Midwest Transplant Network – Midwest Transplant Network

MTN Spotlight: Advocacy and a gift to build awareness

January 15, 2026/in

MTN Spotlight: Advocacy and a gift to build awareness

Advocacy for organ, eye and tissue donation is demonstrated in as many ways as there are people who’ve received the gift of donation.

Andrew Widman

Andrew Widman is a heart transplant recipient who openly shares his personal journey. He was born with a rare congenital heart defect and had open heart surgery as a child. He grew up doing well, but as an adult, his heart began to fail. Eventually, he needed a transplant. Time went by. After a doctor’s appointment, he was too sick to go home and was admitted to Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. It was there that he waited. In March 2017, his mobile phone rang. A donor hero’s heart matched his needs, and Andrew became Saint Luke’s 745th heart recipient.

Soon after, Andrew became a volunteer Ambassador for Midwest Transplant Network to advocate for donation and be a voice in the community. In January 2024, he became a member of MTN’s Governing Board.

Andrew’s advocacy is also shown through a generous grant to Midwest Transplant Network through an award from his employer.

A grant for growth
Andrew Widman, CLF®, is a Senior Financial Representative with Principal Financial Network.

Principal® Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Principal Financial Group®, recognized more than a dozen nonprofit organizations from across the country through a new program, the 2025 Principal® Financial Network Community Service Awards.

The awards celebrate 15 members of Principal Financial Network who “demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service through long-term volunteerism and commitment to nonprofit organizations in their communities.” Each award includes a charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization chosen by the recipient.

Andrew is a Builder Award honoree, presented to “dedicated volunteers helping drive measurable growth within organizations.” Midwest Transplant Network will receive a $15,000 grant.

Of course, we had a conversation to learn more about the grant and why Andrew chose MTN to receive the grant.

What inspired you to apply for the grant award?
Anytime there is an opportunity to raise money for a cause that is very important to me, I jump at the chance. When I found out that Principal® Foundation was offering this large grant, I applied immediately.

What inspired you to choose MTN as the beneficiary?
Midwest Transplant Network does amazing work, both on the recipient’s and donor’s side. MTN matched me with my life-saving heart, and I am grateful. I am also in awe of how caring and respectful MTN is in taking care of the donor families.

How long have you served on the board for Midwest Transplant Network? How long have you been an Ambassador?
I have served on the governing board for two years, and I’ve been an Ambassador for almost nine years.

From your perspective as a transplant recipient and an advocate for donation, what community outreach is most meaningful to you?
The reason I became an Ambassador is to tell my story. My favorite thing to do post-transplant is to meet and speak to donor families. I am able to show them what donation looks like on the recipient side, thank them for being heroes and form special bonds with them over related experiences.

What’s one thing you’d like people to understand about organ, eye and tissue donation?
I want everyone to know that organ, eye and tissue donation is the greatest gift you can give to someone. One person can save up to eight lives with organ donation and can improve the lives of over 75 people with eye and tissue donation.

MTN is humbled by the generosity of donation advocates in all ways they choose to give of their time, personal stories or gifts. Thank you, Andrew Widman, for your sincere support of organ, eye and tissue donation.

Note: Monetary donations given to Midwest Transplant Network are used to 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 decisions about organ, eye and tissue donation.

A man gives high fives to people in line at an event.

Andrew Widman, MTN Ambassador and Governing Board Member, gives high fives to people at an annual symposium.

A man and two women at a decorated table at a special event.

Andrew Widman, MTN Ambassador and Governing Board Member, hands out wrapped cookies at a symposium hosted by MTN.

Jake Reed’s Story of Hope | A Life of Service That Continues Through Donation

January 14, 2026/in

/by Mitch Weber

Officer Jake Reed’s legacy continues through the lives he saved, the family who honors him every day and the memories shared with his son, Charlie.

From the time he could talk, Jake Reed knew what he wanted to be. Becoming a police officer wasn’t just a goal, it was a calling he followed with focus and heart.

As a kid, Jake took part in youth police programs and went on ride-alongs whenever he could. Law enforcement officers knew him by name long before he ever wore a badge. That dedication carried him to Missouri Southern State University, where he earned a degree in criminal justice, met his wife Bayley and completed the police academy. In Joplin, Missouri, Officer Reed was living the life he worked so hard to build.

“He actually did what he wanted to do,” his father, Bob Reed, said. “He was living his dream.”

Jake was known as humble, helpful and deeply connected to his family. Those qualities defined both his career and the way he showed up for the people around him. At 27, Jake’s life was tragically taken in the line of duty, a loss his family continues to carry every day.

In the midst of their grief, Jake’s decision to register as an organ donor became a powerful extension of who he was. His family was able to spend meaningful time with him in his final days, time Bob describes as profoundly impactful. Through organ donation, Jake helped save lives, turning heartbreak into hope.

“It wasn’t shocking that he was an organ donor,” said Jake’s brother, Sam. “His job was helping people, so of course he was going to be an organ donor.”

Jake and Bayley share a son, Charlie, who will grow up knowing his father through the love, stories and memories passed down by family. Jake’s legacy also continues through a memorial scholarship established at Missouri Southern State University and the Officer Jake Reed donor fund, both created to honor his life and service.

Jake Reed’s story is one of purpose, courage and compassion. Even after his life was taken, his impact continues, reminding us how one decision can save lives and create hope for others.

Watch Jake’s Story of Hope and learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

MTN Tissue Services Team Wins ARTEMIS Award

January 9, 2026/in

/by Morgan Henderson

As winners of the ARTEMIS award, the Tissue Services team was celebrated for their excellence in pediatric tissue recovery, ensuring lifesaving grafts for the youngest patients.

Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) is proud to highlight an outstanding achievement within the organization. In November, the Tissue Services team was honored by LifeNet Health as winners of the notable ARTEMIS award (Pediatric Performance), part of the broader 2025 Partnership Excellence Awards. These awards celebrate the extraordinary individuals and teams whose expertise and dedication transform tissue donations into lifesaving and life-enhancing gifts.

MTN partners with LifeNet Health to recover and provide musculoskeletal, dermis and cardiovascular tissues for transplantation and surgical restoration. At the 2025 LifeNet Health GRNS Health Expo, the MTN Tissue Services team was recognized for their commitment to quality and dedication to treating every donor hero with dignity and respect. As winners of the ARTEMIS award, the Tissue Services team was celebrated for their excellence in pediatric tissue recovery, ensuring lifesaving grafts for the youngest patients.

Melissa Williams, MSW, CEBT, CTBS, Director of Tissue Services, describes how the award, “signifies excellence and commitment to providing pediatric heart valves for transplant patients. MTN is committed to always doing its very best to recover these critical tissues with precision.”

This prestigious award was accompanied by a traveling trophy belt that is currently featured in the MTN tissue lounge. As the recipients of MTN’s first trophy belt, Williams and the team were thrilled to receive the honor. “Pediatric tissue recoveries are complex and require a delicate hand. Knowing that we are doing an excellent job means so much.”

LifeNet Health is a global leader in regenerative medicine. The organization offers groundbreaking transplantation and cellular solutions that support healthcare providers and power scientific research.

John D’Abbracio, Senior Vice President of LifeNet Health Global Donor Services, states, “Our recovery professionals demonstrate extraordinary physical and emotional endurance to ensure every donor is treated with the utmost respect. Each recovery is performed with dignity, honoring the donor’s gift and extending their legacy of healing.”

Midwest Transplant Network applauds the Tissue Services team for their high standards and ongoing commitment to exceptional performance and care. This tremendous recognition is well deserved and spotlights the selfless dedication of the entire Tissue Services department.

Staff Spotlight: Suyen Silvestri, Laboratory Technologist III

December 18, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

Suyen Silvestri’s work reflects skill, compassion and the power of helping others.

Employee Spotlight: Suyen Silvestri, Laboratory Technologist III

Behind every successful transplant is a team of dedicated professionals working with precision, compassion and care. Suyen Silvestri, Laboratory Technologist III at Midwest Transplant Network, is one of those people whose work often happens behind the scenes but makes life-changing impacts every day.

With more than 20 years of laboratory experience across multiple countries and roles, Suyen brings a global perspective, deep technical expertise and a strong sense of service to her work. Guided by the Filipino value of bayanihan, or helping others through collective effort, she approaches donation and transplantation with empathy, dependability and purpose.

Get to know Suyen below as she shares what brought her to MTN, the moments that have stayed with her throughout her career and what brings her joy outside the lab.

What originally brought you to work at MTN?

Initially, I was hired as a Renal Placement Coordinator (RPC). Three years later, I held the dual role of an HLA Bench Tech while maintaining my RPC position to cover the evening shift.

I was referred by a Lab Tech Intern whom I worked with at Warrensburg Medical Center. At that time, my husband worked for FOX 4. The distance between our jobs was not ideal for us, thus we moved to Kansas City.

HLA lab work drew my interest. I worked for more than 20 years as a General Hospital Lab Tech both in the Philippines and North Africa (Libya). I took a hiatus in 1998 to set up an internet café business in the Philippines, where I met my husband.

I came to the States in the winter of 2003. My vision at that time was to get a job that offered opportunity for growth in my career while contributing meaningfully.

What’s a moment at work that made you feel proud, challenged or reminded you why this work matters?

One very memorable moment that sticks out is when my friend Ray Gabel, a fellow colleague, was in need of a second heart transplant. The offer came in during my evening shift. I cross-matched his sample against the donor and the results came out compatible. I will never forget how excited I was for him, and this was very meaningful and fulfilling.

Another moment at work that challenged me was when I performed my dual roles in the Lab, which I was trained and hired for.

I transitioned back and forth from an RPC to an HLA Bench Tech, then to Courier.

I performed the HLA typing of the donor’s blood, entered the type into UNET and started allocation. Back then, serologies were tested at CBC. When I finished the compatibility testing (crossmatches) between prospective patients with the donor, I relayed results to the transplant coordinators. I completed the whole case by delivering both kidneys to the KU Medical Center.

How does your cultural identity influence your conversations about organ donation?

My desire to help was instilled in me when I was growing up.

In the Philippines, we call it the bayanihan spirit, which is a value of communal unity, cooperation and collective effort, where people work together to help someone in need.

As a Catholic and a medical professional, I am given the grace to have a balanced understanding of my spirituality and scientific knowledge, that one’s life or body is sacred and not a loss especially when it can save others’ lives.

How would your coworkers describe you in three words?

Empathetic, dependable and easy to get along with.

What’s something outside of work that brings you joy?

Taking photos, relaxing drives, gardening, cooking, visiting family and visiting and exploring new places.

How do you and your family spend the holidays?

Honoring our special annual traditions, shopping local at antique shops and flea markets and planning for yearly vacations. We also enjoy spending time with our pets and going to eat at our local favorite restaurants.

Learn more about Suyen and her family in the following video:

Be ALL In Spotlight: Meet Alex Alzate

November 24, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Alex with her husband, Raul, and son, Leo. Photo courtesy of Alex Alzate.

Be ALL In Spotlight: Alex Alzate, Hospital Service Coordinator III

Meet Alex Alzate, a valued member of Midwest Transplant Network’s Hospital Services team since July 2022. Prior to joining MTN, Alex served as an organ procurement organization Hospital Services Coordinator at Jackson Memorial Hospital at the University of Miami Health System in Florida. She came to MTN ready for big challenges.

Life’s experiences influence conversations about organ donation

Beyond her professional experience in the OPO world, Alex brings a wealth of life experience. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Alex immigrated to the United States with her family as a child. Spending many years in Miami provided Alex with the opportunity to know and work with people from all parts of the world. She speaks fluent Spanish, Portuguese and English, and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America, Central America and North America.

In her role as an HSC III, Alex uses her vast experiences to provide support to larger donor-potential hospitals and is prepared to facilitate donation conversations with families in times of high donor volume or urgent situations. Her cultural knowledge enables her to foster trust with families from other cultures like her own. Alex commits many evenings and weekends to MTN community-focused projects like Telemundo KC’s annual health fair to help spread trust and information among Spanish-speaking communities in the metro.

Alex is married and has a busy 2-year-old son. When she’s not working, Alex and her family love to travel abroad, venture out to the many diverse Kanas City eateries and help with charities and efforts in the Hispanic community. Alex brings a bright smile, a big heart and positive attitude to all that she does. MTN is fortunate to have her as a member of Hospital Services.

We asked a few questions to learn more about Alex.

In simple terms, how do you explain what we do at Midwest Transplant Network?

We give life through organ donation by honoring the donor’s decision and/or family’s decision.

What would you say to someone who might be unsure about being an organ or tissue donor?

It is a beautiful gift for the person who receives the transplant, and for the family of the donor because it gives life and legacy.

How old were you when you moved from Colombia with your family?

Fourteen years old.

Do you have memories of growing up in Colombia? What are some of your most fond memories?

Just spending time with my large family – cousins, uncles, aunts and getting together with them.

What’s your favorite Colombian food?

My favorite are empanadas.

Where do you like to take visitors when they come to Kansas City?

I take visitors to Union Station and to Q39 for a taste of KC.

If you could learn one more language, what would it be and why?

I would learn French to be able to communicate with people in France whenever I travel there.

Submitted by Lisa Tebb, Hospital Services Coordinator III

Brandy & Sloane Burgess honoring donor hero Monroe Burgess

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Monroe Burgess

November 21, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

As Brandy and Sloane move forward, they are exploring the idea of creating a nonprofit in Monroe’s name.

Midwest Transplant Network is proud to share November’s Story of Hope, honoring the life, spirit and generosity of Monroe Burgess. Those who knew Monroe describe him as smart, caring and charismatic, with a deep love of science and a strong work ethic. His passion for organ, eye and tissue donation shaped both his career and the way he approached the world.

Monroe met his wife, Brandy, while he worked at Midwest Transplant Network. Early in their relationship, one quality stood out. “He would say, ‘They’re having a worse day than I am, and I need to meet that family where they are. If it means that I have to pause what I’m doing, then that’s what I have to do.’” Brandy said. That mindset guided him throughout his career and became a defining part of the way he lived his life.

At home, Monroe was devoted to his family. He encouraged his daughter Sloane’s love of dancing and singing, and took time to teach her practical skills, like how to fish and how to back a car into the driveway. He wanted her to be well rounded and to chase her dreams with confidence. For her friends, he was the dad everyone admired and gravitated toward.

Professionally, Monroe worked in nearly every part of the donation process, bringing his passion and skills to direct service, laboratory work and logistics. His dedication grew into a shared mission when he and Brandy helped establish a birth tissue and cord blood program. The program expanded opportunities for donation and reflected Monroe’s belief that giving back can take many forms.

“He loved being a guy from Kansas City that nobody knows about,” Brandy said. “And he changed the course of somebody’s life.” That sense of humility and purpose defined his work. It also appeared in small but meaningful acts of kindness. Brandy shared how he would occasionally give a$100 bill to a family in a store during the holidays. He never wanted recognition. He simply loved the chance to brighten someone’s day.

Monroe’s legacy of generosity continued through his final act of service. He donated his corneas for transplant, offering sight and renewed hope to others. He also donated his brain for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a contribution that may help advance understanding and improve care in the years ahead.

As Brandy and Sloane move forward, they are exploring the idea of creating a nonprofit in Monroe’s name. They hope to continue the work he cared about and ensure his impact carries on through new opportunities to help others.

Veterans Day Spotlight: MTN’s Matt Giangrosso

November 11, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

“It’s a sense of pride. Wearing the uniform is an honor, and Veterans Day is about reflecting on that,” says Matt Giangrosso.

When you meet Midwest Transplant Network System Support Analyst II Matt Giangrosso, one of the first things you notice is his calm focus. It’s a quality that’s served him well across very different worlds, from maintaining the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base to troubleshooting computer systems that keep MTN connected every day.

Originally from Alabama, Matt joined the U.S. Air Force at 20 years old. He completed basic training in San Antonio, then tech school in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he trained in electrical and environmental systems for aircraft. His first assignment brought him to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, where he spent several years working on one of the most advanced aircraft in the world.

“Working on the B-2 was a cool experience,” Matt said. “It was full of new challenges, and learning how to troubleshoot those complex systems really shaped how I think. That process of breaking down problems and finding solutions has carried over perfectly into my work in IT.”

After leaving active duty in 2019, Matt transitioned to civilian life but not away from service. He continues to serve part time in the Missouri Air National Guard, maintaining aircraft and staying current with specialized training. His schedule includes monthly drills and annual training, balancing his commitment to the Guard with his full-time role at MTN.

Matt’s passion for technology actually began during his military years, when he decided to build his first computer from scratch. “It was nerve-wracking,” he said, laughing. “You’re dealing with these delicate, expensive parts, and I remember it took me 20 minutes just to get the courage to clamp the CPU into place. But when everything powered on for the first time, it was worth it.”

Today, that same curiosity drives his work supporting MTN’s staff with technical systems and devices. “Our IT team is great,” Matt said. “We learn from each other, stay current on new tech and figure out how we can keep improving things here to help MTN.”

This summer, Matt’s service took him to Washington, D.C., where he represented the Air National Guard at a Fourth of July celebration on the White House South Lawn. “It was an amazing experience,” he said. “You see the history and the pride everywhere. It was an honor to be part of it.”

When asked what Veterans Day means to him, Matt answered, “It’s a sense of pride. Wearing the uniform is an honor, and Veterans Day is about reflecting on that, on the people who served before us and what they sacrificed for the freedoms we have today.”

Matt’s life has come full circle in more ways than one. He once considered a career in nursing before choosing the Air Force, and now he works in support of MTN’s mission to save lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. His wife, a nurse in the NICU at Truman Medical Center, shares that same calling to care for others.

From aircraft to IT systems, from Alabama to Kansas City, Matt continues to serve quietly and faithfully wherever he’s needed most.

Everyday Heroes: How One Cornea Gift Changed Matt’s World

November 4, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

For Matt, a cornea transplant meant the difference between fading vision and a world brought back into focus.

November is Eye Donation Month, a time to recognize the everyday heroes who make restored sight possible —donors and their families, eye bankers, corneal surgeons, champions of eye donation and all who work to bring the gift of sight to life. This year’s theme from the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) is “Everyday Heroes.” It celebrates how nearly anyone can be a cornea donor and therefore a superhero by giving the gift of sight.

At Saving Sight, we see every day how donors, medical teams, and advocates come together to change lives. Matt’s story is just one example of the profound difference these everyday heroes make.

For Matt, a cornea transplant meant the difference between fading vision and a world brought back into focus.

“I didn’t know how much a single tissue could impact someone’s life until I was faced with losing my sight,” Matt said. “It’s incredible that two people have now given me this chance to live fully.”

Matt’s journey began unexpectedly after a seemingly minor ear infection ruptured as he slept. Discharge from his ruptured eardrum, combined with dirt beneath his contact lens, led to a rare fungal infection, causing severe vision impairment.

After numerous treatments that didn’t work, Matt was referred to an ophthalmologist at the University of Kansas Health System.

“I learned about Saving Sight and a little about what could happen, and we talked about possibly looking for a donor,” Matt recalled.

Tests revealed the infection was advancing rapidly, and Matt was informed that he would need a cornea transplant to preserve any hope of sight.

“They were concerned I could lose 100% of my eyesight, and I needed a transplant ASAP,” he said.

Matt’s experience with transplants started years earlier when he received a life-saving kidney from a living donor. That experience helped him understand the power of donation, but it wasn’t until facing potential blindness that he fully appreciated how even a single tissue gift can change a life.

“I am forever grateful,” Matt

said. “Someone selflessly gave me the gift of sight, and it’s overwhelming. What did I do to deserve such love and compassion?”

The impact of his donor’s gift goes beyond restored vision, it’s a testament to human kindness and the power of eye, organ, and tissue donation. Matt hopes to honor his donor’s legacy by sharing his story and inspiring others to become registered donors.

“You might be able to save someone’s life or change their world just by checking that box on your license,” he said. “It’s a chance to help someone in a way that goes far beyond what we can understand.”

Since 1961, Saving Sight and our fellow eye banks have facilitated more than two million sight-restoring corneal transplants, each one made possible by the selfless choice of a donor and their family. Eye Donation Month is our opportunity to honor these gifts, highlight their impact, and encourage others to consider joining this life-changing movement.

This November, you can be an everyday hero too:

· Register as an eye, organ, and tissue donor.

· Share your decision with loved ones so your wishes are known.

· Support the mission by helping raise awareness about donation.

Matt’s story reminds us that a single act of generosity can transform a life forever. Through the gift of sight, donors give recipients more than vision, they give hope, independence, and the ability to fully experience the world around them.

This blog was written by Saving Sight. Thank you for your contribution.

A Little Superhero with a Big Legacy – Owen Linder

October 29, 2025/in

/by Mitch Weber

At just 2 years old, Owen became a true superhero himself — an organ and eye donor who brought hope and healing to others.

The youngest in his family, Owen Linder was known for his big personality. He was funny, loud, and loved to dance. Rainy days meant adventures with his dad, and superheroes were among his favorite things.

Owen became an organ and eye donor at the age of two.

“It was probably the best outcome considering the accident,” said his dad, Joe. “I’m just glad that he was able to help other people with his organs.”

His mom, Morgan, says the decision came from the heart. “People told us we were so brave to donate Owen’s organs. But I’m like, why wouldn’t you want to do that?”

The Linders have connected with two of Owen’s recipient families, including daily conversations with the recipient of his heart. “I put myself in the other mother’s place and can kind of feel what they’re feeling,” Morgan said. “We got to save their kids and a husband. And that’s really cool for us.”

Morgan says the experience has reshaped how she lives every day. “For me, it gives meaning to the accident,” she said. “We always ask why, and there’s no reason why, but we got to save a bunch of lives, and that’s what has helped me keep going. My theme for life now is to never take a second for granted.”

The Linders have found strength in their community, who has supported them from day one. Whether it’s reuniting with Owen’s nurses at MTN’s Donate Life Legacy Walk or keeping in touch with other donor families, Morgan says those connections remind her that Owen’s spirit continues to shine.

To honor Owen’s legacy, the Linders created The Owen Project, which gives back to their community in meaningful ways. “We donate most-needed items to the Ronald McDonald House inside Children’s Mercy, offer senior scholarships at two schools in Cass County, sponsor youth sports, and my daughter runs Rae’s Sports Closet,” Morgan said. “We make sure every kid has the opportunity to play sports.”

“To us, hope means being able to move forward while knowing Owen is still with us in some ways,” she said. “It’s happiness for our family — and the promise that we’ll see him again one day.”

A woman wearing glasses, smiling for a picture, wearing a T-shirt with a green ribbon in support of organ donation.

MTN DMV Appreciation Spotlight: Autumn Carroll – Asking the question can save a life

September 30, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

September is DMV Appreciation Month and Midwest Transplant Network recognizes the important work that DMV offices have as a partner in organ, eye and tissue donation. Autumn Carroll is the Driver License Supervisor at the Pittsburg, Kansas license office and shares her story about what it’s like to ask, “Would you like to be an organ donor?”

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is knowing that the work that is done every day has a direct impact on people’s lives, sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately seen,” said Autumn.

A woman wearing glasses, smiling for the camera.

Autumn Carroll, a license office supervisor, Pittsburg, Kansas.

“We issue IDs, ensure safety and compliance and help people navigate state regulations, but what really stands out is being part of the process where someone makes the choice to become an organ, eye or tissue donor,” she said. “When I ask that simple question, ‘Would you like to be listed as a donor?’ I know it could lead to someone receiving the gift of life.”

For Autumn, it’s incredibly meaningful to help people make informed, compassionate decisions. “We are part of a system that promotes community service, safety and generosity,” she said. “The most rewarding moments are when someone shares a personal story, maybe they’re a transplant recipient, or they lost someone who was a donor, and you realize just how powerful and far-reaching this work can be.”

The Pittsburg, Kansas license office provides basic information about being a registered organ donor.

“We let them know that by saying ‘yes,’ they are giving hope to thousands of Kansans and Americans waiting for a lifesaving transplant,” Autumn said. “It’s not about pressuring anyone, it’s about making sure they understand the option and can make their wishes known. That little heart symbol on the license can mean the world to someone someday. To me, it’s a privilege to be part of this process. I know that just by offering this information, I may be helping someone take the first step toward becoming a hero.”

When she learns about a donor recipient’s story, it is incredibly moving and meaningful. Hearing these stories reminds Autumn that what she does isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about real people, real families and real lives saved.

“It gives us pride and purpose, knowing that every time we ask someone if they want to register as a donor, it could lead to a story like that,” she said. “These stories also help inspire others. People are often more willing to say ‘yes’ to donation when they understand the incredible impact it can have. It’s a privilege to be a small part of that life-saving chain.”

The Pittsburg license office works closely with Midwest Transplant Network to increase awareness and provide education about organ donation. Printed brochures and flyers that explain the registry, first person authorization protections and what it means to be an organ donor are available at the service counters. The license office staff use virtual training modules provided by MTN. They also display posters or digital screens reminding visitors of the opportunity to become a donor. The staff wear lapel pins, lanyards and T-shirts to support the message. “These visual cues help spark conversations and encourage questions,” said Autumn.

“We receive ongoing training updates and informational materials from our partnering organizations so that staff feel confident discussing donation with applicants in a compassionate, non-coercive manner.”

Autumn said the DMV partnership with MTN ensures that accurate, respectful and timely information is always available when someone makes a decision. This approach helps people make an informed choice and, in many cases, they choose to become a donor.

“It reminds me that this isn’t just a government office, we’re a place where lifesaving decisions are made every day.”

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