Transplant Spotlight – Midwest Transplant Network

Sydney Prine was a natural teacher and cheerleader for everyone around her, she believed in kindness and the power of giving.

Sydney Prine: A Heart for Giving

Sydney Prine had a spirit as bright as her smile. She was a cheerleader for others, a natural teacher, and someone who found joy in giving. Her parents, Ginger and Tim, say she learned early on that kindness was a gift worth sharing.

“She figured out that it’s much better to help others and a lot easier to be nice,” her mother, Ginger, said. Sydney carried that lesson with her throughout her life, always looking for ways to lift others up. She especially loved giving presents, eagerly waiting to see the joy on someone’s face when they opened a gift from her.

That’s why, for her family, it was both heartbreaking and beautiful that Sydney’s greatest act of giving came on Christmas Day.

A Life-Saving Gift

At just 23 years old, Sydney had recently accepted her first teaching job—one step closer to her lifelong dream of helping others learn and grow. But in the days leading up to Christmas, she was involved in a tragic car accident.

Her parents were initially told that her heart was too damaged to be donated. But Sydney continued to fight, and over the next few days, she healed enough for her heart to be transplanted on Christmas night.

“She worked and healed her heart, and it was strong enough to be transplanted,” her parents said.

Sydney’s heart gave a grandmother a second chance at life. Her kidneys went to two different men, and she also donated her corneas, skin, ligaments, bone, and blood vessels—helping and healing countless others.

Continuing Sydney’s Legacy

Sydney’s generosity didn’t end with her passing. Her story has inspired many to register as organ donors, including her own family.

“All of us—her parents and her four siblings—are registered donors,” her mother said. “It’s something we will always advocate for. We wouldn’t be able to start to get through this without her giving the gifts she gave.”

Her family believes Sydney’s legacy lives on, not only through the lives she saved but also through the lessons she continues to teach.

“She always wanted to be a teacher,” her mother said. “She’s still teaching. And we’ll help her do that.”

Sydney’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of organ donation. Through her selfless gifts, her kindness continues to shine, bringing hope and healing to so many.

Learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at 18, Steve’s journey has been a roller coaster of challenges.

Steve Richberg has lived with three hearts—the one he was born with and two gifted through the generosity of organ donors. His story is one of resilience, family, and the lifesaving power of organ donation.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

At just 18 years old, Steve was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure. He managed his health for years, but complications eventually led to a stroke, and he was placed on the transplant waiting list.

“We’re high school sweethearts. We’ve been together for 22 years. So, shortly after we started dating is when he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy,” shared his wife, Heather.

The First Transplant

At age 31, Steve received his first heart transplant on August 10, 2016. At the time, their children, Steven Jr. and Jaden, were in sixth and third grade. The surgery gave Steve a second chance at life, allowing him to continue being present for his family.

Another Challenge, Another Gift

In 2022, Steve faced another setback—his transplanted heart was failing. He once again needed the lifesaving gift of organ donation. On April 18, 2022, he received his second heart transplant. By then, his sons were older and had a deeper understanding of what was happening, making the experience even more emotional for their family.

“One of the things we determined was best for our family was to stick together and stay strong. We were very honest with our kids through the entire situation,” Heather explained.

Gratitude and Hope

Through every high and low, Steve has remained deeply grateful for the second and third chances he has been given.

“This journey has its highs and lows and angst, like a roller coaster,” said Steve. “You want to believe everything will go smoothly; you just have no idea of what can come with it.

“I’m extremely grateful as a recipient. My life’s been extended.