Story of Hope: Tyler Barker

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

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.”

I.C. Collins

MTN Story of Hope: I.C. Collins

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.”

Woman smiling at camera

MTN Staff Spotlight – Andrea Starks

Woman smiling at camera

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

Meet Andrea Starks

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

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

Why did you want to work at MTN? 

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

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

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

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

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

How do you live the MTN mission?

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

What does organ donation mean to you?

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

How do you spend your weekends?

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

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

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

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

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

Jimmy Cansler, heart recipient

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

Jimmy Cansler

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

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

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

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

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

Ashley Woodin

MTN Staff Spotlight – Ashley Woodin

Ashley Woodin

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

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

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

Meet Ashley Woodin

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

What’s your career experience in health care?

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

Where’d you go to college?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s been your longest ride distance?

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

Most memorable ride – good or bad?

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

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

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

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

Rob Zombie. It was theatrical and unexpected to me.

What songs are you listening to?

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

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

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

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

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

Jan Finn holding AOPO Lifetime Achievement Award

MTN Spotlight: What a Week for MTN and AOPO!

Wow! At the Annual Meeting of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO), held June 24-26 in San Antonio, Texas, two executive leaders of Midwest Transplant Network achieved new levels in their careers.

Lifetime Achievement Award

AOPO presented the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Jan Finn, RN, MSN, President and Chief Executive Officer, MTN. The award is given to individuals who have made significant, enduring contributions to the organ procurement community and have supported AOPO’s mission to save and heal lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.

Finn began her career as a registered nurse in Joplin, Missouri, in a critical care environment. She joined MTN in 1990 to pursue a career in organ donation. In her 34-year career as a leader in the OPO community, she’s been instrumental in increasing organ donation through her commitment to collaboration, data-driven strategies and continuous improvement.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve done this for 34 years or three or four, when you see a donor family and recipients, we know that this work is incredibly important. I’m very proud to be part of this work,” said Finn upon receiving the award.

Finn has served in roles such as president of AOPO and the North American Transplant Coordinators Organization (NATCO), member of the board of directors of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), and United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation. She is the chair of the Donation Board of Trustees of MTF Biologics, a member of the Missouri Governor’s Organ Donation Advisory Committee and is the immediate past chair for the Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance. Locally, Finn serves on the board of Friendship Inn of Kansas City and the Gift of Life Foundation.

“Jan’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to AOPO and the OPO community have left an indelible mark. Her willingness to make difficult decisions and lead during turbulent times have strengthened both AOPO and the entire donation and transplantation system. She is truly deserving of this Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Steve Miller, CEO, AOPO.


AOPO 2024-2025 Board Leadership

AOPO announced Terry Shambles, FACHE, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Midwest Transplant Network, will serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors. Shambles was nominated to serve in early spring and elections were held among members. His term officially began at the AOPO annual meeting.

“I am honored to serve as the AOPO Secretary/Treasurer and work together with the dedicated professionals focused on saving and improving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation,” said Shambles.

“It’s a significant achievement to serve on the AOPO Board of Directors. I know the dedication and professionalism that Terry brings to Midwest Transplant Network as a leader, and I’m confident he’ll do the same for AOPO,” said Finn.

Shambles has more than 25 years of experience in executive leadership roles in hospitals and organ procurement organizations. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Oklahoma and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Congratulations, Jan and Terry!

 

Jan Finn

Jan Finn, RN, MSN, President and Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Transplant Network, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations.

Terry Shambles

Terry Shambles, FACHE, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Midwest Transplant Network, was elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the 2024-2025 AOPO Board of Directors.

Kevin Calhoun and his family.

MTN Spotlight – Kevin Calhoun, Recipient

Kevin Calhoun and his family.

Celebrating Father’s Day: “A heart transplant allowed us to have our son.”

A heart transplant, an athletic competition, and a chance encounter that led to love are the elements of a great adventure, a life’s story, and a reason to celebrate Father’s Day.

In 2017, Kevin Calhoun traveled to Spain for the World Transplant Games. He’d had a heart transplant a few years earlier and was ready to compete in soccer and pétanque.

That same year, Kaci Keller was invited by a friend to support her at the World Transplant Games. Her friend asked “Do you want to travel with me? I want to go to Spain. I want to compete.”

Kaci said, “Yes, let’s go.”

Kevin lived in Kansas City and Kaci lived in Florida. They didn’t know each other but met at Team USA gatherings at the World Transplant Games, started talking and “kind of hit it off.” At the end of the week, it was time to go back home. Kaci shared part of a conversation with Kevin. “He said, ‘I didn’t come here looking for someone, but I like you. Can I call you when we get back to the states?’” They kept in touch with each other and within a year, they were engaged.

Now they have a family, and their son, Kyle, is 4.

“It’s such a blessing and we would not be here if it was not for the heart transplant that Kevin had and truly received the gift of life,” said Kaci.

“Kevin gets to celebrate Father’s Day because his heart transplant allowed us to have our son.”

“It’s the most fantastic thing in the world,” said Kevin. “Every day, I’m just amazed at our son’s smartness, creativity and his ability. I have my wife to thank, I have the Lord to thank, and my donor to thank. It sounds cliché but I until you’re a father, you really don’t know what it’s like.”

Kevin’s Heart Transplant Journey

In 2008, Kevin was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy – a disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart to have a harder time pumping blood to the rest of the body, which could lead to symptoms of heart failure.

For about eight years, he lived with the condition with medications, diet and a careful regimen. “But it pretty much got to a point where advanced surgery, or you know, a transplant was going to be needed,” he said.

“I waited a couple of weeks and that’s about when I received my gift.”  He recalled the moment by saying he “prayed that night to God and just kind of asked, ‘Prepare me for whatever this is going to look like, that way, I can kind of psychologically get prepared.’ And then that same night, I fell asleep so hard, which you never do in a hospital. I was awakened by my nurses, and they told me that my gift of life was ready.

“It’s kind of hard to talk about, but pretty much that same night was when I got my answer and received my gift thanks to my donor and his family, and it’s been good.”

Thankful to Donors

Kevin Calhoun sincerely appreciates donor heroes and their families.

“I think the focus needs to be on donor families because of what they’ve gone through to lose someone very valuable and important in their life, for someone else to be given a chance, to keep carrying on.”

He has had some correspondence with the donor family but is sensitive to speaking about the donor hero and their family out of respect.

From what he’s learned about his donor hero, the family has “painted a really nice picture of what he was like. And he was a really stellar, independent human being and what he was doing with his life is fantastic. It’s just a shame that it got taken so shortly, which makes it kind of hard to receive the gift, but at the same time…thank you.”

Together, the Calhouns are volunteer Ambassadors who represent Midwest Transplant Network by sharing information and enhancing awareness of what it means to be a registered organ, eye and tissue donors.

Father’s Day Fun

The Calhouns will celebrate Father’s Day weekend with family.

“We have a big family reunion with a lot of family from out of town. There will be a lot of fathers hanging out. Kaci, Kyle and I will probably go to the park after church on Sunday to take Kyle fishing. He’s really been getting into it.”

DAISY certificates

Getting Their Flowers: MTN Staff Earn a DAISY Team Award

The excitement in “We won a DAISY with WMC!!!!” says a lot.

The story behind the sentiment says even more.

In December 2023, a car accident sent Dwayne ‘D Dub’ Moenning to the emergency department at Wesley Healthcare in Wichita, Kansas. He was cared for by a Surgical Intensive Care Unit for about a week, but despite efforts to save him, he passed away. Moenning’s family chose to donate their son’s organs. And they wanted his classmates to attend his honor walk. The school is more than an hour’s drive to the hospital.

MTN’s Impact
Midwest Transplant Network staff Midge Dempsey, Family Services Coordinator II, and Nikki Dixon, Hospital Services Coordinator II, work in the Wichita satellite office. They served on the team that supported the Moenning family, and both made an impact.

Dempsey describes her job as supporting families “during one of the worst days of their lives by giving them hope and to allow them to experience joy amidst their pain.”

Dempsey explained that when the time came to approach the Moenning family about donation, they struggled with the decision, but after conversation and explaining the organ donation process, they “eventually verbalized how important it was for D Dub to save lives.” Soon, Dempsey was helping the family plan an honor walk and coordinating efforts to bring classmates and community members from their small town to the hospital.

“They were finding comfort in donation and how D Dub would be honored.”

Earning The DAISY Team Award
The DAISY Team Award is designed to honor collaboration by two or more people, led by a nurse, who identify and meet patient and patient family needs by going above and beyond the traditional role of nursing.

Wesley Healthcare presented The DAISY Team Award to a multi-disciplinary SICU team that included partners and others who had an instrumental role in the Moenning’s story. The ceremony was held May 8, in the heart of National Nurses Week.

“Earning a DAISY Team Award brings validation to my life and reminds me that I am following the path that has been paved for me. This award brings me joy because I know that I was able to provide someone with something they needed at a given time,” said Dempsey.

As a Hospital Services Coordinator, Dixon is responsible for “education, onboarding, policy development and problem-solving. Most importantly, I teach hospital staff when to refer patients to MTN and help facilitate the relationship between the hospital and Midwest Transplant Network.”

Dixon’s thoughts about the honor are similar. “Earning The DAISY Team Award as part of a hospital/MTN team is a blessing. We work very closely with the hospital team and winning an award together is a testament to that partnership.”

There’s another layer to the award for Dixon. “I spent my bedside nursing career in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Wesley, so this hospital is dear to my heart. I am very proud to serve Wesley as their MTN Hospital Services Coordinator. Organ donation saved my late father’s life twice, so I am honored to be part of this mission.”

About The DAISY Award
The DAISY Award was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes in honor of the care he received after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at the age of 33, in 1999. While he was hospitalized, his family “experienced the best of nursing.”

After Barnes died, his wife created the acronym DAISY – Diseases Attacking the Immune System – and the family created a not-for-profit organization, and The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses began at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at the University of Washington Medical Center. The DAISY Award is described as “the first program of its kind to give patients, families, and co-workers a way to express their gratitude to nurses for what they became nurses to do – provide compassionate care to patients and their families.”

The DAISY Award has become a strategic tool for nurse recruitment, retention and resilience that has been adopted by healthcare organizations and schools of nursing in the U.S. and around the world.  Learn more about the program from The DAISY Foundation.

 

 

Two ladies holding certificates in front of a star-themed background.

Midge Dempsey and Nikki Dixon, Midwest Transplant Network, pose with The DAISY Team Award certificates they received at a ceremony at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Four ladies posing for a picture in front of a star-themed background.

Midge Dempsey, Jennifer Scheuber, Amy Keith, Wesley Medical Center, and Nikki Dixon are all smiles at The DAISY Awards celebration.

A group of people holding certificates.

Wesley Healthcare recognized its Surgical Intensive Care Unit with The DAISY Team Award at a ceremony during National Nurses Week.

 

A pressed flower butterfly.

Midwest Transplant Network Presents Annual Awards for Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation Excellence

Midwest Transplant Network staff members recognize their partners in saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation by presenting the annual Excellence in Donation Awards to hospitals, individuals and organizations in our community.

Based on 2023 donation outcomes, Midwest Transplant Network presents the Excellence in Organ and Tissue Donation Awards to hospitals that had a higher-than-average number of families granting authorization for donation. The organization also gives these awards to exceptional partners in hospitals; licensing, treasury and Department of Revenue offices; medical examiner officers; funeral homes and beyond. These individuals made an extraordinary contribution to Midwest Transplant Network’s lifesaving mission.

 

Butterflies and Organ Donation

The butterfly holds deep symbolism in organ, eye and tissue donation. The butterfly is associated with hope, renewal and transformation; just as a caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis to become a butterfly, organ donation represents a transformative process for donor families and transplant recipients – the gift of life that brings hope to those in need.

Award honorees received a beautiful, pressed flower butterfly print by artist Ashley Foster. She believes that flowers symbolize joy, love and gratitude.

 

2024 Excellence in Donation Honorees

Midwest Transplant Network collaborates with 250 hospitals and recognized the following:

Organ and tissue excellence: Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Freeman Health System, Hays Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Saint Luke’s East Hospital, Capital Region Medical Center, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Organ excellence: AdventHealth South Overland Park, Mercy Hospital Joplin, Centerpoint Medical Center, Stormont Vail Health Care, The University of Kansas Health System, Olathe Medical Center, Liberty Hospital, Saint Luke’s North Hospital.

Tissue excellence: Mosaic Life Care, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Salina Regional Health Center, The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, Kansas Medical Center, Nevada Regional Medical Center.

 

In addition to hospitals, Midwest Transplant Network collaborates with countless individuals and teams and recognized the following:

Individual and group honorees: Olivia Zhang, CST, University of Missouri Health Care; Amy Keith, BSN, Wesley Medical Center; Crystal Vail, RN, BSN, Freeman; Ciara Wright, Ph.D, The University of Kansas Health System; Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office; Deborah Washam, RN, MS, Greater Kansas City Black Nurses Association; Anthony Harrington, MD, Blue Sky Neurology, Research Medical Center; Naftali Presser, MD, Research Medical Center; Bhargava Mullapudi, MD, Children’s Mercy Kansas City; Andrew Widman, volunteer Ambassador.

 

About Midwest Transplant Network

Midwest Transplant Network has been connecting lives through organ donation since 1973. As the federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) for Kansas and the western two-thirds of Missouri, Midwest Transplant Network provides services including organ procurement; surgical tissue and eye recovery; laboratory testing; and 24-hour rapid response for referrals from hospital partners. Midwest Transplant Network ranks in the top 10% in the country among OPOs, which reflects the organization’s quality, professionalism and excellence in partnerships throughout the region. For more information, visit mwtn.org.

 

 

A butterfly made of pressed flowers in a photo frame.

A pressed flower butterfly print given to award honorees at MTN’s Excellence in Donation ceremony.

Guests seated at a table at an awards celebration.

Guests at MTN’s annual Excellence in Donation Awards ceremony smile for a photo.

A man at a podium holding a microphone.

Andrew Widman, MTN Ambassador, speaking at the podium at MTN’s Excellence in Donation Awards ceremony.

Bubble ceremony

Excellence in Donation Awards ceremony guests participating in a bubble remembrance.