Donor Stories

The gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation has a lasting impact on donor families, recipients, recipient families and living donors. Read inspirational stories from families whose loved ones impacted the lives of transplant recipients through the generous gift of donation.

Wyatt Hughes

Big-hearted Wyatt loved helping people, so it was no surprise that he joined the donor registry. His ability to save lives through organ donation has provided a sense of community his family hadn’t expected.

A goofy overthinker who loved fishing, Wyatt Hughes had a big heart. His parents, Jenny and Sean Hughes, describe him as a class clown who liked to help others. It was no surprise to Jenny and Sean that Wyatt made the choice to join the organ and tissue donor registry. “That was all on my son,” Sean said. “I thought very highly of his decision.”

Elly Liebenguth

Elly once told her mother that if anything ever happened to her, she wanted to help other people through organ donation. The fact that she helped save five lives has been instrumental to her family’s healing.

Funny, genuine and full of love, Elly was “one of the kindest people you’ll meet,” according to her mom, Cindy Liebenguth. Elly enjoyed time outdoors hunting and training dogs with her dad. Soon after beginning a nursing program as an honors student, her life was cut short in a moped accident.

Rickey Rayford

With his love for life and infectious smile, Rickey captured the hearts of everyone who knew him. After his sudden loss, a beam of hope shined through with Rickey’s ability to save and enhance the lives of others.

Rickey was known for his life-loving attitude and infectious smile. He loved music, the outdoors, and spending time with close friends and family. He would give not only the shirt off his back, but also his pants and socks to help someone — so it was no surprise when he made the decision to register as an organ, tissue and eye donor.

Read about recipients and the impact their donors made, or tell us about your own personal experience with organ donation.

Recipient Stories Share Your Story

1900 W. 47th Place, Suite 400
Westwood, KS 66205
913-262-1668