to MTN community-focused projects like Telemundo KC’s annual health fair to help spread trust and information among Spanish-speaking communities in the metro.

Alex is married and has a busy 2-year-old son. When she’s not working, Alex and her family love to travel abroad, venture out to the many diverse Kanas City eateries and help with charities and efforts in the Hispanic community. Alex brings a bright smile, a big heart and positive attitude to all that she does. MTN is fortunate to have her as a member of Hospital Services.

We asked a few questions to learn more about Alex.

In simple terms, how do you explain what we do at Midwest Transplant Network?

We give life through organ donation by honoring the donor’s decision and/or family’s decision.

What would you say to someone who might be unsure about being an organ or tissue donor?

It is a beautiful gift for the person who receives the transplant, and for the family of the donor because it gives life and legacy.

How old were you when you moved from Colombia with your family?

Fourteen years old.

Do you have memories of growing up in Colombia? What are some of your most fond memories?

Just spending time with my large family – cousins, uncles, aunts and getting together with them.

What’s your favorite Colombian food?

My favorite are empanadas.

Where do you like to take visitors when they come to Kansas City?

I take visitors to Union Station and to Q39 for a taste of KC.

If you could learn one more language, what would it be and why?

I would learn French to be able to communicate with people in France whenever I travel there.

Submitted by Lisa Tebb, Hospital Services Coordinator III

Brandy & Sloane Burgess honoring donor hero Monroe Burgess

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Monroe Burgess

November 21, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

As Brandy and Sloane move forward, they are exploring the idea of creating a nonprofit in Monroe’s name.

Midwest Transplant Network is proud to share November’s Story of Hope, honoring the life, spirit and generosity of Monroe Burgess. Those who knew Monroe describe him as smart, caring and charismatic, with a deep love of science and a strong work ethic. His passion for organ, eye and tissue donation shaped both his career and the way he approached the world.

Monroe met his wife, Brandy, while he worked at Midwest Transplant Network. Early in their relationship, one quality stood out. “He would say, ‘They’re having a worse day than I am, and I need to meet that family where they are. If it means that I have to pause what I’m doing, then that’s what I have to do.’” Brandy said. That mindset guided him throughout his career and became a defining part of the way he lived his life.

At home, Monroe was devoted to his family. He encouraged his daughter Sloane’s love of dancing and singing, and took time to teach her practical skills, like how to fish and how to back a car into the driveway. He wanted her to be well rounded and to chase her dreams with confidence. For her friends, he was the dad everyone admired and gravitated toward.

Professionally, Monroe worked in nearly every part of the donation process, bringing his passion and skills to direct service, laboratory work and logistics. His dedication grew into a shared mission when he and Brandy helped establish a birth tissue and cord blood program. The program expanded opportunities for donation and reflected Monroe’s belief that giving back can take many forms.

“He loved being a guy from Kansas City that nobody knows about,” Brandy said. “And he changed the course of somebody’s life.” That sense of humility and purpose defined his work. It also appeared in small but meaningful acts of kindness. Brandy shared how he would occasionally give a$100 bill to a family in a store during the holidays. He never wanted recognition. He simply loved the chance to brighten someone’s day.

Monroe’s legacy of generosity continued through his final act of service. He donated his corneas for transplant, offering sight and renewed hope to others. He also donated his brain for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a contribution that may help advance understanding and improve care in the years ahead.

As Brandy and Sloane move forward, they are exploring the idea of creating a nonprofit in Monroe’s name. They hope to continue the work he cared about and ensure his impact carries on through new opportunities to help others.