Recipient Stories

Organ, eye and tissue donations can have a lasting impact on transplant recipients and their loved ones. Hear real-life stories from individuals who have received lifesaving and life-enhancing transplants, thanks to the generosity of donors and their families.

Real-life stories of organ and tissue donation (Midwest Transplant Network, Kansas and Missouri)

Brendan Elam

After being knocked off the waiting list several times because he was too sick for a transplant, Brendan’s second chance came and he received the new liver that would save his life.

Brendan was born with a genetic disorder that eventually led to liver failure. In March 2012, he was placed on the liver transplant list, and the wait for him and his family began. After being knocked off the list several times because he was too sick for a transplant, his second chance came and Brendan received the transplant that would save his life.

Tiffany White & Daisetta Huggens

Daisetta struggled on dialysis for 11 years and insisted that her daughter, Tiffany, not consider becoming a living donor so she could live her own life without sacrifice. But Tiffany wanted her mom back.

Daisetta desperately needed a kidney transplant but insisted that her daughter, Tiffany, not consider donating. “I wanted her to live her life, have children and not sacrifice for me,” Daisetta said.

Gary Class

Years ago, before Thanksgiving, Gary planned his own funeral as he lost his optimism for the liver transplant he needed. Now every Thanksgiving, Gary is more than grateful for his gift of life.

“I thought for sure I wasn’t going to make it,” Gary said. “Just walking across the room was a chore for me, but since my liver transplant, I get to chase my grandchildren and be with my children and wife."

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Read about donor families and the impact their loved ones made, or tell us about your own personal experience with organ donation.

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