donor registry – Midwest Transplant Network

An infographic made of a large purple circle with the number 1080 in the center of the circle.

Honoring the gift of life: Midwest Transplant Network saved lives through 1,080 organ transplants in 2025

January 29, 2026/in

Blog,
News

Midwest Transplant Network is proud to share a level of achievement for transplanting lifesaving organs.

In 2025, MTN honored the legacies of 371 donor heroes through their gifts of donation and provided 1,080 organs for transplant.

In 2024, MTN transplanted 1,075 organs from 399 donor heroes. It was the first time MTN reached and surpassed one thousand organ transplants in a single year.

Midwest Transplant Network is a not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) and consistently performs in the top 10% among 55 OPOs in the country, according to data measures by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“We are truly grateful to the donor heroes and their families for giving these gifts to save lives and help so many people. This is only possible because of the generosity of donor heroes, and the commitment of our staff and hospital partners to honor their gifts with dignity and compassion,” said Jan Finn, RN, MSN, President & CEO, Midwest Transplant Network.

“The impact of donation means lives are changed in ways that truly make a difference. Because of the meaningful work we do, it means the grandmother who needed a kidney gets to see her grandchildren grow up. It’s the husband who waited for weeks in the hospital for a heart transplant and he’s healthy enough to ride bikes and take trips with his wife and sons. It’s the young woman who had a second liver transplant that brought her back to health, so much so that she’s in nursing school to become a transplant nurse.

“We want the donor families to feel honored and respected for their part of the donation journey. And we want the transplant recipients to know we are working for them, too. It’s these reasons this work is so meaningful,” said Finn.

2025 – Honoring the gift of life

One organ donor can save eight lives; a tissue donor can enhance 100 lives. Through MTN, organ, eye and tissue donor heroes and their families saved and enhanced lives:

371 donor heroes shared the gift of life, resulting in 1,080* lifesaving organ transplants.
(*Excluding organs donated for research)
1,682 cornea and tissue donor heroes saved and enhanced lives.
MTN’s award-winning histocompatibility lab performed 39,122 transplant-supporting tests including bone marrow matching and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of transplants.
MTN marked its third full year of the onsite Donor Care and Surgical Recovery Unit (DCU), caring for 90 donor hero patients resulting in 345 lifesaving transplants.

At a Glance

An infographic of purple, green and blue circles with end-of-year data numbers connected by a wavy gray line.

MTN Year-End Numbers for 2025

More lives to save

Organ transplants save lives every day, yet data reports from Health Resources and Services Administration show that more than 108,000 people across the country are on the waiting list for an organ transplant. In Kansas, more than 500 people are on the waiting list; in Missouri, more than 2,100 are waiting for a transplant.

The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) set a bold aim to achieve 50,000 annual organ transplants in 2026 by working with key stakeholders on multiple initiatives. Midwest Transplant Network is a leader in helping to reach the bold goal to save lives.

MTN DMV Appreciation Spotlight – Deziree Herrera

September 10, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

MTN DMV Appreciation Spotlight: Deziree Herrera – Making connections that impact organ donation

September is DMV Appreciation Month and Midwest Transplant Network is recognizing the important work that DMV offices have as a partner in organ, eye and tissue donation. Deziree Herrera, West Wichita DMV Office Manager, shares her story.

Deziree Herrera, West Wichita DMV Office, Wichita, Kansas

Deziree Herrera is enthusiastic about the work she has been doing for the last 10 years with the Division of Vehicles in Wichita, Kansas. She is a caring person with a warmth in her voice that feels like a hug.

“I wasn’t familiar with organ donation before working with the DMV,” said Deziree. “It was only after working at the DMV that I started speaking about donation in my interactions with family and asking questions about our history and future regarding donation.”

Deziree learned that several of her family members have experienced organ donation as either a donor hero or as a transplant recipient.

“Sharing information about organ, eye and tissue donation every day at the DMV means we have the ability to help save lives,” said Deziree. “For me it’s a blessing to be able to ask the donation question. Asking, “Would you like to be an organ donor?’, means we get to open the door of opportunity to help save the lives of our neighbors. It’s an amazing feeling when people say yes to donation.”

Recognizing an important partnership

The collaboration between organ procurement organizations and DMVs is recognized as vital, as over 90% of organ donor registrations across the country occur through the DMV. This highlights the critical role DMVs have in facilitating organ, eye and tissue donation and saving lives.

DMV and driver license partner staff are the people on the front lines of service who have helped 165 million people across the country register their decision to be a deceased organ, eye and tissue donor.

Donate Life America created National DMV Appreciation Month in 2016 to specifically honor the commitment of DMVs and driver’s license partners to the Donate Life mission. This annual event takes place in September and is a time for national and local organizations to express gratitude for their DMV partnerships.

“Donors are just like them”

“I love MTN’s annual calendar and never throw them away,” said Deziree. “We have posted the photos and stories on the walls of our office so people can see that donor heroes are just like them, people from all different walks of life with various backgrounds, cultures and experiences.”

She said sharing information about donation at the DMV is an element that helps the community. “It could often be the only place people hear about organ donation and the positive impact it can have for an individual or family.”

The Wichita DMV staff meet people who speak a multitude of languages. “When we speak about donation through translation, there is a common connection of gratitude that happens when they say yes to donation and the language of donation then becomes universal,” said Deziree. “Smiles and excitement are exchanged and that’s what this is all about. Celebrating the opportunity to give life and helping bridge gaps in our community.”

Saving more lives

Working together, Midwest Transplant Network and DMV offices help enhance and save lives. During National Donate Life Month in April, the West Wichita DMV office staff enjoy the Blue & Green spirit Days.

This month is an opportunity to give the license office patrons actionable ways to promote the need for organ donors. “We like to go all out on decorations and come up with interactive ways for the community to participate when they say yes to organ, eye and tissue donation,” said Deziree. “It’s another way to engage with people and make them aware of organ donation.”

Deziree is proud knowing she is helping lead the change in perception that is common with the DMV. These perceptions often produce feelings of frustration, bureaucracy and long waits. “Our mission is to issue a variety of licenses and provide assistance to Kansas citizens,” she said. “We are committed to work every day for the people of Kansas. Our vision is to do that with respect, integrity, fairness and civility while cheerfully, accurately and efficiently sharing vital information about organ donation.”

To our incredible DMV partners across Kansas and Missouri — thank you for helping save and enhance lives every day.

MTN Staff Spotlight – David Valdiviez

August 14, 2025/in

/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!

David Valdiviez, Network Administrator

David Valdiviez, Network Administrator, Midwest Transplant Network

David joined Midwest Transplant Network in June 2023. As a member of the IT team, he provides proactive support for overall network infrastructure such as monitoring and maintaining system backups, the virtual server environment and providing support for telecommunications and computer concerns.

After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served from 2005 to 2013. He was stationed in California, Iraq and southeast Asia.

What was your first job in your professional career?
I started my career in IT as a civilian in 2014 working for the Marine Corps IT Services and Support Center, Tier 1 Helpdesk. The role supported 100% of the Marine Corps. We were the first point of contact for all IT-related issues. I performed basic troubleshooting, account creation, unlocks and generated tickets for escalated repairs.

My military occupational specialty was Ground Communications Technician. I repaired, installed and troubleshot radios and all assets used for field communications. For example, I worked on squad radios, vehicle-mounted communications assets in Humvees, seven-ton trucks, MRAPs and tanks. I repaired antennas, co-axial and fiber optics. If it was used to talk, I was responsible for it.

How has working in IT/health care influenced your perspective? What does organ donation mean to you?
Prior to joining MTN, I was already a registered organ donor. I had very little knowledge of what that actually entailed. Working here has opened my eyes to the bigger picture regarding donation and legacy. It’s truly incredible work.

Tell us about your heritage and how it influences your conversations about organ donation.
My family supports organ donation, but it’s not exactly a topic of conversation. I have family members who needed a transplant, but unfortunately passed away prior to donation being available. I also have family who are donor heroes. It’s a reality we are familiar with.

You’re in the grocery store wearing a Give Hope Share Life T-shirt. A stranger asks what it means. How do you explain?
I would start by saying it’s a work shirt and that I work at a not-for-profit organization called Midwest Transplant Network. Then I would say the shirt is meant to honor donor heroes while encouraging others to consider being an organ donor.

What would you say to someone who might be unsure about being an organ donor?
I think it depends on their reason for being unsure. It could be a religious reason, or they’re scared, or uneducated about organ donation. I’d have to ask what influenced their opinion and then I’d go from there. But, I’d also say if someone could use something I have and I was no longer in need of it, it doesn’t hurt to share a bit of ourselves.

You’re a kid with $10 to spend on gas station snacks. What are you getting?
As a kid, $10 went a long way. If I’m riding my bike, I’m getting a Mr. Pibb two-liter because it can fit in my backpack, Reese’s peanut butter cups, hot Cheetos, candy gummy worms and maybe some gum.

If you can instantly learn any language, which language would you choose?
I would learn sign language.

It’s August. Kids across the city are going back to school. Who was your favorite schoolteacher? What makes them memorable?
I can’t say due to it being a common IT security question. Simply put, they were the best!

You’re a disc golfer. What piqued your interest in disc golf? Where’s your favorite place to play?
I started playing disc golf in 2008 with some friends because it was fun and free. Kansas City has nearly twenty 18-hole courses within 30 miles of downtown KC. Rosedale Park off Mission Road is my home course.

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.

Why I Walk: We Walk to Honor Our Hero

May 20, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Excerpt: Brayden Becerra was well known and loved for many reasons. His greatest gift in life and beyond was being a giver.

Brayden “Chewey” Becerra came from a large family. He had a great smile, a sense of humor and made a tremendous impact on his relatives and friends.

You could see the difference he made to others throughout his life. When he passed in September 2024, more than 1,000 people paid their respects during his honor walk and funeral service.

First Donate Life Legacy Walk

“We are walking at the MTN Donate Life Legacy Walk to create awareness about how important it is to donate your organs and save the lives of others,” said Brayden’s mother, Stephanie Becerra. “God gave us the opportunity to help others and extend their lives.”

Stephanie says her family prays the donor recipient is doing well. “We hope the organ recipient’s family can avoid the pain of losing a loved one with Brayden’s gifts.”

An Immense Pride

The family is proud that Brayden was a registered organ, eye and tissue donor. He joined the registry when he got his driver’s license at 16. “It was 100% his decision,” said Stephanie. “He was a true giver even at that young age.”

Brayden was very close to his siblings Zach and Breanna. “He was a great person and always so giving,” Breanna said. “He took great care of his body and was able to donate six organs.”

What is one thing Brayden’s family wants people to know? “It’s never too late to become a registered organ, eye and tissue donor,” said Stephanie. “He was a donor hero, and this is the kind of man his family and friends will remember him being.”

Donate Life Legacy Walk is June 7

Midwest Transplant Network invites you to join us for our annual Donate Life Legacy Walk on June 7, from 6-9 p.m. This free community event features a live concert, food trucks with items for purchase, our Tribute Trail honoring donor heroes and transplant warriors, and the opportunity for those impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation to gather together at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Come celebrate the gift of life while helping raise awareness about the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors.

The Donate Life Legacy Walk does not include a formal, timed walking event. Participants are encouraged to walk the Tribute Trail at their leisure. A path is lined with Tribute Trail signs, giving donor and recipient families the opportunity to stroll the site in celebration and remembrance.

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/KansasCity/MTNLegacyWalk

Donor Hero, Transplant Warrier, MTN Legacy Walk 2025

Why I Walk: The Annual Walk Means Everything to this Mom

May 7, 2025/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Ryan and Natalie Stoway

The first Saturday in June isn’t just a regular weekend. It’s a day filled with hundreds of people gathering to honor and celebrate the lives of donor heroes, transplant recipients, people who are waiting for a transplant, and many others at the annual Midwest Transplant Network Donate Life Legacy Walk in Kansas City, Missouri.

The event means different things to the people who are walking. MTN Ambassador Alexis Stoway says, “I walk at the Legacy Walk every year for both my children. My daughter, Natalie, is a kidney and a tissue recipient, and my son, Ryan, was a donor hero when he passed in 2021. He was able to donate a tendon and a ligament to his sister, and she received it in her knee.”

After losing her son Ryan, Alexis said she finds her emotions go up and down. “I know that for three hours on that day, during the Legacy Walk, that I’m at peace. It’s amazingly incredible to see the donor hero families celebrating their loved ones, and then you see the recipients also celebrating their second chance, their second chance at life, their second chance at recovery, their second chance at sight. Seeing all of them and everybody from every walk of life, no matter who you are, it doesn’t matter because everybody is there for one reason.”

Part of the team
Who joins Alexis during the walk? “Family, friends, Ryan’s friends, Natalie’s friends, everybody that wants to celebrate. My kids, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends,” she said. “There’s been anywhere from 40 to 70 of us in our group. That’s what we come to do and it’s a place for everybody to be together as one.”

Alexis said it brings a lot of comfort knowing that a donor hero is not forgotten and is still appreciated whether it’s 10, 15 or 20 years down the road. They’re still being celebrated for the gifts they have given.

Her mission
Alexis and her family proudly wear their MTN T-shirts when they are out, or at school and even on vacation. The family is happy to participate in the conversations that start because of their shirts, and the Donate Life green bracelets they wear that honor donors and give hope to those waiting for the gift of life.

“We wore our Give Hope Share Life sweatshirts at Dollywood recently. We were stopped twice by people there. One person was waiting for a liver and thanked us for bringing awareness and for also wearing our green ribbons. Another person had a liver transplant 20 years ago. He had never seen anybody wear anything like that and he was so proud.”

Ryan’s parents and sister join the MTN Legacy Walk every year.

Plan to join us
Midwest Transplant Network invites you to join us for the ninth annual Donate Life Legacy Walk on Saturday, June 7, from 6–9 p.m. at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. The celebration welcomes donor hero families, transplant recipients, people who are on the waiting list and many more who support the mission of organ, eye and tissue donation.

This year, the live concert features local band Twice on Sunday, several food trucks with snacks and meals for purchase, the MTN Tribute Trail honoring loved ones, and the opportunity to make memories. The walk is in a new spot at the Memorial. Look for us on the south lawn near the entrance. There are lots of trees for more shade, a natural amphitheater and a smaller, cozier space. Please plan to attend and celebrate the gift of life while helping raise awareness about the importance of being an organ, eye and tissue donor. Learn more and register for the Legacy Walk at mwtn.org/legacy-walk

Watch and listen

Take a moment to watch and listen as Alexis tells us why she walks.

An infographic displaying 1,075, the number of lifesaving organ transplants provided by Midwest Transplant Network in 2024.

Lifesaving Achievements: Midwest Transplant Network saves lives through 1,075 organ transplants in 2024

February 3, 2025/in

Blog,
News

/by Midwest Transplant Network

In 2024, Midwest Transplant Network set a new level of achievement for the number of organs recovered for transplantation, organ donors, eye and tissue donors, and laboratory tests performed in the accomplishment of its mission work.

MTN, a not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO), is privileged to work with donor families to extend their loved one’s legacy in providing 1,075* lifesaving organs for transplantation. The 399 donor hero’s gifts made it possible for grateful recipients to have a new lease on life. MTN recovered tissues from 1,447 donor heroes.

As a highly ranked OPO, Midwest Transplant Network consistently performs in the top 10% in the country among 56 OPOs, according to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“In 2024, for the first time in our history, we reached a milestone of 1,075 organs transplanted. It’s a remarkable achievement that’s only made possible by the generosity of people who said yes to being organ donors,” said Jan Finn, RN, MSN, President & CEO, Midwest Transplant Network.

“We are truly grateful to the donor heroes and their families for giving these gifts to save lives. The impact of their decision means so much, like a child receiving a kidney, or a teenager getting a new heart, or someone who’s been waiting for a long time getting the call that a liver is available and it’s a good match.

“This achievement reflects the commitment of our staff and hospital partners to honor the gifts of organ donation, and to make a difference in the lives of people who are waiting for a transplant. It’s all connected,” said Finn.

2024: An Impactful Year
One organ donor can save eight lives; a tissue donor can enhance 100 lives. Through MTN, organ, eye and tissue donor heroes and their families saved and enhanced lives:

• 399 donor heroes shared the gift of life, resulting in 1,075* lifesaving organ transplants.
(*Excluding organs donated for research)
• 1,447 cornea and tissue donor heroes saved and enhanced lives.
• MTN’s lab performed 40,075 transplant-supporting tests ranging from blood counts, urinalysis, basic chemistry panels and more.
• In its second full year of service, MTN’s Donor Care and Surgical Recovery Unit (DCU) cared for 131 donor hero patients resulting in 430 lifesaving transplants.

MTN’s award-winning histocompatibility lab conducts tests such as assessing blood work for potential matches for organ, tissue and bone marrow transplantation, as well as post-transplant monitoring.

“The MTN lab plays a vital role in organ donation, where our testing helps bridge the gap between hope and life, connecting donors to patients in need of life-saving transplants,” said Christina Bishop, MT(ASCP), Ph.D., F(ACHI), Chief of Laboratory Services.

“The Donor Care and Surgical Recovery Unit is two years into operation, and we know we’re making a difference. By having a dedicated intensive care unit and surgical recovery suite to recover organs, eyes and tissues means that our trusted staff can move quickly and efficiently to help save and enhance lives,” said Lori Markham, RN, MSN, CCRN, Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer.

At a Glance

Reflecting a National Increase in Organ Donation

MTN’s performance increases reflect a national upward trend for the organ transplant system.

The United Network for Organ Sharing reported that across the country, 48,149 lifesaving transplants were performed in 2024.

On average, the U.S. performed 132 organ transplants a day in 2024.

Although organ transplants are increasing nationally and locally, the waiting list grows. Nearly 104,000 people around the country need a lifesaving organ transplant — with approximately 488 of those people living in Kansas and 2,032 in Missouri.

The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) set a bold aim to achieve 50,000 annual organ transplants in 2026 by working with key stakeholders on multiple initiatives. Midwest Transplant Network is a leader in helping to reach the bold goal to save lives.

Incorporated in 1973, Midwest Transplant Network facilitates organ, eye and tissue donation in partnership with hospitals and other professional partners to give hope and share life. MTN’s service area is the state of Kansas and western two-thirds of Missouri, with its central office located in Westwood, Kansas, and satellite offices in Wichita, Kansas, and Columbia and Joplin, Missouri. MTN commemorated 50 years of service in 2023.

Community Partner Feature – St. James United Methodist Church

November 13, 2022/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

When communities of faith partner with us to promote the gift of life offered through organ, eye and tissue donation, a beautiful message emerges. As our annual observance of National Donor Sabbath concludes, hear from St. James United Methodist Church’s Dr. Yvette Richards, D.Min., on her work within her community and why she is so passionate about partnering with Midwest Transplant Network.

Community Partner Feature – Hoefer Welker

October 27, 2022/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

When Midwest Transplant Network began planning for the creation of its Donor Care and Surgical Recovery Unit, Hoefer Welker jumped at the chance to design a facility that would honor MTN’s mission to save and enhance lives with dignity and compassion. In this video blog feature, listen to Hoefer Welker’s Diamond Bronson, Associate Vice President and Project Manager, and Patrick McCurdy, Partner and Healthcare Practice Leader, discuss their work and what inspired them in partnering with MTN.

Photo image of Ryan Stoway in a hoodie with a waterfall and wooded scenery in the background.

Donor Hero Said “Yes” to Joining the Registry at the DMV

September 21, 2022/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Ryan Stoway

In honor of National DMV Appreciation Month, we are honored to share this submitted story about donor hero Ryan Stoway, who believed so much in organ, eye and tissue donation that he enthusiastically said “yes” to joining the registry when he received his permit to drive. Our thanks to Ryan’s mother, Alexis Stoway, for sharing this beautiful story:

“Ryan was a 14-year-old boy with dreams of joining the military or following in his dad’s footsteps as an electrician. He was a born protector, helper and caregiver. He saw what most people didn’t and never hesitated to lend a hand to those who needed him. He had tremendous love for his family, and nothing was more important to him than being with his family and his friends, whom he also thought of as family. He showed such pride to be a part of each and every one of their lives.

He loved being outdoors. Fishing was a passion he shared with his Poppa, uncle and friends. He LOVED playing football! He even liked practicing and off-season training. He enjoyed learning, getting better and stronger each day. Ryan was a 6-foot, 280-pound teddy bear when he wasn’t on the football field. It was often he needed Mom time (yep — he still needed a cuddle). He pulled out the M&M’S® and put on a favorite movie of mine, ‘Top Gun’ or ‘Secretariat,’ and asked me to watch with him.

Ryan always believed in organ donation. He personally saw how organ donation saves and changes lives. When he was 5, his sister received a kidney transplant (she was 3). When he got his permit to drive, he asked the lady taking his picture to redo his permit because it didn’t say he was a donor, and he wanted it on there. When he showed his dad and me, it seemed like he was prouder to be an organ donor than he was that he had passed his test. We were so proud he made that decision all on his own.

When he was finishing his freshman year of high school, he asked me why people had to wait so long for transplants since so many people died every day. I told him not everyone was a donor. He got upset and told me that for his senior project, he was going to tell as many people as possible how organ and tissue donation changes people’s lives. In fact, his exact words were that it ‘changes families’ lives’ and ‘allows people to live a life without jerks making fun of them for being different.’ I sat stunned and cried at my teenage son’s understanding of the difference a selfless choice can make.

It was a little over a month after that conversation that he was in a tragic accident and passed away. They were unable to restart his heart, so his tissues and eyes were donated. He was able to fulfill his wish to be a donor. His sister will take every step with him for the rest of her life, as she was a recipient of one of his tendons, repairing a birth defect in her knee.

We all know Ryan was truly honored to become a donor hero to as many people as he could. I believe he dances in heaven every single time someone gets a part of him, giving them a better quality of life!”

Tag Archive for: donor registry