Donor Spotlight – Midwest Transplant Network

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

January 14, 2026/in

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.”

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.”

Era’shae Johnson became a Donor Hero in October 2022.

Honoring Era’shae: A Mother’s Tribute to Her Donor Hero Daughter

August 6, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

Aisha Johnson talks about her daughter Era’shae, who became a Donor Hero in October 2022.

At the 2025 Donate Life Legacy Walk, a crowd of over 100 people gathered under a single banner — Warriors for Era’shae. Among them stood Aisha Johnson, walking in honor of her daughter, Era’shae, who became a Donor Hero in October 2022.

Era’shae was more than a nurse. She was a caregiver, a joy-bringer, and in Aisha’s words, “such a beautiful soul.”

When tragedy struck, Era’shae’s family honored her wish to become a tissue donor, a decision that gave healing and hope to people she would never meet.

“She always lived to help others,” Aisha shared. “It didn’t surprise me that she wanted to keep giving, even after she was gone.”

That same giving spirit lives on through her loved ones. “All I had to say was, we come to walk for Shay. And they showed up,” Aisha said, reflecting on the more than 100 people who rallied around her during the Legacy Walk.

The day was emotional. Full of tears, laughter and reflection. Through it all, Aisha carried the joy of knowing her daughter’s legacy lives on through donation and the lives she’s touched.

You can hear Aisha’s story in her own words by watching the video below.

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.

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

January 29, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joe Hecht, donor hero, wearing a white button-down shirt with a grey and maroon tie.

MTN Donor Hero to be Honored on OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade Float, Jan. 1

December 4, 2024/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Joe Hecht, donor hero, Midwest Transplant Network

It’s the time of year for holidays, celebrations and parades on TV!

Midwest Transplant Network is proud to co-sponsor the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade® float and honor a donor hero from our area with a floragraph portrait on the float.

Donor Hero Joe Hecht
MTN chose donor hero Joe Hecht of Sturgeon, Mo., as the 2025 Rose Parade honoree.

Joe was 38, a son, husband and father. He died in July 2020 and donated his kidneys at MU Health Care in Columbia, Mo., saving the lives of two people.

Growing up, his mother, Sheila Hecht, served in the Navy. They lived in Florida and Washington, experiencing the world along the way. Baseball, working on cars and “California Love” by Tupac were his vibe. He enjoyed a life of adventure with his wife, Melissa, taking trips to the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu in Peru. Joe loved being outside with their young daughters, Elena and Isabelle.

“We are proud of Joe’s legacy as an organ donor. We always talk about daddy. He’s a hero. We are thankful to be invited to represent Joe at the Rose Parade®. It’ll be a wonderful memory for our family,” said Melissa Hecht.

Floragraph Portrait
All Rose Parade floats must be covered with flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark.

The OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade® float features numerous floragraphs – portraits made entirely of organic materials – remembering donors from around the country. The floragraphs are created by volunteers. To allow the families to be part of the experience, a small portion of the floragraph is left incomplete so the family can add the final touches.

In November, MTN hosted a floragraph ceremony for the Hechts to complete Joe’s portrait. The ceremony welcomed family, friends and representatives from MU Health Care.

The Hechts will participate in parade events hosted by OneLegacy, the organ procurement organization of southern California. They’ll get to see Joe’s floragraph on the float ahead of the parade and watch from the grandstand as the float travels down the route.

About the Parade & Float
The 2025 Rose Parade® theme is Best Day Ever.

The OneLegacy Donate Life float theme is Let Your Life Soar, inspired by the Japanese celebration of Children’s Day. The float will feature a vibrant scene of colorful koi nobori, or windsocks shaped like fish, flying over a garden of flowering trees, stone lanterns and a bridge. Streamers will bear a family crest, followed by koi nobori in a sequence representing father, mother and children. In Japan, “koi fish represent strength, courage and health. These same attributes define those who chose to give the gift of life, as well as their families and recipients.” The scales of the koi fish are floral portraits, or floragraphs, representing donor heroes.

Learn more about the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade® float.

Watch the Parade
The 2025 OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade® float will be featured during the 136th Rose Parade® on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8 a.m. PST. The Rose Parade will broadcast live in the U.S. on NBC, ABC and Univision; please check your local broadcast listings for details.

A display table with framed portraits, a vase filled with flowers and a rendering of the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float 2025.

MTN hosted a floragraph finishing ceremony for the Hecht family as part of the Rose Parade experience.

A floragraph portrait of Joe Hecht, a donor hero from Sturgeon, Mo. The floragraph will be featured on the OneLegacy Donate Life Rose Parade float on Jan. 1, 2025.

A bouquet of flowers in the foreground and a woman getting a hug in the background.

Melissa Hecht gets a hug from a friend during the floragraph ceremony for her husband, Joe Hecht.

Honoring the “Coolest 3-Year-Old” in Support of Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

January 13, 2021/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

According to Matt Hampel, his youngest daughter, Ryan, was a force to be reckoned with: She was cool, polite, loving and smart, with a smile that could light up any room.

When 3-year-old Ryan’s life was tragically cut short in a multi-car crash, Matt and Ryan’s mother made the courageous and selfless decision to donate her organs so that others could live. Matt said that, “while you feel like everything around you is going wrong, you have an obligation to do what’s right.”

Just a few weeks after Ryan’s death, friends of Matt’s organized a baseball tournament to honor Ryan and support Matt, who had been severely injured in the same crash. In the three years since, Matt and his wife, Heather, have organized the tournament and grown it exponentially, generously donating all proceeds to Midwest Transplant Network. They held their biggest tournament yet in August 2020, featuring 67 teams and raising nearly $30,000 — amid a pandemic, nonetheless.

Matt credits the people in his support system for not only helping him and Heather process Ryan’s death, but also for teaching Matt’s other children the importance of family, even if members of that “family” are not connected by blood.

“We took Ryan everywhere, and everybody knew her, and everybody knows my other two girls,” he said. “I have an obligation for them to be exposed and to see the good people we have around us.”

Although the Ryan Grace Memorial Baseball Tournament is already a huge success each year, Heather said she and Matt are determined to continually improve it, creating an even greater impact on their community.

“We hope Ryan knows that we’re doing the best we can and that we are trying to spread the message of being kind,” she said.

If he could talk to Ryan today, Matt would make sure she knows exactly how loved she continues to be — by himself, her sisters, Heather and so many people in the community. “For as little as she was,” he said, “she had such a huge crater that she left.”

To learn more about the Ryan Grace Memorial Baseball Tournament, visit ryangracememorial.org.