organ donation – Page 2 – Midwest Transplant Network

A Journey of Living Donation – Joey & Audrey Sughroue

July 31, 2025/in

Audrey wasn’t a match for Joey, who needed a kidney due to Alport syndrome, but she still helped save his life.

A Perfect Match Through Paired Exchange

Audrey and Joey’s relationship blossomed even as Joey battled Alport syndrome, a genetic kidney disease. When his condition worsened, Audrey hoped to donate her kidney but wasn’t a direct match.

Through a paired exchange, Audrey gave to another recipient while Joey received a kidney from someone else. Their surgeries took place on the same day, May 2, 2023, marking a life-changing moment for them both.

Embracing Life After Transplant

Throughout this journey, the couple remained committed to living fully. They got engaged, married, bought a home and, most recently, celebrated the arrival of their greatest joy yet, their daughter Mila.

In the months that followed their surgeries, Audrey and Joey embraced the life they had hoped for. They took a long-dreamed-of trip to France, and around the one year anniversary of their transplants, they traveled to Thailand, grateful for the strength and freedom restored through living donation.

Now, Audrey and Joey look forward to a future filled with possibility, good health and new adventures as a family.

Learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

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.

An infographic that explains Midwest Transplant Network is No. 4 in the country for organ donation and no. 7 for transplantation rates. Rankings are based on 2023 data provided to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

MTN Ranks Among Top 10 in the Nation

July 7, 2025/in

Blog,
News

/by Midwest Transplant Network

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2025 OPO Annual Public Aggregated Performance Report, which outlines individual organ procurement organization (OPO) performance in 2023, the most current year that data is available.

The report notes that of 55 federally certified U.S. OPOs:

30 — including Midwest Transplant Network — are Tier 1 (54%)
16 are Tier 2 (29%)
10 are Tier 3 (18%)

This report ranks all OPOs into one of three tiers based on donation and transplantation rates. Tier 1 OPOs have the upper 95% confidence limit at or above the top 25th percentile cutoff for both the donation and transplantation rates. Each OPO’s tier ranking also has a letter associated: A is the highest possible performance in a tier, and E is the lowest.

Midwest Transplant Network is No. 4 in the nation for organ donation and No. 7 for transplantation rates; it has been among the top OPOs for both rates all four years the report has been released.

“Being a high-performing organ procurement organization means we are doing all the right things when it comes to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Midwest Transplant Network is truly dedicated to being innovative in our care of donor heroes and in our support of donor families. We are committed to working with hospitals and transplant centers to make a positive impact toward donation and transplantation, and we are focused on awareness and being inclusive of all the communities we serve across Kansas and western Missouri,” said Jan Finn, RN, MSN, President & Chief Executive Officer.

Midwest Transplant Network’s assessment rating in Tier 1A reflects the quality, professionalism and excellence in partnerships throughout Kansas and western Missouri, as well as the incredible generosity of organ, eye and tissue donors and their families. It also reflects the commitment MTN staff have toward the mission of saving lives by honoring the gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation.

To learn more about Midwest Transplant Network and the importance of becoming a registered organ donor, please visit mwtn.org

Midwest Transplant Network is among the nation’s top 10, ranking no. 4 in organ donation and no. 7 in transplantation rates.

No age limit to becoming a donor hero

May 30, 2025/in

Blog

/by Midwest Transplant Network

Clifford and Mary Hammond

May is Older Americans Month and Midwest Transplant Network is sharing this story to illustrate that you are never too old to be a registered organ, eye or tissue donor.

Mary Hammond was always proud of her work as a forensic chemist. She worked on a number of cases, including high-profile cases covered by the media.

Why was being an organ, eye and tissue donor important to Mary?

A life of helping others

“You would have to know Mary,” her husband, Clifford, chuckled. “She would stop young girls all the time and tell them to get an education. She believed all women should have the same opportunities she did. She thought if she could get an education, others could, too.”

Mary and Clifford were married almost 16 years ago. They were both registered as organ, eye and tissue donors long before they tied the knot.

Mary was a caring and giving person and always wanted to help others. At age 75, Mary’s legacy to help others continued after she passed away in 2024. She was able to save two lives with the donation of her liver and kidneys. Her case was unique in that both kidneys went to the same recipient—an 82-year-old female.

Donor heroes

In 2024, MTN helped facilitate organ donations from 28 donor heroes aged 70 to 80, and three donor heroes between 80 and 90 years old. So far this year, five donor heroes aged 70 to 90 have given the gift of hope and shared life.

Melissa Ott, NP-C, Senior Director of Organ Procurement Services at MTN said, “The liver is the most likely organ to be transplanted in individuals over the age of 70.”

What is the one thing people should know about being a registered organ, eye and tissue donor? “You are never too old to save a life through organ donation,” said Ott.

Giving hope and sharing life

“We have a large number of donors over the age of 80,” said MTN Director of Donation Services, Cassie Anthony. “This year alone, 94 tissue and eye donor heroes were between the ages 80-90 years old. Donors in this age range are eligible for bone and dermis donation. Eighty is the maximum age for corneas, so that is also an option at times.”

Last year, MTN had 357 tissue and eye donors between the ages of 70-80 and 138 tissue donor heroes between the ages of 81-90 years old.

What is old age?

The perception of old age can vary greatly from person to person across cultures. Depending on the source, old is defined as when a person is 80 or 85.

This age range is supported in the Harris Poll’s “New Age of Aging” report. While age 60 was considered old in our grandparents’ time, 80 is the median age considered old today.

Reflecting on why it’s important to be a registered organ, eye and tissue donor, Clifford said, “When I see God on judgement day my organs are no longer any good to me. They should go to people who need them.”

Register today

Mary and Clifford’s stories demonstrate that there isn’t an age limit to becoming a registered organ, eye or tissue donor. People of all ages can give hope and share life as a donor hero. You can register at sharelifemidwest.com.

Midwest Transplant Network Presents Awards for Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation Excellence

April 29, 2025/in

Blog,
News

/by Midwest Transplant Network

MTN honored partners with artwork representing Gretchen’s Garden and donor heroes.

Westwood, Kan. (April 29, 2025) – Midwest Transplant Network staff members recognize their partners in saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation by presenting the annual Excellence in Donation Awards to hospitals, individuals and organizations in our community.

Based on 2024 donation outcomes, Midwest Transplant Network presents awards for excellence in organ and tissue donation to hospitals with a higher-than-average number of families granting authorization for donation. The organization also gives awards to exceptional partners in hospitals; licensing, treasury and Department of Revenue offices, medical examiner offices, funeral homes and to individuals or groups who make an extraordinary contribution to Midwest Transplant Network’s lifesaving mission.

“Midwest Transplant Network is proud to honor our partners with the Excellence in Donation Awards,” said MTN Director, Hospital Services, Justina Barnes. “This is our opportunity to recognize how the honorees are meeting the goals of organ and tissue donation as we work together to give hope and share life with individuals and families across Kansas, Missouri and the nation.”

Flowers, Butterflies and Organ Donation
MTN commissioned special artwork from local Kansas City artist, Jenny Meyer-McCall. The awards represent Gretchen’s Garden of Heroes at MTN. The garden is a place of quiet reflection and hope, named in honor of Gretchen Gosch, a beloved MTN staff member who gave the ultimate gift of life. The flowers and butterflies in the award are inspired by original art Gretchen created as a child. The beautiful artwork features remnants of a purple and gold scarf that belonged to her. The awards honor Gretchen and all the donor heroes the garden helps us remember.

2025 Excellence in Donation honorees
Midwest Transplant Network collaborates with 242 hospitals and recognized the following:

Organ and tissue excellence:
AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Centerpoint Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Stormont Vail Health, Salina Regional Health Center, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, CommonSpirit St. Catherine Hospital-Garden City, Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc. and Lawrence Memorial Hospital

Organ excellence:
Mosaic Life Care and Select Specialty Hospital-Kansas City

Tissue excellence:
Saint Luke’s Hospital, Providence Medical Center, The University of Kansas Health System, Mercy Hospital Joplin, Freeman Health System, Menorah Medical Center, Saint Luke’s East Hospital, Capital Region Medical Center, Olathe Medical Center, Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, William Newton Hospital and Johnson County Medical Examiner

In addition to hospitals, Midwest Transplant Network collaborates with countless individuals and teams and recognizes the following:

Individual and group honorees:
Kim Harbur, Director of Education, Gift of Life Kansas City; Kelsey Gebauer, MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, Nurse Manager, Surgical/Trauma ICU at The University of Kansas Health System; HCA Midwest Critical Care Educators Ashley Bearkheimer, MSN, RN, CCRN, Centerpoint Medical Center; April Rock, BSN, RN, Overland Park Regional Medical Center; Sarah Fike, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN, Research Medical Center and Katrina Sanders, BSN, RN, HCA MidAmerica Division; Gary Dixon, Midwest Transplant Network volunteer Ambassador; Janelle Williamson, MS, APRN, NP-C, ACHPN, FPCN, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Stormont Vail Health; Arielle Steinle, EMP-T, Paramedic, Butler County EMS and Captain Kathleen (Katie) Yarsulik, Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department

About Midwest Transplant Network
Incorporated in 1973, Midwest Transplant Network saves lives through organ, eye and tissue donation in partnership with hospitals and other professional healthcare organizations to give hope and share life. As the federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) for Kansas and the western two-thirds of Missouri, Midwest Transplant Network provides services including organ procurement, surgical tissue and eye recovery, laboratory testing and 24-hour rapid response for referrals from hospital partners. Midwest Transplant Network ranks in the top 10% in the country among OPOs, which reflects the organization’s quality, professionalism and excellence in partnerships throughout the region. MTN commemorated 50 years of service in 2023. For more information, visit mwtn.org.

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

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

April 23, 2025/in

/by Midwest Transplant Network

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.”

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.

Tag Archive for: organ donation

A Life-Saving Gift

Continuing Sydney’s Legacy