Blog – Page 2 – Midwest Transplant Network

Doug Ohlde retires from MTN as corporate pilot.

MTN Staff Spotlight: Doug Ohlde flies into retirement

July 16, 2025/in

Blog

Doug Ohlde was honored at a retirement reception.

Midwest Transplant Network pilot retires knowing he made a difference

Doug Ohlde thrived in a dream career as a pilot. Before joining Midwest Transplant Network in 2011, he spent 30 years in the United States Air Force. He served seven years on active duty and 23 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves retiring as a colonel. His background includes working as a pilot for various organizations.

“I love to fly, and it’s never work when you love what you do,” said Doug. On June 30, he retired after 14 years with MTN as a Corporate Pilot PRN. “I feel that I’ve made a difference in this job, and I’ve enjoyed working with everyone.”

Doug said he especially enjoyed the beauty of flying. “There’s nothing like the wide blue sky and the clouds when you are gliding across the sky.”

Growing up in rural Kansas, Doug was a farm kid with a passion for agriculture. He graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in grain science and industry and is a lifelong Wildcat fan – EMAW! In addition, he earned his MBA in international marketing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Not only is he a pilot, but he also has 35 years of experience working as an independent insurance brokerage.

Doug provided leadership at Farmland Industries, which was the largest agricultural cooperative in North America with domestic and worldwide markets. He was also associated with Cargill Inc., a multinational food and agriculture corporation.

“After a career marked by grit, heart and an unwavering commitment to the mission, we say farewell to a pilot who never hesitated to do whatever it took to safely get the job done,” said MTN Aviation Manager, Lemoine Davis. “Doug’s dedication and work ethic was inspirational, to say the least, and his impact to the department will fly on long after his final landing here at MTN. Thank you for everything — enjoy your well-earned retirement and clear skies ahead.”

During this new chapter of his life, Doug plans to spend time working on projects at the family farm, traveling and doing more things with his three children and their families.

Please join us as we thank Doug for his service to MTN and our country. We wish him all the best in retirement.

A group of men and women posed in front of a tall sculpture that represents the gift of life through organ donation.

MTN Spotlight: MU fraternity donates nearly $9k toward organ donation

July 9, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

A group of men and women posed in front of a vertical sculpture.

Shea Walsh and his mom, Sarah Walsh, presented a donation to Midwest Transplant Network on behalf of Alpha Tau Omega, University of Missouri. The Walshes are pictured with leaders from Midwest Transplant Network.

Representing his college fraternity and donor hero father, Shea Walsh and his mother, Sarah, presented a generous donation of $8,924.90 to Midwest Transplant Network.

Shea is a sophomore at University of Missouri, a member of Alpha Tau Omega – Gamma Rho chapter, and serves as philanthropy chair. The fraternity’s signature fundraising event – a golf tournament and silent auction – had “amazing support” and the “turnout exceeded expectations.” Shea collaborated with Wyatt Oliver, signature event coordinator, on the fundraiser.

Support for a nonprofit
After the tournament, the next step was to choose a nonprofit in Kansas City aligned with organ donation.

“It was a clear decision for me. My late father’s organs were donated through Midwest Transplant Network, so I already had a personal connection to the organization,” he explained. “I brought the idea to our President Jimmy Welsh, Vice President Ben Herweck, and my co-chair Daniel Ross, and they immediately supported the choice without hesitation.”

“This is a full circle moment for us,” said Sarah. “Shea’s dad, Bernard Walsh, died suddenly May 4, 2014. We authorized use of anything viable to Midwest Transplant Network on that date. To know that Shea’s fraternity decided to have an event and only asked that the funds be donated to donor organizations warmed our hearts.

“We are grateful to offer this donation and hopeful that it will help in some way,” she continued.

Shea has similar feelings about being a donor hero family.

“Organ donation, to me, is truly lifesaving. I understand how rare and difficult it can be to receive a match, and that makes every donor even more meaningful. During our event, ATO alumnus Mark McIntosh shared his own emotional story of receiving a kidney transplant. His words reinforced just how critical and powerful organ donation really is.”

Support for public awareness
All contributions to Midwest Transplant Network 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 a decision about organ, eye and tissue donation.

A college-age man and a woman sitting at a conference table.

Shea Walsh and his mom, Sarah Walsh, smile during a conversation at Midwest Transplant Network. The Walshes presented a donation to MTN on behalf of Shea’s fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega, University of Missouri.

An infographic that explains Midwest Transplant Network is No. 4 in the country for organ donation and no. 7 for transplantation rates. Rankings are based on 2023 data provided to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

MTN Ranks Among Top 10 in the Nation

July 7, 2025/in

Blog,
News

/by Midwest Transplant Network

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2025 OPO Annual Public Aggregated Performance Report, which outlines individual organ procurement organization (OPO) performance in 2023, the most current year that data is available.

The report notes that of 55 federally certified U.S. OPOs:

30 — including Midwest Transplant Network — are Tier 1 (54%)
16 are Tier 2 (29%)
10 are Tier 3 (18%)

This report ranks all OPOs into one of three tiers based on donation and transplantation rates. Tier 1 OPOs have the upper 95% confidence limit at or above the top 25th percentile cutoff for both the donation and transplantation rates. Each OPO’s tier ranking also has a letter associated: A is the highest possible performance in a tier, and E is the lowest.

Midwest Transplant Network is No. 4 in the nation for organ donation and No. 7 for transplantation rates; it has been among the top OPOs for both rates all four years the report has been released.

“Being a high-performing organ procurement organization means we are doing all the right things when it comes to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Midwest Transplant Network is truly dedicated to being innovative in our care of donor heroes and in our support of donor families. We are committed to working with hospitals and transplant centers to make a positive impact toward donation and transplantation, and we are focused on awareness and being inclusive of all the communities we serve across Kansas and western Missouri,” said Jan Finn, RN, MSN, President & Chief Executive Officer.

Midwest Transplant Network’s assessment rating in Tier 1A reflects the quality, professionalism and excellence in partnerships throughout Kansas and western Missouri, as well as the incredible generosity of organ, eye and tissue donors and their families. It also reflects the commitment MTN staff have toward the mission of saving lives by honoring the gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation.

To learn more about Midwest Transplant Network and the importance of becoming a registered organ donor, please visit mwtn.org

Midwest Transplant Network is among the nation’s top 10, ranking no. 4 in organ donation and no. 7 in transplantation rates.

Lisa Cummins Shares Her Reflections on Purpose and Legacy at Midwest Transplant Network

July 2, 2025/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Midwest Transplant Network Quality Assurance Coordinator II, Lisa Cummins, ASQ-CQIA, tells her story of a 42-year career at MTN and what it means to her.

In 1982, Lisa Cummins answered a newspaper ad for a receptionist role at Midwest Transplant Network. Despite initially failing the typing test, her perfect resume earned her a chance — a decision that would lead to a lifelong commitment to the organization and its mission.

In early July, Lisa will wrap up a 42-year career, one that she knew made a difference every day. Over four decades, Lisa held nearly 10 different roles, steadily rising through the ranks, driven by a sense of purpose and a passion for helping others.

Why did Lisa stay at MTN for all those years? “I’ve been blessed to make a difference in somebody’s life every single day,” said Lisa. “There’s nothing more rewarding than that. I’ve stayed because of the culture and the people I’ve worked with at MTN.”

From the early days of donor cards to today’s first-person authorization, Lisa witnessed the evolution of organ, eye and tissue donation firsthand. Her own experience as a two-time recipient for breast reconstruction after cancer brought the mission full circle. It deepened her empathy and commitment to the organization.

Lisa said she’s not a public speaker, but she has been asked to share her story during National Donate Life Month in April. “Sometimes tissue donor families don’t get to meet the recipients,” said Lisa. “I feel like I’m the face of a recipient to those tissue donor families they can see. These families might not understand what a difference a tissue donation makes. Their loved one wasn’t just a tissue donor. Tissue is just as vital as organ transplants.”

What will retirement look like for Lisa? She plans to fill her days with travel, golf and cooking lessons. Her desire to give back remains strong.

Lisa plans to stay involved by volunteering at events like MTN’s Donate Life Legacy Walk, and continue to advocate for organ, eye and tissue donation.

We wish Lisa all the best in retirement.

Midwest Transplant Network’s Laboratory Services,

Three Times the Excellence: MTN Lab Aces ASHI Inspection with Zero Deficiencies

June 19, 2025/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Midwest Transplant Network’s Laboratory Services staff celebrated with ice cream after it earned zero deficiencies in its recent inspection by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) — marking its third consecutive flawless review.

Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) is proud to announce that its Laboratory Services has once again demonstrated its exceptional standards and commitment to excellence, earning an outstanding review during a recent onsite inspection by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI).

“I’m proud to announce that the laboratory inspection concluded with zero deficiencies — marking our third consecutive ASHI inspection with no citations,” said Chief of Laboratory Services, Christina Bishop, MT (ASCP), PhD, F(ACHI).

The outstanding result reflects the laboratory team’s unwavering dedication, deep expertise and pursuit of excellence. “When I say we have one of the best laboratories in the country, it’s not just a statement — it’s a fact recognized by our peers and accrediting organizations alike,” Bishop added.

ASHI, along with the College of American Pathologists (CAP), is one of the premier accrediting bodies for MTN’s laboratory. The rigorous evaluations ensure that Midwest Transplant Network continues to meet and exceed the highest standards in histocompatibility and immunogenetics.

In celebration, the Laboratory Services team chose to mark the occasion with an ice cream sundae bar — a sweet reward for their hard work and dedication. Smiles and sprinkles were in abundance as the team enjoyed a well-deserved moment of joy.

Congratulations to Laboratory Services for their continued effort to provide outstanding service and patient care in support of saving and enhancing lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.

Laboratory Services staff enjoyed sweet treats to celebrate.

Janet Maxey and Jessica Rogers, both proud MTN employees, celebrated our superhero-themed Skills Day by skydiving together

Soaring for a Cause: MTN Employees Take Flight to Celebrate Organ Donation

June 17, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Janet Maxey and Jessica Rogers, both proud MTN employees, celebrated our superhero-themed Skills Day by skydiving together.

At Midwest Transplant Network, we often talk about how our team members are superheroes, showing up each day to give hope and share life. Two of those real-life heroes decided to embody that message in a bold, unforgettable way.

Family Services Coordinators, Janet Maxey and Jessica Rogers, both proud MTN employees, celebrated our superhero-themed Town Hall Skills Day by skydiving together, wearing their MTN organ donation T-shirts and superhero capes (at least on the ground). What better way to symbolize stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing life to the fullest?

For Janet, this was a long-time dream come true.

“I have always wanted to sky dive!! Jessica asked if I would like to go with her and I literally jumped at the chance. This was my first time to jump!”

Jessica, on the other hand, was already a seasoned skydiver. This marked her third time taking the leap.

“My first experience was in 2019 with a neighbor who had skydiving on her bucket list and no one else eager to join her,” she said. “This was my first skydive and big adventure activity with Janet — and I think you might find us up there again sometime!”

Both described the experience as exhilarating and deeply meaningful.

Janet said, “It was so amazing, better than I imagined! It was odd to me that I felt no hesitation or fear. I asked Jessica if I could go first so I couldn’t chicken out, but it turned out I was not a chicken. I was brave, confident and excited to do this!”

Jessica added, “It really is a little terrifying, getting yourself to the door. Once you are outside of the plane, it is hard to describe, but for me I feel truly present in that moment and inspired — the power of awe! My mind feels free to take in the view, the sounds of the wind, the feel of the temperature changes with the altitude. Other thoughts are temporarily quiet.”

Their choice to wear MTN gear, including capes, was no accident. As Janet put it, “The theme for Skills Day was superheroes, and I feel like in our roles it does force us to be outside our comfort zones, much like skydiving, so it seemed fitting to wear our capes and truly fly like superheroes.”

Jessica shared that she often wears MTN gear and felt honored to represent the organization during such a bold experience.

“I am really proud of the incredible mission and work that we do each and every day. Janet and I shared the message of organ, eye and tissue donation, and our excitement for the upcoming Skills Day and the theme of ‘the superheroes of MTN.’ We both enjoy a costume-wearing opportunity.”

For both women, the highlight wasn’t just the adrenaline rush, it was sharing the moment with each other.

“The best part was sharing this exhilarating experience of skydiving with my dear friend and colleague, Janet,” Jessica said. “I truly admire her personal and professional care and thoughtfulness as well as her adventurous spirit.”

Janet agreed, adding, “The best part was the feeling of accomplishment — showing myself I can really do anything. I felt proud of myself and ever so happy. I could not stop smiling.”

As for what’s next? Janet says she’s already planning a surprise skydive with her family. And based on the look in their eyes after landing, we’re pretty sure this won’t be their last jump together.

No age limit to becoming a donor hero

May 30, 2025/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Clifford and Mary Hammond

May is Older Americans Month and Midwest Transplant Network is sharing this story to illustrate that you are never too old to be a registered organ, eye or tissue donor.

Mary Hammond was always proud of her work as a forensic chemist. She worked on a number of cases, including high-profile cases covered by the media.

Why was being an organ, eye and tissue donor important to Mary?

A life of helping others

“You would have to know Mary,” her husband, Clifford, chuckled. “She would stop young girls all the time and tell them to get an education. She believed all women should have the same opportunities she did. She thought if she could get an education, others could, too.”

Mary and Clifford were married almost 16 years ago. They were both registered as organ, eye and tissue donors long before they tied the knot.

Mary was a caring and giving person and always wanted to help others. At age 75, Mary’s legacy to help others continued after she passed away in 2024. She was able to save two lives with the donation of her liver and kidneys. Her case was unique in that both kidneys went to the same recipient—an 82-year-old female.

Donor heroes

In 2024, MTN helped facilitate organ donations from 28 donor heroes aged 70 to 80, and three donor heroes between 80 and 90 years old. So far this year, five donor heroes aged 70 to 90 have given the gift of hope and shared life.

Melissa Ott, NP-C, Senior Director of Organ Procurement Services at MTN said, “The liver is the most likely organ to be transplanted in individuals over the age of 70.”

What is the one thing people should know about being a registered organ, eye and tissue donor? “You are never too old to save a life through organ donation,” said Ott.

Giving hope and sharing life

“We have a large number of donors over the age of 80,” said MTN Director of Donation Services, Cassie Anthony. “This year alone, 94 tissue and eye donor heroes were between the ages 80-90 years old. Donors in this age range are eligible for bone and dermis donation. Eighty is the maximum age for corneas, so that is also an option at times.”

Last year, MTN had 357 tissue and eye donors between the ages of 70-80 and 138 tissue donor heroes between the ages of 81-90 years old.

What is old age?

The perception of old age can vary greatly from person to person across cultures. Depending on the source, old is defined as when a person is 80 or 85.

This age range is supported in the Harris Poll’s “New Age of Aging” report. While age 60 was considered old in our grandparents’ time, 80 is the median age considered old today.

Reflecting on why it’s important to be a registered organ, eye and tissue donor, Clifford said, “When I see God on judgement day my organs are no longer any good to me. They should go to people who need them.”

Register today

Mary and Clifford’s stories demonstrate that there isn’t an age limit to becoming a registered organ, eye or tissue donor. People of all ages can give hope and share life as a donor hero. You can register at sharelifemidwest.com.

Why I Walk: We Walk to Honor Our Hero

May 20, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Excerpt: Brayden Becerra was well known and loved for many reasons. His greatest gift in life and beyond was being a giver.

Brayden “Chewey” Becerra came from a large family. He had a great smile, a sense of humor and made a tremendous impact on his relatives and friends.

You could see the difference he made to others throughout his life. When he passed in September 2024, more than 1,000 people paid their respects during his honor walk and funeral service.

First Donate Life Legacy Walk

“We are walking at the MTN Donate Life Legacy Walk to create awareness about how important it is to donate your organs and save the lives of others,” said Brayden’s mother, Stephanie Becerra. “God gave us the opportunity to help others and extend their lives.”

Stephanie says her family prays the donor recipient is doing well. “We hope the organ recipient’s family can avoid the pain of losing a loved one with Brayden’s gifts.”

An Immense Pride

The family is proud that Brayden was a registered organ, eye and tissue donor. He joined the registry when he got his driver’s license at 16. “It was 100% his decision,” said Stephanie. “He was a true giver even at that young age.”

Brayden was very close to his siblings Zach and Breanna. “He was a great person and always so giving,” Breanna said. “He took great care of his body and was able to donate six organs.”

What is one thing Brayden’s family wants people to know? “It’s never too late to become a registered organ, eye and tissue donor,” said Stephanie. “He was a donor hero, and this is the kind of man his family and friends will remember him being.”

Donate Life Legacy Walk is June 7

Midwest Transplant Network invites you to join us for our annual Donate Life Legacy Walk on June 7, from 6-9 p.m. This free community event features a live concert, food trucks with items for purchase, our Tribute Trail honoring donor heroes and transplant warriors, and the opportunity for those impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation to gather together at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Come celebrate the gift of life while helping raise awareness about the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors.

The Donate Life Legacy Walk does not include a formal, timed walking event. Participants are encouraged to walk the Tribute Trail at their leisure. A path is lined with Tribute Trail signs, giving donor and recipient families the opportunity to stroll the site in celebration and remembrance.

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/KansasCity/MTNLegacyWalk

MTN Staff Spotlight: Meet Dr. Partlow, an exclusive Fellow

May 13, 2025/in

Blog,
News

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Dr. David Partlow

Dr. David Partlow is Associate HLA Laboratory Director at Midwest Transplant Network. In March, he became a member of an exclusive group of less than 200 individuals worldwide with the prestigious title of Fellow of the American College of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics F(ACHI).

To earn this achievement, a Director must possess an in-depth understanding of the clinical benefits and limitations of high-complexity histocompatibility testing. They must demonstrate the ability to apply this expertise on a case-by-case basis when working with other clinical professionals. It requires two to four years of full-time post-doctoral laboratory training in an HLA Lab, completion of an extensive case study portfolio, passing the ACHI examination and verbal interview by peers.

Let’s learn more about Dr. Partlow.

Why did you decide to pursue this designation?
To be a high-complexity lab director in this subspecialty you must have certain credentials. This is one of the credentials approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to be qualified as a high complexity lab director in Histocompatibility. There are less than 200 people with this credential.

How would you explain what histocompatibility and immunogenetics mean to a 12-year-old?
It is the part of the body’s immune system, or defense system, that helps the body determine self from non-self. The immune system is like a security team that protects the body. All cells have an ID badge called MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex).

If a patient receives an organ transplant or bone marrow transplant from another person whose ID badge is different, the immune system (security team) will try to deny entry by attacking it. Essentially, histocompatibility means how well someone else’s ID badge matches yours. The better the match, the more likely your body will accept the transplant without attacking it.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work at MTN?
Being directly involved with patient care in driving the mission in transplantation.

What is a fun fact most people wouldn’t know about you?
I lived in Texas most of my life, but I am a Jersey boy, and I don’t care for country music.

Dr. Partlow joined MTN in November 2021. He has a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from The University of Texas Medical Branch.

Congratulations, Dr. Partlow! Midwest Transplant Network is proud of your dedication and accomplishment.

Donor Hero, Transplant Warrier, MTN Legacy Walk 2025

Why I Walk: The Annual Walk Means Everything to this Mom

May 7, 2025/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Ryan and Natalie Stoway

The first Saturday in June isn’t just a regular weekend. It’s a day filled with hundreds of people gathering to honor and celebrate the lives of donor heroes, transplant recipients, people who are waiting for a transplant, and many others at the annual Midwest Transplant Network Donate Life Legacy Walk in Kansas City, Missouri.

The event means different things to the people who are walking. MTN Ambassador Alexis Stoway says, “I walk at the Legacy Walk every year for both my children. My daughter, Natalie, is a kidney and a tissue recipient, and my son, Ryan, was a donor hero when he passed in 2021. He was able to donate a tendon and a ligament to his sister, and she received it in her knee.”

After losing her son Ryan, Alexis said she finds her emotions go up and down. “I know that for three hours on that day, during the Legacy Walk, that I’m at peace. It’s amazingly incredible to see the donor hero families celebrating their loved ones, and then you see the recipients also celebrating their second chance, their second chance at life, their second chance at recovery, their second chance at sight. Seeing all of them and everybody from every walk of life, no matter who you are, it doesn’t matter because everybody is there for one reason.”

Part of the team
Who joins Alexis during the walk? “Family, friends, Ryan’s friends, Natalie’s friends, everybody that wants to celebrate. My kids, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends,” she said. “There’s been anywhere from 40 to 70 of us in our group. That’s what we come to do and it’s a place for everybody to be together as one.”

Alexis said it brings a lot of comfort knowing that a donor hero is not forgotten and is still appreciated whether it’s 10, 15 or 20 years down the road. They’re still being celebrated for the gifts they have given.

Her mission
Alexis and her family proudly wear their MTN T-shirts when they are out, or at school and even on vacation. The family is happy to participate in the conversations that start because of their shirts, and the Donate Life green bracelets they wear that honor donors and give hope to those waiting for the gift of life.

“We wore our Give Hope Share Life sweatshirts at Dollywood recently. We were stopped twice by people there. One person was waiting for a liver and thanked us for bringing awareness and for also wearing our green ribbons. Another person had a liver transplant 20 years ago. He had never seen anybody wear anything like that and he was so proud.”

Ryan’s parents and sister join the MTN Legacy Walk every year.

Plan to join us
Midwest Transplant Network invites you to join us for the ninth annual Donate Life Legacy Walk on Saturday, June 7, from 6–9 p.m. at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. The celebration welcomes donor hero families, transplant recipients, people who are on the waiting list and many more who support the mission of organ, eye and tissue donation.

This year, the live concert features local band Twice on Sunday, several food trucks with snacks and meals for purchase, the MTN Tribute Trail honoring loved ones, and the opportunity to make memories. The walk is in a new spot at the Memorial. Look for us on the south lawn near the entrance. There are lots of trees for more shade, a natural amphitheater and a smaller, cozier space. Please plan to attend and celebrate the gift of life while helping raise awareness about the importance of being an organ, eye and tissue donor. Learn more and register for the Legacy Walk at mwtn.org/legacy-walk

Watch and listen

Take a moment to watch and listen as Alexis tells us why she walks.