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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

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.

MTN Staff Spotlight – Andrea Starks

September 10, 2024/in

/by Mitch Weber

Andrea Starks is a Quality Assurance Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network (MTN).

Meet Andrea Starks

She began at MTN as a temporary worker in March of 2007, with no prior clinical experience or knowledge of organ and tissue recovery, but quickly fell in love with the close-knit, family-like atmosphere. Now a full-time member, Andrea’s daily work involves gathering and sharing information to support healthy tissue donation and transplantation. She humorously likens her role to that of a sleuth, juggling many tasks.

Andrea’s time at MTN has profoundly changed her, making her more aware of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. As a bone graft recipient herself, Andrea deeply values organ donation, as it gave her a second chance at life through donation.

Why did you want to work at MTN?

I lucked into MTN. My friend used to work here and asked if I could temp for about 12 weeks while someone was on medical leave…and I never left! I was a blank slate when I started; no clinical background and no organ/tissue recovery or transplant knowledge. I just knew I liked the close family feel/ mom and pop culture. I never guessed in a million years MTN would ask me to stay.

What is a day like for a Quality Assurance Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network?

Lots of pokers in lots of fires! We spend all day collecting and sharing information to support healthy tissue donation and transplant. Lol–I never thought I’d be a sleuth in this lifetime but here I am being okay-ish at it!

Tell me about your experience at MTN and how it’s changed you.

There are good and bad traits I’ve picked up over the years: I’m more aware of death and how it sometimes happens confusingly fast so I definitely worry more. I’m paranoid my asthma is going to take me out at any moment! I also love harder and appreciate the act of giving and getting time with family and friends way more than anything else.

How do you live the MTN mission?

I love the idea of treating everyone with dignity and respect anyway. We don’t know anyone’s story until we are given those privileges. There are heroes among us everywhere!

What does organ donation mean to you?

I am a bone graft recipient who would have died without my donor’s gift. I was in a car accident in 2001. My face hit the door frame when I was thrown out of the car and fractured my 2 front teeth. The hairline fracture was missed when I was getting veneers. 10 years later, the infection broke through my gum wall. This infection had compromised the bone housing my front teeth—so, I got a bone graft to hold my implants. I get to live this wonderful life and be all the things to all my people because of this second chance. It means everything.

How do you spend your weekends?

Usually on the go! We have a 13-year-old son who plays soccer and has a small mowing business he takes very seriously. We also have a 12-year-old daughter who has a slight Target addiction and plays on 2 competitive soccer teams…lots of practice, lots of games! We also like to go to our parents’ too so kids can see their grands.

What’s the last adventure or vacation you’ve been on?

While in Florida, we took a pontoon out to Crab Island and spent the day paddle boarding and relaxing on a floating water pad. AND fighting jellyfish! They were everywhere and we all got stung! It was brutal and exciting!!

If you could spend your entire paycheck on something that’s not a bill, what would it be?

I’ve gotten sucked into the time warp that is Hobby Lobby too many times to not be embarrassed. I imagine endless possibilities of necessary items I could toss my whole paycheck at if bills weren’t chasing after me!

MTN Staff Spotlight – Ashley Woodin

August 14, 2024/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Ashley Woodin is a Laboratory Support Coordinator with Midwest Transplant Network since 2016.

August is National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, a collaborative initiative to save and improve the quality of life of diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Midwest Transplant Network will recognize and support National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month with original content featuring voices who represent diversity and the mission to give hope and share life. We hope you enjoy the perspectives of our friends!

Meet Ashley Woodin

Ashley Woodin is a Laboratory Support Coordinator and joined Midwest Transplant Network in October 2016 – one day after her birthday. She is a mom, a cyclist and enjoys new experiences. On any given day at MTN, you’ll see Ashley on her way to the outpatient lab, full of energy and always with a smile to help care for a person who is waiting for a transplant and needs a lab test.

What’s your career experience in health care?

Before I worked at MTN, I worked at North Kansas City Hospital as a cardiology technician. I saved two lives by noticing heart rhythm patterns from patient Holter monitors.

Where’d you go to college?

I have a Bachelor of Arts in biology and a master’s in healthcare administration, both from Park University.

Who is the first person you met in college? Are you still friends?

Serena Franklin. We’ve been friends for 15 years. She’s my best friend, and she works at MTN. She’s worked here for five years. When we’re at work, we are focused on work, but we are best friends.

You’ve been invited to career day at a middle school. How would you explain your job to the students?

Organ transplantation is like giving someone a special gift – an organ, like a heart or kidney – that helps their body work better. Donation is when someone decides to give their organs after they pass away to help others live longer and healthier lives. It’s a bit like being a superhero by saving lives even after you’re gone. Midwest Transplant Network is like a group of real-life heroes. We work to make sure organs from generous donors get safely to people who need them. It’s like a team of helpers ensuring that the gift of life reaches those who need it most.

How has working in this field influenced your perspective? What does organ donation mean to you?

As a Laboratory Support Coordinator, I support the transplant process and impact patient care and organ matching. My responsibilities include assisting with phlebotomy, managing lab supplies, and ensuring timely and accurate blood draws, collaborating with hospital coordinators, communicating with lab staff for urgent testing needs and more.

Working in this field has given me a unique perspective on the critical need for organ donations, the impact on recipients’ lives, and challenges within the healthcare system. It also gives insight into ethical considerations like equitable organ allocation, consent, and the balance between saving lives and respecting donor wishes. Also, the emotional aspect of organ donation. It’s a process that involves both the joy of saving lives and the grief associated with loss, creating a complex mix of emotions for both healthcare professionals and families involved.

Organ donation is a powerful means of giving someone a second chance at life. It’s a sense of fulfillment and purpose knowing that my work contributes to saving lives and improving the well-being of others.

August is National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month. How would you use your experience as a Black woman working in organ donation to encourage people from diverse racial and ethnic communities to learn more and register as donors?

There is mistrust and a history of mistrust in healthcare among multiethnic communities, and I understand. I volunteered at MTN’s booth for Juneteenth at 18th & Vine to share information about organ donation. I had to ask myself “Why should they trust me?” while explaining what I know to be true about organ donation and sharing facts.

Also, knowing what I know…people are dying who look like me. Children who look like my kids are dying, so if we don’t step up and register to be an organ donor, we’re never going to give hope to someone else or give hope to another person in need. It’s important to be informed and educated about organ donation, to learn and understand, and trust your heart.

What’s your connection, or experience, with patients who come to MTN for tests? Can you share a story to explain?

I hear their stories, their struggles, trials and tribulations on their journey. They just want someone to listen. I’ve gotten close to a patient over the years, and I’ve learned about her life. She’s an author and a three-time kidney recipient.

Some of the patients have the most positive outlook, even though they’re waiting for a transplant and might not be doing so well. Or they received a transplant and now they’re much better and they’re still positive. For example, I have a patient who is doing much better after a kidney transplant. He tells me stories about going fishing with his grandkids and living his life.

And there are some patients who ask for me when they come in for tests, and that’s nice.

I like working on behalf of the patients, communicating with coordinators and doctors. I make sure I do my job well and completely because it means someone gets a second chance, and it means that someone needs me to be an advocate for them.

You’re a cyclist. What piqued your interest in cycling?

The freedom of movement, the joy of exploring new places, the physical benefits, and the sense of camaraderie within the cycling community. When you ride, you can let your mind go to a different place.

What’s been your longest ride distance?

The longest ride was 73 miles, the Bacon Ride in Iowa. It was a summer ride with stops along the way with music.

Most memorable ride – good or bad?

It was a 50-mile ride from Prairie Village, Kansas, to Lee’s Summit, Raytown and Independence in Missouri, then back to Prairie Village. I didn’t eat well. My legs cramped so bad, I stopped in Kansas City and got a ride back to my car. That was a bad bike ride.

What’s your advice for anyone who might want to try cycling?

My advice to newcomers is to start gradually, get the right equipment, and get fitted for a bike for your height and length of your legs. When you’re riding, find enjoyment in the process rather than being focused only on performance. And, pickle juice helps with leg cramps.

What’s the best concert you’ve been to?

Rob Zombie. It was theatrical and unexpected to me.

What songs are you listening to?

I like a mixture of genres of music. I’m listening to Billie Holiday, Chris Stapleton, John Coltrane and Elvis Presley. I’m not a music snob.

It’s summer. Do you have a favorite summer memory?

Taking my kids on trips over the years. I’ve taken my kids to lots of places, and we’ve been to Disney a few times. This summer, my daughter turned 16, and that’s exciting!

If you could spend your entire paycheck on something that’s not a bill, what would it be?

I’d travel! I’d go on a wine and food tour in Europe and take my mom with me.

An Air Force pilot sitting in the cockpit of a military aircraft.

MTN Staff Spotlight – Kelly Timmermann

March 27, 2024/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Kelly Timmermann can fly. She’s a Corporate Pilot PIC I for Midwest Transplant Network. Her career began as an Air Force pilot and she retired as Lt. Col. Timmermann in late 2023.

March is Women’s History Month, designated by presidential proclamation in 1980. Now, Women’s History Month is an annual observance to highlight the achievements, contributions, influence and impact of women.

Midwest Transplant Network recognizes and celebrates the diversity of our staff. We appreciate sharing the stories of staff who represent different experiences that positively impact our culture and mission.

Kelly Timmermann, Corporate Pilot PIC I

Kelly Timmermann can fly. From the Air Force to Midwest Transplant Network, her career as a pilot has taken her around the world and across the country. In late 2023, Lt. Col. Timmermann retired from the Air Force after 23 years as a pilot, having experienced 13 deployments and 1,940 combat hours. She joined MTN in 2022 as a Corporate Pilot PIC I, responsible for transporting teams to cases in the mission of saving and enhancing lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.

In 50 words or less, explain your job in the Air Force like you’re talking to someone without a military background.

I began my Air Force journey as an intelligence analyst. After two years, I switched my career path to become a pilot. I primarily flew an air refueling airplane, the KC-135. But I also had the opportunity to fly distinguished passengers in the Gulfstream IV and Gulfstream V aircraft, with many leadership roles along the way.

What influence did female mentors, role models or colleagues have on your military service, education or life in general?

Most of my superiors, mentors and colleagues were men. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and leadership over the years. But you asked about women, and my very best friendships have been amazing women – family, Air Force friends, and high school friends. I’ve had a solid support network, sounding board, and sometimes a good kick in the pants (when warranted) from my ladies. Having someone invest in your success whole-heartedly is validating and empowering. I owe my success to those who believed in me.

March is Women’s History Month. What does it mean to you to have had a successful career as a pilot in the Air Force?

I am proud that I was able to choose a path in the Air Force that allowed me both professional and personal progression. Professionals of all backgrounds face difficult decisions to balance family and work-life. Women have the added consideration of bearing children. Choosing to be an Air Force pilot was one of the biggest decisions of my life. I knew it would mean frequent travel and moving, and I knew it was possible I would do it alone. It’s tough to meet people when you’re not in a place that’s home. I’m a little amazed and grateful that I was able to navigate a career, have a family and meet my goals as a pilot, but I did it!

What motivated you to become a pilot? What kept you motivated?

I didn’t consider a pilot career until I was in the Air Force. I knew it was a marketable skill and I was fascinated to find a professional path that would give me an office in an airplane! I’ve always been aware of long-term stability and choosing a job was another item for consideration. There is a huge need for pilots, and that equates to long-term stability. As for motivation, that’s the only way I know how to do things…to be motivated.

Where’d you train to become a pilot?

I trained for my private pilot’s license at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. My Air Force Undergraduate Pilot training was at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas.

What’s your advice to women who want to pursue aviation?

Make it happen. If you are willing to work for it, it is achievable!

If your career imitated a movie, which movie would it be?

I couldn’t find one about determination and persistence without a heartbreaking tragedy to overcome. Haha!

If you hadn’t become a pilot, what would you have done for your career?

I do not know! I narrowed it down to psychology and counseling but was also interested in the medical field. See? Varied interests make it tough to decide, so why not fly?

A mother and two children gather around a cake with a sparkling candle.

Kelly Timmermann and her children are smiling in excitement at a sparkling candle in the center of a small cake.

Now that you’ve retired from the Air Force, do you have a retirement bucket list? What’s one thing you’d share from your list?

My husband is still in the Air Force, so we will make a bucket list when it is his time to retire. However, the short-term benefit is I only have one job, instead of a second job with the Air Force Reserve, and I spend the extra time with my two awesome kiddos.

From your perspective, how does your role at Midwest Transplant Network impact organ donation and transplantation?

We give MTN the ability to have someone spend an hour of travel instead of four hours of travel at the beginning and the end of a 24-hour shift. This is essential! I feel directly connected to perpetuating this awesome mission because the airplane helps lower attrition. Additionally, being able to take a team to an OR and then bring them home cuts a lot of stress and work from logistics planning. I know our staff are appreciative when the airplane is available to relieve the burden of travel and we are happy to be part of the mission.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about organ donation?

I was not familiar with organ donation at all, except that you’re asked the question at the DMV about becoming an organ donor. Learning about the process has helped me to stress to my family and friends how important it is to make your decision known for organ donation. It makes a difference and alleviates family stress when the worst happens.

Where are you from?

Salisbury, Missouri.

It’s March Madness! You’re hosting a Women’s Final Four Championship party. What snacks are you serving?

I’m serving hot wings, guac and chips, pizza, and everybody brings a favorite. Sharing is caring!

Kelly Timmermann poses in front of a U.S. Air Force plane.

A woman wearing a black ball cap that reads Afghanistan Veteran.

Lt. Col. Kelly Timmermann retired from the U.S. Air Force after a 23-year career as a pilot.

MTN Spotlight – Barb Sheble, Ambassador

August 30, 2023/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

August is National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, a collaborative initiative to save and improve the quality of life of diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Midwest Transplant Network will recognize and support National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month with a series of original content featuring community partners, staff and volunteer Ambassadors who represent diversity and the mission to give hope and share life. We hope you enjoy the perspectives of our friends!

MTN Spotlight…Barb Sheble

In college, Barb Sheble passed out during track practice. A few months later, she got sick and passed out again. She was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition. That was in 1991.

In the mid- ‘90s, doctors said a transplant would be in her future.

“In the ’90s, you didn’t hear as much about organ donation,” said Sheble. “My only knowledge about organ donation was that a friend’s brother signed up to be a donor on his license. He died in a car accident and his organs were donated.”

Sheble said she “lived with the condition for 18 years” before being placed on the transplant waitlist in January 2009. She received a heart the same year.

Sheble, whose heritage is Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is an MTN Ambassador who’s volunteered since 2013. As a kid, she wanted to be a marine biologist; as an adult, she’s a medical lab scientist. The favorite songs on her playlist are “too many to count” because music is her peace and solace; she loves to rest and relax in the mountains, and when it comes to roller coasters or Ferris wheels, it’s “Roller coasters all day!”

What are three ways that being a transplant recipient has changed your life besides giving you another chance?
It has given me friends that I would have never met, and now I couldn’t imagine life without them. It has helped me see life on a broader scale — that the little troubles are just bumps in the road on this journey we call life.

It has taught me that we have to live each day with a purpose and to cherish what we have. Our family, friends and our experiences with those around us are more important than any of the tangible things we think we need.

Did you have any concerns or hesitancy about being a transplant recipient? If so, what were they?
Honestly, not really. I’d been through so much over the previous 18 years that to me, it was just the next thing I needed to do to keep moving forward on my journey.

How does your Native American heritage influence your conversations about organ donation?
I’m not sure I can say it is necessarily due to my heritage, but I just always want to be an advocate. I want people to know that donation works, so I talk about it as much as I can! I am proud to be Native American, and I am proud to be a recipient. My tribal ancestors were very strong-willed people, so I feel my Native American heritage has prepared me to be successful on my transplant journey.

In what ways do you advocate for organ donation?
Any way I can! I donate time when I can. I talk about it any chance I can, and I try every day to show that through transplant, you can live a full life. You can work, travel, exercise, go on hikes…you name it. I want people to see that if there is a will, you can make your ideals for your life happen. It’s all in the attitude!

Tell us about the Transplant Games. What have you experienced?

AMAZING! That one word sums up the games. Do they always run smoothly? No. But do I ever regret going? NEVER. The games and the people I know from them are what I look forward to all year long. You will always find inspiration at the games! From meeting donor families to meeting other recipients, the competition and the sportsmanship is literally the best thing!

Sheble has participated in the Transplant Games of America and World Transplant Games since 2012 in events that include shot put; discus and the ball throw; javelin; Pétanque doubles; volleyball and pickleball doubles. She’s been to Transplant Games of America in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Houston; Cleveland; Salt Lake City and San Diego, and to World Transplant Games in South Africa, Argentina, Spain, United Kingdom and Australia.

MTN Staff Spotlight – Britney Machin

August 23, 2023/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

MTN Staff Spotlight…
Britney Machin, Tissue Services Shift Leader

Britney’s professional career in healthcare includes experience as a community liaison in a clinical setting. She earned a Bachelor of Science in community health with a minor in psychology from the University of Central Missouri. She will complete a master’s in business administration with an emphasis in health administration from her alma mater in May 2024. Britney joined Midwest Transplant Network in September 2020 and is coming up on her third MTN anniversary.

If you had to choose between living without air conditioning or social media, which one would you give up?

I would give up social media.

Favorite local restaurants in the metro?

Garozzo’s, Vietnam Café and Q39.

Your most memorable trip experience — good or bad?

I’m from a blended family, and I’m one of four children. When I was 10, we went to California with all of my siblings and family. We visited my maternal grandparents, went to my aunt’s 50th wedding anniversary, went to the beach, the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Disneyland and Magic Mountain. We packed a lot into a week!

You’re talking about your job to a stranger. How do you explain what you do for a living as simply as possible?

Hmmm…I can tell someone I recover skin from donor heroes to help burn victims. Or I recover bone, skin, tissue or muscle from donor heroes to help other people live.

Tell us about your culture and how it influences your conversations about organ donation.

My culture is Chamorro. My mother is from Guam, the largest of the Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Chamorro culture is having respect for all people, particularly for our elders, as well as our history and language.

The way I was raised influences how I speak about organ, eye and tissue donation. It’s respect for the donor families because you’re working on their behalf.

My brother-in-law is a kidney transplant recipient of 10 years, and I have an uncle who had multiple kidney transplants. He was nearly 60 when he passed.

Growing up, I heard misconceptions about organ, eye and tissue donation, like EMS and doctors won’t try as hard if organ donation is on your driver’s license. It’s totally false.

In my family, there is support for being an organ, eye and tissue donor. And in my family — due to it directly saving and enhancing so many of our loved ones’ lives — they want to make the decision on their own. If I’m asked about organ donation, I do my best to explain the process and address any misconceptions that I can.

Even though my family is open to organ donation, it’s different when it comes to ocular tissues because when a loved one passes, they need to be able to see their way to heaven. There’s a belief about being whole in heaven and in the afterlife, so organ, eye and tissue donation is personal.

In what ways do you advocate for organ donation?

The work is a form of advocacy for donation. When a loved one passes, you want to be respectful of their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Give three reasons why someone should consider becoming a registered organ donor:

Your legacy lives on through another person, and the impact on another life is honorable.
It helps with healing for loved ones because they gave selflessly, and you can be proud of their decision.
It’s very important to tell your family of your decision to be an organ donor. It’s an affirmation of your choice, and your family will not have to make that decision for you.

What else would you like to say about organ donation?

To the donor heroes, “Si Yu’os Ma’ase,” which means thank you or “May God’s grace shine upon you” in Chamorro.

people next to a poster for Greater Kansas City Black Nurses Association

Building Pathways to Trust with Black Nurses Association

August 10, 2023/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) hosted the Greater Kansas City Black Nurses Association (GKCBNA) during National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month for a staff lunch and learn called Pathways to Trust.

GKCBNA was founded in 1992 by Deborah Washam, RN, MSN, CCM. The organization works to educate the public about healthcare, promote public health, dispel myths and more.

Washam visited MTN to present disparities in healthcare and organ, eye and tissue donation that impact African American communities. She educated attendees about a range of donation-related myths such as distrust in medical care and fears that organs may not be viable because of co-morbidities, that Black people are “last on the list for organ transplants” and that you have to be wealthy to receive or donate a kidney.

She also informed MTN staff members that 30% of the people waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant are Black, despite Black people making up only 13% of the U.S. population. Although organ donors and their recipients don’t have to be of the same race, Black people are more likely to have a successful match with another Black person based on certain genetic markers and antibodies.

Washam discussed pathways for building trust and changing viewpoints about donation and transplantation to include community education and outreach, listening, and sharing truths and information. MTN staff members agree that working together with Washam and GKCBNA will help promote stronger healthcare and increase the number of transplants.

Our thanks to Washam and the GKCBNA for this informative and inspiring lunch and learn conversation.

What Black History Month Means to Me

February 23, 2023/in

Blog

/by Brande Johnson

“We must never forget that Black history is American history. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.” — U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York

For me, Black History Month is a time of reflection: an opportunity to embrace my culture and display my pride for the trials, the joy, the pain, the courage and the sacrifice of those who paved the way before me.

Growing up, we learned about the same Black historical figures year after year, and it was somewhat mundane. However, as an adult, I am able to dig deeper and learn all that I can about those who have left their indelible imprint that affects everyone in one way or another.

As an MTN employee, I was afforded the opportunity to shine a spotlight on an individual who contributed to medical advances. I decided to feature Dr. Jane Cooke Wright, who I never knew was such a pioneer in the advancement of chemotherapy. Learning about her expertise and innovations, which have an impact on so many, further solidified for me the continued importance of studying Black history — no, American history. Everyone could better understand the incredible contributions people of color have made to the collective American experience.

The only reason I can stand tall and accomplish my endeavors is because I stand on the backs of those who came before me. I was inspired to find out that my paternal grandfather was a humanitarian and local activist throughout the 1970s. He sought to bring about positive social change in Kansas City, Missouri, which laid a foundation that still benefits people today. That is what Black History Month affords us — the ability to gain knowledge that would otherwise not be known. That is why it should be consistently taught versus distributed in a highlight reel for twenty-eight days.

Being a Black woman is not only a joy and an honor, but it is who I am every single day. I cannot change it and, honestly, I do not have an ounce of desire to do so. There is immense pressure accompanied by underlying distress, violence and vile treatment that is bestowed upon Black people. It is terrifying; however, I wake up every morning grateful for who I am. That is quite literally Black history personified.

Q&A with MTN Advisory Board Member Doris C. Agwu

August 24, 2022/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Doris C. Agwu, MPH

There are countless individuals responsible for making MTN’s lifesaving mission possible: our hospital partners; licensing, treasury and Department of Revenue staff members; funeral home professionals and medical examiners; staff members; Board of Directors; volunteer Ambassadors; and beyond. Today, we’re excited to highlight one of our Advisory Board members, Doris C. Agwu, MPH, regarding her work in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Tell us briefly about the work you do as Assistant Dean for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UMKC School of Medicine.

In my role with senior leadership, I work with recruitment, retention, advancement, engagement, and communications and serve on our important committees and councils. It is important that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is in the framework of everything that we do because it matters in everything. So, from creating and providing DEI training to serving on selection and search committees and everything in between, I work with leadership, faculty, staff and students to ensure our strategic plan is implemented. It is important to us that we create an environment where all students can succeed, which means providing equitable resources and a sense of belonging. Additionally, this needs to be done for faculty and staff. And my office helps to do just that.

How did you come to join Midwest Transplant Network’s Board of Directors? What drew you to the organization?

I have been friends with MTN General Counsel Salama Gallimore for years. When I moved to KC a couple of years ago, she was one of the few people I knew in the area. She has always spoken so fondly about the work you all do at Midwest Transplant Network. And with my role at the school of medicine, she felt that I could bring an important perspective to the board. I researched the organization and was truly impressed and humbled by the beautiful work you all do here and incredibly moved by all the lives you’ve positively impacted. I knew this was the type of board I wanted to join.

August is a time when people in the donation and transplantation community raise awareness to save and enhance the lives of people of all races and ethnicities. (This can be recognized as National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month.) Why is it important to you to celebrate and educate people on the importance of diversity in donation?

I think education on this is important because there is a lot of misinformation out there. Additionally, there are a lot of people who don’t have access to healthcare or have negative experiences regarding healthcare due to marginalization. I think education on the importance of diversity in donation can help shape minds and create a safer environment for learning about donation. In this world, marginalized individuals understandably can have trust issues with a lot of systems, including systems involved in donation and transplantation, so educating people can help lead to enhanced self-advocacy and understanding.

Have you or any of your loved ones been impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation? If so, how?

Yes, I have a friend who had been waiting to receive a kidney transplant for years, and when she finally received one, it changed her whole life. She was always a positive and joyful person, but after receiving her kidney, there was a certain type of joy that illuminated from her that probably was rooted in a sense of relief and freedom. Health complications can be very scary for everyone involved, so when a loved one gets exactly what they need to make them healthier, you’re forever grateful.

What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the organ, eye and tissue donor registry?

Being a scientist at heart, I don’t believe there is anything I would say, but there are various questions I would ask. I’d ask if they would be willing to share why they are on the fence, what reasons are holding them back, and then I would be able to chat with them effectively and honestly about their concerns.