Blog – Midwest Transplant Network

Be ALL In Spotlight: Meet Alex Alzate

November 24, 2025/in

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.

Veterans Day Spotlight: MTN’s Matt Giangrosso

November 11, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

“It’s a sense of pride. Wearing the uniform is an honor, and Veterans Day is about reflecting on that,” says Matt Giangrosso.

When you meet Midwest Transplant Network System Support Analyst II Matt Giangrosso, one of the first things you notice is his calm focus. It’s a quality that’s served him well across very different worlds, from maintaining the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base to troubleshooting computer systems that keep MTN connected every day.

Originally from Alabama, Matt joined the U.S. Air Force at 20 years old. He completed basic training in San Antonio, then tech school in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he trained in electrical and environmental systems for aircraft. His first assignment brought him to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, where he spent several years working on one of the most advanced aircraft in the world.

“Working on the B-2 was a cool experience,” Matt said. “It was full of new challenges, and learning how to troubleshoot those complex systems really shaped how I think. That process of breaking down problems and finding solutions has carried over perfectly into my work in IT.”

After leaving active duty in 2019, Matt transitioned to civilian life but not away from service. He continues to serve part time in the Missouri Air National Guard, maintaining aircraft and staying current with specialized training. His schedule includes monthly drills and annual training, balancing his commitment to the Guard with his full-time role at MTN.

Matt’s passion for technology actually began during his military years, when he decided to build his first computer from scratch. “It was nerve-wracking,” he said, laughing. “You’re dealing with these delicate, expensive parts, and I remember it took me 20 minutes just to get the courage to clamp the CPU into place. But when everything powered on for the first time, it was worth it.”

Today, that same curiosity drives his work supporting MTN’s staff with technical systems and devices. “Our IT team is great,” Matt said. “We learn from each other, stay current on new tech and figure out how we can keep improving things here to help MTN.”

This summer, Matt’s service took him to Washington, D.C., where he represented the Air National Guard at a Fourth of July celebration on the White House South Lawn. “It was an amazing experience,” he said. “You see the history and the pride everywhere. It was an honor to be part of it.”

When asked what Veterans Day means to him, Matt answered, “It’s a sense of pride. Wearing the uniform is an honor, and Veterans Day is about reflecting on that, on the people who served before us and what they sacrificed for the freedoms we have today.”

Matt’s life has come full circle in more ways than one. He once considered a career in nursing before choosing the Air Force, and now he works in support of MTN’s mission to save lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. His wife, a nurse in the NICU at Truman Medical Center, shares that same calling to care for others.

From aircraft to IT systems, from Alabama to Kansas City, Matt continues to serve quietly and faithfully wherever he’s needed most.

Everyday Heroes: How One Cornea Gift Changed Matt’s World

November 4, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

For Matt, a cornea transplant meant the difference between fading vision and a world brought back into focus.

November is Eye Donation Month, a time to recognize the everyday heroes who make restored sight possible —donors and their families, eye bankers, corneal surgeons, champions of eye donation and all who work to bring the gift of sight to life. This year’s theme from the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) is “Everyday Heroes.” It celebrates how nearly anyone can be a cornea donor and therefore a superhero by giving the gift of sight.

At Saving Sight, we see every day how donors, medical teams, and advocates come together to change lives. Matt’s story is just one example of the profound difference these everyday heroes make.

For Matt, a cornea transplant meant the difference between fading vision and a world brought back into focus.

“I didn’t know how much a single tissue could impact someone’s life until I was faced with losing my sight,” Matt said. “It’s incredible that two people have now given me this chance to live fully.”

Matt’s journey began unexpectedly after a seemingly minor ear infection ruptured as he slept. Discharge from his ruptured eardrum, combined with dirt beneath his contact lens, led to a rare fungal infection, causing severe vision impairment.

After numerous treatments that didn’t work, Matt was referred to an ophthalmologist at the University of Kansas Health System.

“I learned about Saving Sight and a little about what could happen, and we talked about possibly looking for a donor,” Matt recalled.

Tests revealed the infection was advancing rapidly, and Matt was informed that he would need a cornea transplant to preserve any hope of sight.

“They were concerned I could lose 100% of my eyesight, and I needed a transplant ASAP,” he said.

Matt’s experience with transplants started years earlier when he received a life-saving kidney from a living donor. That experience helped him understand the power of donation, but it wasn’t until facing potential blindness that he fully appreciated how even a single tissue gift can change a life.

“I am forever grateful,” Matt

said. “Someone selflessly gave me the gift of sight, and it’s overwhelming. What did I do to deserve such love and compassion?”

The impact of his donor’s gift goes beyond restored vision, it’s a testament to human kindness and the power of eye, organ, and tissue donation. Matt hopes to honor his donor’s legacy by sharing his story and inspiring others to become registered donors.

“You might be able to save someone’s life or change their world just by checking that box on your license,” he said. “It’s a chance to help someone in a way that goes far beyond what we can understand.”

Since 1961, Saving Sight and our fellow eye banks have facilitated more than two million sight-restoring corneal transplants, each one made possible by the selfless choice of a donor and their family. Eye Donation Month is our opportunity to honor these gifts, highlight their impact, and encourage others to consider joining this life-changing movement.

This November, you can be an everyday hero too:

· Register as an eye, organ, and tissue donor.

· Share your decision with loved ones so your wishes are known.

· Support the mission by helping raise awareness about donation.

Matt’s story reminds us that a single act of generosity can transform a life forever. Through the gift of sight, donors give recipients more than vision, they give hope, independence, and the ability to fully experience the world around them.

This blog was written by Saving Sight. Thank you for your contribution.

A Little Superhero with a Big Legacy – Owen Linder

October 29, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

At just 2 years old, Owen became a true superhero himself — an organ and eye donor who brought hope and healing to others.

The youngest in his family, Owen Linder was known for his big personality. He was funny, loud, and loved to dance. Rainy days meant adventures with his dad, and superheroes were among his favorite things.

Owen became an organ and eye donor at the age of two.

“It was probably the best outcome considering the accident,” said his dad, Joe. “I’m just glad that he was able to help other people with his organs.”

His mom, Morgan, says the decision came from the heart. “People told us we were so brave to donate Owen’s organs. But I’m like, why wouldn’t you want to do that?”

The Linders have connected with two of Owen’s recipient families, including daily conversations with the recipient of his heart. “I put myself in the other mother’s place and can kind of feel what they’re feeling,” Morgan said. “We got to save their kids and a husband. And that’s really cool for us.”

Morgan says the experience has reshaped how she lives every day. “For me, it gives meaning to the accident,” she said. “We always ask why, and there’s no reason why, but we got to save a bunch of lives, and that’s what has helped me keep going. My theme for life now is to never take a second for granted.”

The Linders have found strength in their community, who has supported them from day one. Whether it’s reuniting with Owen’s nurses at MTN’s Donate Life Legacy Walk or keeping in touch with other donor families, Morgan says those connections remind her that Owen’s spirit continues to shine.

To honor Owen’s legacy, the Linders created The Owen Project, which gives back to their community in meaningful ways. “We donate most-needed items to the Ronald McDonald House inside Children’s Mercy, offer senior scholarships at two schools in Cass County, sponsor youth sports, and my daughter runs Rae’s Sports Closet,” Morgan said. “We make sure every kid has the opportunity to play sports.”

“To us, hope means being able to move forward while knowing Owen is still with us in some ways,” she said. “It’s happiness for our family — and the promise that we’ll see him again one day.”

A woman wearing glasses, smiling for a picture, wearing a T-shirt with a green ribbon in support of organ donation.

MTN DMV Appreciation Spotlight: Autumn Carroll – Asking the question can save a life

September 30, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

September is DMV Appreciation Month and Midwest Transplant Network recognizes the important work that DMV offices have as a partner in organ, eye and tissue donation. Autumn Carroll is the Driver License Supervisor at the Pittsburg, Kansas license office and shares her story about what it’s like to ask, “Would you like to be an organ donor?”

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is knowing that the work that is done every day has a direct impact on people’s lives, sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately seen,” said Autumn.

A woman wearing glasses, smiling for the camera.

Autumn Carroll, a license office supervisor, Pittsburg, Kansas.

“We issue IDs, ensure safety and compliance and help people navigate state regulations, but what really stands out is being part of the process where someone makes the choice to become an organ, eye or tissue donor,” she said. “When I ask that simple question, ‘Would you like to be listed as a donor?’ I know it could lead to someone receiving the gift of life.”

For Autumn, it’s incredibly meaningful to help people make informed, compassionate decisions. “We are part of a system that promotes community service, safety and generosity,” she said. “The most rewarding moments are when someone shares a personal story, maybe they’re a transplant recipient, or they lost someone who was a donor, and you realize just how powerful and far-reaching this work can be.”

The Pittsburg, Kansas license office provides basic information about being a registered organ donor.

“We let them know that by saying ‘yes,’ they are giving hope to thousands of Kansans and Americans waiting for a lifesaving transplant,” Autumn said. “It’s not about pressuring anyone, it’s about making sure they understand the option and can make their wishes known. That little heart symbol on the license can mean the world to someone someday. To me, it’s a privilege to be part of this process. I know that just by offering this information, I may be helping someone take the first step toward becoming a hero.”

When she learns about a donor recipient’s story, it is incredibly moving and meaningful. Hearing these stories reminds Autumn that what she does isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about real people, real families and real lives saved.

“It gives us pride and purpose, knowing that every time we ask someone if they want to register as a donor, it could lead to a story like that,” she said. “These stories also help inspire others. People are often more willing to say ‘yes’ to donation when they understand the incredible impact it can have. It’s a privilege to be a small part of that life-saving chain.”

The Pittsburg license office works closely with Midwest Transplant Network to increase awareness and provide education about organ donation. Printed brochures and flyers that explain the registry, first person authorization protections and what it means to be an organ donor are available at the service counters. The license office staff use virtual training modules provided by MTN. They also display posters or digital screens reminding visitors of the opportunity to become a donor. The staff wear lapel pins, lanyards and T-shirts to support the message. “These visual cues help spark conversations and encourage questions,” said Autumn.

“We receive ongoing training updates and informational materials from our partnering organizations so that staff feel confident discussing donation with applicants in a compassionate, non-coercive manner.”

Autumn said the DMV partnership with MTN ensures that accurate, respectful and timely information is always available when someone makes a decision. This approach helps people make an informed choice and, in many cases, they choose to become a donor.

“It reminds me that this isn’t just a government office, we’re a place where lifesaving decisions are made every day.”

MTN DMV Appreciation Spotlight – Deziree Herrera

September 10, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

MTN DMV Appreciation Spotlight: Deziree Herrera – Making connections that impact organ donation

September is DMV Appreciation Month and Midwest Transplant Network is recognizing the important work that DMV offices have as a partner in organ, eye and tissue donation. Deziree Herrera, West Wichita DMV Office Manager, shares her story.

Deziree Herrera, West Wichita DMV Office, Wichita, Kansas

Deziree Herrera is enthusiastic about the work she has been doing for the last 10 years with the Division of Vehicles in Wichita, Kansas. She is a caring person with a warmth in her voice that feels like a hug.

“I wasn’t familiar with organ donation before working with the DMV,” said Deziree. “It was only after working at the DMV that I started speaking about donation in my interactions with family and asking questions about our history and future regarding donation.”

Deziree learned that several of her family members have experienced organ donation as either a donor hero or as a transplant recipient.

“Sharing information about organ, eye and tissue donation every day at the DMV means we have the ability to help save lives,” said Deziree. “For me it’s a blessing to be able to ask the donation question. Asking, “Would you like to be an organ donor?’, means we get to open the door of opportunity to help save the lives of our neighbors. It’s an amazing feeling when people say yes to donation.”

Recognizing an important partnership

The collaboration between organ procurement organizations and DMVs is recognized as vital, as over 90% of organ donor registrations across the country occur through the DMV. This highlights the critical role DMVs have in facilitating organ, eye and tissue donation and saving lives.

DMV and driver license partner staff are the people on the front lines of service who have helped 165 million people across the country register their decision to be a deceased organ, eye and tissue donor.

Donate Life America created National DMV Appreciation Month in 2016 to specifically honor the commitment of DMVs and driver’s license partners to the Donate Life mission. This annual event takes place in September and is a time for national and local organizations to express gratitude for their DMV partnerships.

“Donors are just like them”

“I love MTN’s annual calendar and never throw them away,” said Deziree. “We have posted the photos and stories on the walls of our office so people can see that donor heroes are just like them, people from all different walks of life with various backgrounds, cultures and experiences.”

She said sharing information about donation at the DMV is an element that helps the community. “It could often be the only place people hear about organ donation and the positive impact it can have for an individual or family.”

The Wichita DMV staff meet people who speak a multitude of languages. “When we speak about donation through translation, there is a common connection of gratitude that happens when they say yes to donation and the language of donation then becomes universal,” said Deziree. “Smiles and excitement are exchanged and that’s what this is all about. Celebrating the opportunity to give life and helping bridge gaps in our community.”

Saving more lives

Working together, Midwest Transplant Network and DMV offices help enhance and save lives. During National Donate Life Month in April, the West Wichita DMV office staff enjoy the Blue & Green spirit Days.

This month is an opportunity to give the license office patrons actionable ways to promote the need for organ donors. “We like to go all out on decorations and come up with interactive ways for the community to participate when they say yes to organ, eye and tissue donation,” said Deziree. “It’s another way to engage with people and make them aware of organ donation.”

Deziree is proud knowing she is helping lead the change in perception that is common with the DMV. These perceptions often produce feelings of frustration, bureaucracy and long waits. “Our mission is to issue a variety of licenses and provide assistance to Kansas citizens,” she said. “We are committed to work every day for the people of Kansas. Our vision is to do that with respect, integrity, fairness and civility while cheerfully, accurately and efficiently sharing vital information about organ donation.”

To our incredible DMV partners across Kansas and Missouri — thank you for helping save and enhance lives every day.

A smiling woman, hair pulled into a top knot.

MTN Staff Spotlight – Midge Dempsey

August 27, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

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 a series of original content featuring community partners, staff and volunteer Ambassadors who represent diversity and the mission to give hope and share life. We hope you enjoy the perspectives of our friends!

Midge Dempsey, Family Services Coordinator

Midge Dempsey, Family Services Coordinator, Midwest Transplant Network.

Midge Dempsey is a Family Services Coordinator in the Wichita, Kansas, satellite office. She joined Midwest Transplant Network in 2017. Her career in healthcare includes being a labor and delivery nurse. She earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Mary of the Plains College, and is from Wichita.

What’s your career experience in healthcare?
I am a bachelor’s prepared RN, specializing in maternal-child nursing, including labor and delivery, postpartum care, lactation consulting and childbirth education. I have experience spanning hospital settings, obstetrics and gynecology offices, and public health home visits. I’ve expanded my skills by developing a parish nurse program at my church. I’m a member of the Wichita Black Nurses Association and volunteer to educate the community about preventive health with a focus on whole-body wellness.

When you’re meeting a family in a hospital, how do you explain what you do?
When engaging with families at the hospital, I introduce myself as a family support advocate who helps families as they navigate end-of-life decisions, and I offer support throughout the process.

How has working in this field influenced your perspective of organ, eye and tissue donation?
This may seem surprising, but working in this field was NEVER on my radar, nor did I have a desire to pursue it. When Nicole Fox initially approached me about this position, it was a hard NO!

After learning more about Midwest Transplant Network, I was guided toward a path aligned with my interests. I found inspiration on the website to help others live their best lives, which has informed my perspective on organ, eye and tissue donation, and strengthened my resolve to stand up for people who cannot stand up for themselves, and with the belief that someone would advocate for me, if needed.

Months later, she approached me again, and the rest is history!

What does organ donation mean to you?
Organ donation, to me, means happiness, health and wealth. It is a commitment to care for others beyond ourselves. By choosing to donate, I honor both the gift I could give and the countless lives that could be transformed.

How does your cultural identity influence your conversations about organ donation?
My cultural identity deeply shapes how I talk about organ donation with others. I was inspired by the underrepresentation of donors who look like me or resemble me. My focus has been on the historical experiences of my ancestors in health care, which opened my eyes to the reasons organ donation may be viewed through a different lens in my race.

I’ve witnessed the difference organ donation can make in a life, and I want to be part of that gift. Respect for life, unity and love are central in my culture, and I don’t want these values to go unrecognized in the field of organ, eye and tissue donation.

From your experience, what would you say to someone who is unsure about being a registered organ, eye and tissue donor?
I would simply ask, “Do you want to live?” and then welcome the discussion that stems from it.

Name one thing you have ZERO talent for but would love to do for 15 minutes if you were graced with the talent.
I have zero talent for singing, but I’d love to sing a song so powerful that it fosters peace, love and harmony in the world. I would hope that people feel that when they hear it. Can you imagine a life of goodness – no jealousy, hate or envy, where people treat others as they wish to be treated? Now that would be a powerful song!

Name five songs on the soundtrack to your life.
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson, “Take Me to the King” by Tamela Mann, “I’m Every Woman,” by Chaka Khan, and any song by CeCe Winans. There are too many to list.

It’s summer. What’s your favorite summer memory?
Each summer our family gathered for a large family reunion. I would reconnect with relatives from all over, and we spent three full days together filled with entertaining dance and singing contests, food, church and updates on one another’s lives. I often arranged visits with cousins who lived in other states to see them during the year.

What book are you reading or listening to?
“When God Doesn’t Fix It” by Laura Story, and “Grief S.U.C.K.S.” by Stephanie Stovall, a friend whose husband died unexpectedly.

Stephanie “Fanny” Meléndez – A Donor Hero’s Lasting Legacy

August 21, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

When complications from a brain tumor took her life, Stephanie Meléndez gave the ultimate gift. She donated her heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bone and skin.

Speaking softly, Yahaira Meléndez describes her wife, Stephanie, as the brightest person she has ever known. She was beautiful inside and out with a love for singing and dancing. The couple first met while working at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico where Stephanie was a concierge and Yahaira was a bartender.

Choosing to Become a Donor

When Stephanie later moved to the United States, she noticed Yahaira’s driver’s license identified her as an organ donor. Inspired, Stephanie made the same decision. “I think I’m going to do that,” she told Yahaira, who encouraged her: “Go ahead and do it. It’s something good that you can do.”

Tragically, complications during surgery to remove a brain tumor ended Stephanie’s life far too soon. In keeping with her decision, Stephanie, affectionately called Fanny, became a donor hero. She gave the gifts of her heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bone and skin, saving and healing the lives of many.

A Legacy of Love and Life

“Our family is sad because we don’t have Fanny with us,” Yahaira shared. “But we’re happy because with her help, there are a lot of people who will live, including the girl who has her heart. She was 14 when she got it and is 16 by now. Thanks to my wife, she’s going to be the woman she wants to be.”

Even in loss, Yahaira finds comfort in knowing her wife’s legacy lives on through others. “I’m just so proud of her. Even though she’s not here, I know she’s with us. I’m proud that her decision made so many people happy, because their families are going to be with them a little longer. Her spirit is going to be with us forever.”

MTN Staff Spotlight – David Valdiviez

August 14, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

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 a series of original content featuring community partners, staff and volunteer Ambassadors who represent diversity and the mission to give hope and share life. We hope you enjoy the perspectives of our friends!

David Valdiviez, Network Administrator

David Valdiviez, Network Administrator, Midwest Transplant Network

David joined Midwest Transplant Network in June 2023. As a member of the IT team, he provides proactive support for overall network infrastructure such as monitoring and maintaining system backups, the virtual server environment and providing support for telecommunications and computer concerns.

After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served from 2005 to 2013. He was stationed in California, Iraq and southeast Asia.

What was your first job in your professional career?
I started my career in IT as a civilian in 2014 working for the Marine Corps IT Services and Support Center, Tier 1 Helpdesk. The role supported 100% of the Marine Corps. We were the first point of contact for all IT-related issues. I performed basic troubleshooting, account creation, unlocks and generated tickets for escalated repairs.

My military occupational specialty was Ground Communications Technician. I repaired, installed and troubleshot radios and all assets used for field communications. For example, I worked on squad radios, vehicle-mounted communications assets in Humvees, seven-ton trucks, MRAPs and tanks. I repaired antennas, co-axial and fiber optics. If it was used to talk, I was responsible for it.

How has working in IT/health care influenced your perspective? What does organ donation mean to you?
Prior to joining MTN, I was already a registered organ donor. I had very little knowledge of what that actually entailed. Working here has opened my eyes to the bigger picture regarding donation and legacy. It’s truly incredible work.

Tell us about your heritage and how it influences your conversations about organ donation.
My family supports organ donation, but it’s not exactly a topic of conversation. I have family members who needed a transplant, but unfortunately passed away prior to donation being available. I also have family who are donor heroes. It’s a reality we are familiar with.

You’re in the grocery store wearing a Give Hope Share Life T-shirt. A stranger asks what it means. How do you explain?
I would start by saying it’s a work shirt and that I work at a not-for-profit organization called Midwest Transplant Network. Then I would say the shirt is meant to honor donor heroes while encouraging others to consider being an organ donor.

What would you say to someone who might be unsure about being an organ donor?
I think it depends on their reason for being unsure. It could be a religious reason, or they’re scared, or uneducated about organ donation. I’d have to ask what influenced their opinion and then I’d go from there. But, I’d also say if someone could use something I have and I was no longer in need of it, it doesn’t hurt to share a bit of ourselves.

You’re a kid with $10 to spend on gas station snacks. What are you getting?
As a kid, $10 went a long way. If I’m riding my bike, I’m getting a Mr. Pibb two-liter because it can fit in my backpack, Reese’s peanut butter cups, hot Cheetos, candy gummy worms and maybe some gum.

If you can instantly learn any language, which language would you choose?
I would learn sign language.

It’s August. Kids across the city are going back to school. Who was your favorite schoolteacher? What makes them memorable?
I can’t say due to it being a common IT security question. Simply put, they were the best!

You’re a disc golfer. What piqued your interest in disc golf? Where’s your favorite place to play?
I started playing disc golf in 2008 with some friends because it was fun and free. Kansas City has nearly twenty 18-hole courses within 30 miles of downtown KC. Rosedale Park off Mission Road is my home course.