Midwest Transplant Network – Page 3 – Midwest Transplant Network

Amanda (Hux) Wright and her family after her first liver transplant.

MTN Ambassador Spotlight: Amanda (Hux) Wright, liver transplant recipient

April 23, 2025/in

Amanda and her family after her first liver transplant.

Do you believe everything happens for a reason? Amanda (Hux) Wright does — and her story of faith, resilience, and two life-saving liver transplants is nothing short of powerful.

Do you believe in coincidence or things happening for a reason? Amanda (Hux) Wright and her family understand the power of coincidence and how the timing of events can change a life. They have a strong faith and believe God has a big part in how our lives happen.

Amanda grew up in a close-knit family who dealt with the struggle of her father’s Type 1 diabetes at home and in hospitals. The family was always caring and supportive with health scares and Amanda was especially close to her dad.

A life-changing diagnosis

It was during an exam for bruises on her legs that Amanda’s life would change in February 2016. She was admitted to the hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she lived. A biopsy would reveal she had two autoimmune diseases. She was 26.

At the time of her diagnosis, doctors in St. Joe thought her autoimmune diseases could be controlled with medication. As fate would have it, she began transplant evaluations in December 2016 and her first liver transplant surgery was at KU Health System on June 17, 2017. A Father’s Day to remember.

“When I came out of surgery my dad was so happy,” Amanda said. “He said, ‘This is the best Father’s Day present I could have.’” He wondered how Amanda would top this gift the next year. Her mom said, “We’re not even going to try.”

Amanda’s recovery process went well for a year. “Everything was amazing, and the doctors were happy with how my numbers looked. My recovery was phenomenal with that liver.”

She was out of the hospital in a week and back to work in four months at her job with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver Testing Program. Her doctors were surprised at how fast she healed from the surgery. Her life returned to normal; but then things changed.

Signs of rejection

It was nearly a year to the date that Amanda started experiencing rejection with her transplanted liver. She spent the next few months in and out of the hospital with biopsies and treatment while the signs of rejection continued.

Amanda and her family didn’t sit back and wait for what was next. They took the initiative and researched the best places in the U.S. for a liver transplant. They narrowed it down to hospitals in Arizona and Nebraska.

On July 12, 2021, Amanda received the call that she could have a liver transplant in Omaha, Nebraska. By coincidence her dad was also in an Omaha hospital with his own health challenges.

“The second liver transplant was really hard,” Amanda said. “I had false expectations going into this. My first one was so easy, and I thought it was not a big deal, I can do this again.”

She quickly learned this time was quite different. She was older, COVID-19 was a global pandemic, she was in an unfamiliar place and couldn’t have anyone she knew with her.

The special video call

One day Amanda decided to have a video call with her parents. Her dad wasn’t talking much from his hospital bed, but when she called, he grabbed the phone and said, “How are you?”

This was the last time she ever spoke to her dad. Four days after Amanda was released from the hospital, he passed away.

Amanda and her mom believe he was holding on to know his daughter was going to be all right. Once he knew, it was all the comfort and peace he needed.

Giving back

“I am 100% better now,” Amanda said. “It took a long time to get here, but I’m doing really good.”

After her transplant experience, she wanted to do something that would make a difference. “I decided to go back to school at Missouri Western State University for nursing. I want to do something where I could have an impact on people that would potentially be in a situation like mine. I want to have an impact on transplant nursing.”

She has volunteered as an MTN Ambassador since August 2024 and receives the highest level of college credit for her time because the work is related to her major.

“Being an MTN Ambassador has been informational and educational. My favorite thing is interacting with the other Ambassadors and hearing their stories, especially with people who have been in my shoes. I also like talking to the donor families and hearing their perspectives. Understanding different points of view is fascinating to me. I really appreciate that.”

Midwest Transplant Network honored with top awards from Evergen

April 22, 2025/in

Blog,
News

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Evergen top awards honor MTN’s Tissue, Quality and Donor Services Departments.

Midwest Transplant Network has been recognized with three awards from Evergen, formerly RTI Donor Services.

The Evergen Donor Services 2024 Gold Partnership Award was presented based on MTN’s high level of commitment and its significant contribution to healing others through tissue donation.

The Gift of Life Award honors MTN for recovering 49,968 transplantable tissues in 2024. Tissue from a donor hero may include tendons for knee surgeries, skin for burn patients and breast tissue for reconstruction after breast cancer treatment.

The Excellence Award in Osteochondral Performance recognizes MTN’s timely and outstanding work that often benefits younger and active recipients.

“These grafts help recipients regain pain-free mobility,” said MTN Director, Tissue Services, Melissa Williams, CTBS.

Throughout a 16-year partnership, MTN and Evergen continue to have strong connections that heal lives through tissue and eye donation. Annually, Evergen has honored MTN with top awards that recognize the organization for its high standards and lifesaving work for recipients across the world.

“We are honored to receive these awards and have a partnership with Evergen,” said Williams. “We work together to save and enhance countless lives.”

Williams noted the award recognizes the work of three MTN departments including Tissue, Quality and Donor Services.

“We are happy to work with an organization that is pushing the boundaries of innovation and tissue engineering to meet patient needs in regenerative medicine,” said Williams.

Evergen is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization specializing in biomaterial solutions for regenerative medicine. Evergen creates solutions that are focused on improving patient outcomes through high-quality medical solutions.

Tiffany Nyquist saved Scott Norman's life when she donated her kidney to him.

How Tiffany Nyquist and Scott Norman Celebrate Life and Their Kidney-versary

April 2, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Tiffany saved Scott’s life with her kidney donation.

National Donate Life Living Donor Day is April 2. It’s a day dedicated to thanking and honoring living donors and their lifesaving generosity. Tiffany Nyquist is a Midwest Transplant Network Ambassador who shares her story of donating a kidney to her friend Scott Norman. The day we talked to Tiffany and Scott was their 18th kidney-versary.

Scott Norman grew up on a farm in western Kansas. He was a star athlete who lettered in baseball and basketball and could have played college sports. There wasn’t any thought that his strep-infected kidney, diagnosed at age five, would slow him down. It did lead to a kidney transplant from a donor hero when he was 18. He kept living his life.

As a young man from a family of military service members, Scott knew he would continue the family legacy of his father, grandfather and great grandfather. “I signed up for the military and was accepted and approved for the very elite nuclear program at the time, which was the 80s,” he said. “I was looking forward to this new adventure, a new career and earning a college degree while serving.”

Scott completed the academic testing and needed to have a physical at the Naval testing facility. His test results were devastating. The commander told him his urine was spilling protein, and he would lose his kidneys someday. “It could be six months or six years,” the commander said. “We don’t know when this might happen, but unfortunately, we can’t accept you.”

Scott’s dream of serving his country was over. However, his deep faith led him to believe and know this would not be the end of his career success or his future.

A lifesaving friendship

Tiffany Nyquist met Scott through work. They became friends, socializing with their spouses and families. She started babysitting Scott’s three children and grew close to them. Their families spent a lot of time together, even celebrating big holidays.

It was years later when Tiffany watched Scott become sicker with kidney issues. She knew she had to do something to help. “He had been sick for a while and it wasn’t until he was admitted to the hospital that I started thinking about his kids and how close I am with my own dad. I didn’t want to think of his kids not having a father. That’s when I decided to get tested and see if I could be a match for him.”

An early MTN connection

In 2007, Tiffany worked in an office in the same building as Midwest Transplant Network. One day on her lunch break, she went MTN’s reception desk and said, “I know this is going to sound crazy, but I have a friend who’s on the kidney transplant list, and I’d like to see if I could be a match. And I’d like for him not to know it’s me.”

The initial blood work led to more testing. Tiffany was informed she was a match and could donate a kidney to Scott.

It was during a Thanksgiving celebration with the two families that Tiffany told Scott and his wife they were a match, and she wanted him to have her kidney. Scott and his wife were surprised and overwhelmed. And after a few days of praying about it and thinking it over they decided they were ready to move forward.

“I’m a thriver”

After the surgery, Tiffany was in the hospital for three days. After a few weeks, she was back at work and going to the gym. Scott returned to work in three weeks and continued in his leadership role with his company.

Scott said his kidney transplant was a seamless and easy process. “I am a living, walking miracle thanks to Tiffany and Midwest Transplant Network. I’m not just a survivor, I’m a thriver. I’ve been successful in starting a medical device manufacturing company that is saving lives and changing the world of healthcare.”

Tiffany became a registered organ, eye and tissue donor when she got her driver’s license at age 16. “Registering to become a donor when you get your driver’s license is great. I think a lot of people don’t realize the living donation process can be as easy as it was for me. After donating you can live a normal life. I feel like it’s not a huge sacrifice to give somebody 18 or more years of life.”

Tiffany and Scott are both high-energy entrepreneurs running multiple businesses. They don’t spend as much time together as they would like to. However, they do take every opportunity to talk to others about registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor and share their individual experiences.

They celebrate their kidney-versary every March 6 with a call, text, flowers or lunch. “There’s always some type of acknowledgement,” Scott says beaming with a 1,000-watt smile.

Sydney Prine: A Heart for Giving

March 26, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Sydney Prine was a natural teacher and cheerleader for everyone around her, she believed in kindness and the power of giving.

Sydney Prine: A Heart for Giving

Sydney Prine had a spirit as bright as her smile. She was a cheerleader for others, a natural teacher, and someone who found joy in giving. Her parents, Ginger and Tim, say she learned early on that kindness was a gift worth sharing.

“She figured out that it’s much better to help others and a lot easier to be nice,” her mother, Ginger, said. Sydney carried that lesson with her throughout her life, always looking for ways to lift others up. She especially loved giving presents, eagerly waiting to see the joy on someone’s face when they opened a gift from her.

That’s why, for her family, it was both heartbreaking and beautiful that Sydney’s greatest act of giving came on Christmas Day.

A Life-Saving Gift

At just 23 years old, Sydney had recently accepted her first teaching job—one step closer to her lifelong dream of helping others learn and grow. But in the days leading up to Christmas, she was involved in a tragic car accident.

Her parents were initially told that her heart was too damaged to be donated. But Sydney continued to fight, and over the next few days, she healed enough for her heart to be transplanted on Christmas night.

“She worked and healed her heart, and it was strong enough to be transplanted,” her parents said.

Sydney’s heart gave a grandmother a second chance at life. Her kidneys went to two different men, and she also donated her corneas, skin, ligaments, bone, and blood vessels—helping and healing countless others.

Continuing Sydney’s Legacy

Sydney’s generosity didn’t end with her passing. Her story has inspired many to register as organ donors, including her own family.

“All of us—her parents and her four siblings—are registered donors,” her mother said. “It’s something we will always advocate for. We wouldn’t be able to start to get through this without her giving the gifts she gave.”

Her family believes Sydney’s legacy lives on, not only through the lives she saved but also through the lessons she continues to teach.

“She always wanted to be a teacher,” her mother said. “She’s still teaching. And we’ll help her do that.”

Sydney’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of organ donation. Through her selfless gifts, her kindness continues to shine, bringing hope and healing to so many.

Learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

SpecialtyCare Announces Partnership with Midwest Transplant Network to Advance Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) in Organ Donation and Transplantation

March 5, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

SpecialtyCare, a leading provider of allied healthcare, is excited to announce a new partnership with Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) to enhance the field of organ donation and transplantation through the use of Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP). This collaboration aims to improve the viability of donor organs and increase the success of transplants, ultimately helping to save more lives.

The partnership brings together SpecialtyCare’s expertise in perfusion services and MTN’s leadership in organ donation and procurement, with both organizations already working alongside many of the same top hospitals in the region. Together, they will utilize NRP to perfuse and recondition organs to improve outcomes for transplant recipients and greater opportunities for successful organ recovery.

NRP is a groundbreaking procedure that enables organs, such as kidneys and livers, to be preserved and assessed in a state that closely mimics the body’s normal conditions. This innovative process allows transplant teams to evaluate organs more thoroughly and restore them to an optimal condition before transplantation. As a result, more patients can benefit from life-saving transplants, and the overall efficiency of the organ donation process is increased.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in our mission to provide the highest level of care for transplant recipients and improve the availability and efficiency of organ donation across the country,” said Dr. Steven Choi, CMO of SpecialtyCare. “By combining our expertise in perfusion services with the incredible work that Midwest Transplant Network is doing, we are proud of making this profound impact on the lives of transplant patients and those awaiting life-saving organs.”

“Midwest Transplant Network’s partnership with SpecialtyCare is part of a bold aim to save more lives through organ donation. By using abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (A-NRP) to recover organs, together, we’re able to increase the gifts of livers and kidneys from donor heroes,” said Lori Markham, Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer of Midwest Transplant Network. “Not only does SpecialtyCare have vast perfusion experience, but they are also such a great cultural fit with our organization. Together, we are honoring our donor heroes and saving more lives.”

The partnership between SpecialtyCare and MTN, which began in July 2024, aims to expand NRP services across the Midwest region while providing training and support for transplant professionals. This ensures the technology is fully utilized to save lives. As both organizations continue working together, the partnership is poised to significantly enhance the region’s transplant community and advance the science of NRP.

SpecialtyCare and Midwest Transplant Network remain deeply committed to their shared focus of increasing organ availability, improving patient outcomes, and fostering innovation in transplant medicine.

About SpecialtyCare
SpecialtyCare partners with hospitals and surgery centers to integrate seamlessly into the operating room. With a deep roster of over 1,800 specialists in Cardiac, Neuro, and Surgical services, we enhance patient outcomes, expand coverage, and reduce costs. Leveraging cutting-edge tools, technology, and tens of thousands of hours of experience, we are the premier partner for hospitals. Our SpecialtyCare Operative Procedural Registry (SCOPE™) drives innovation and sets benchmarks for superior care. Accredited by The Joint Commission and trusted by over 1,200 hospitals, SpecialtyCare supports effective OR and ICU operations. Visit Specialtycareus.com for more.

About Midwest Transplant Network
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.

Generous organ donor heroes from Midwest Transplant Network’s service area saved the lives of 13 people with an organ transplant in 1972. In 2024, that number was 399, illustrating the thoughtfulness of people in Kansas and western Missouri; the strong support from MTN’s hospital and community partners; and MTN’s commitment to continual improvement and saving more lives.

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.

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

/by Midwest Transplant Network

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.

Story of Hope: Tyler Barker

October 30, 2024/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Tyler Barker, Liver Recipient with a picture from Legacy Walk with his Donor Hero Jesse Burd.

As part of Liver Awareness Month, recognized in October, Tyler Barker shares the story about how his life was saved by a donor hero.

Tyler Barker is a natural at baseball and loves playing the sport. Baseball is part of the family’s DNA. His dad and uncle both played serious ball, and the family has a passion for watching games.

Tyler’s family never thought he would become the athlete that he is today. At 10 weeks old, doctors diagnosed him with biliary atresia, a childhood liver disease, which required surgery. After this surgery, the doctors told the family he would need a liver transplant. At 21 months, the Barkers received the 2 a.m. call that there was a match for his new liver.

“It was very emotional, because I knew, as we were excited to get something that could potentially save my baby’s life, someone else was going through their worst day,” said Tyler’s mother, Trish. “It was a weird feeling to have the joy but yet, know it was a really bad day for someone else.”

Jesse Burd was 14 when a car hit him, and he passed away. He became a donor hero and saved Tyler’s life. “I know he was a great guy and a compassionate person,” said Tyler. “He also played baseball.”

Jesse’s family reached out to the Barkers, and they began doing things together. For several years they did a balloon release at Jesse’s gravesite. Today they stay in contact and are friends on Facebook. “Their family is always happy to hear about Tyler’s success and just how much it has helped him,” said Trish. “We appreciate everything they’ve done and the sacrifice they made.”

The Barkers recognize Liver Awareness Month every October. The family has also participated in the Midwest Transplant Network Donate Life Legacy Walk for three years. “We honor Jesse and his family for giving us life,” said Trish. “It’s an important event for anyone who cares about organ donation.”

A bright future

This is Tyler’s last year at Holden (Missouri) High School. He is excited about the future and signed to play baseball at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.

When he was growing up, Tyler dreamed about being drafted to play baseball. “Right now, I want to be an athletic trainer with the end goal of working with a professional team. Anywhere will be fine,” Tyler said with a huge grin.

MTN Story of Hope: I.C. Collins

September 27, 2024/in

Blog,
News

/by Mitch Weber

Cornea and heart transplant recipient I.C. Collins

I.C. Collins is a cornea and heart recipient and a volunteer Ambassador for Midwest Transplant Network (MTN).

“You only get one life, and at any moment, it can be taken away.”

I.C. Collins had been healthy until a bacterial eye infection led to him struggling with his vision. Despite receiving aggressive vision treatment, he still had eye difficulties.

Meanwhile, he began suffering from what he believed to be seasonal allergies. Nothing helped, and doctors assumed he must have previously had COVID-19 and had lingering symptoms. One day, a coworker mentioned that he didn’t look healthy and insisted that he see a doctor.

A cardiologist informed I.C. that his heart was failing. He was placed on strong medication to try to heal his heart.

Amid the chaos of learning about his heart failure, I.C. received a corneal transplant for his injured eye; he eventually also received a heart transplant.

“You only get one life, and at any moment, it can be taken away,” said I.C.’s son I.C. Collins IV. “For him to get the heart and for his body to receive it so well, it’s an awesome thing.”

Since his transplants, I.C. has become a volunteer Ambassador for Midwest Transplant Network, educating others about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

“I decided I wanted to try to help as many people as I can,” he said.

To donor families, I.C. has one simple message: “Thank you from the bottom of whoever my donor’s heart was.”

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!

Tag Archive for: Midwest Transplant Network

A Life-Saving Gift

Continuing Sydney’s Legacy