Mid-America Transplant

06/18/2026

“My wife, Jenn, passed away far too young. She became an organ donor, and a few months later, we received a letter thanking us and telling us about the people she helped through donation. Reading about the lives she touched was a blessing I will never forget.

Jenn passed away in her late 40s, but her generosity and legacy continue to live on through others.

This photo was taken about a year before she became sick.”

—Mike

06/17/2026

Bringing up organ donation with family members is an important step in ensuring your wishes are honored, but what's the best way to start the conversation? Read our guide to choosing the right moment, opening the discussion, and responding to common concerns.

In a crisis, loved ones may be asked to confirm your decision to be an organ donor. Talking with your family now can give them peace of mind.

06/17/2026

"For my husband Brian and me, being organ donors was a no-brainer. The orange stickers were displayed proudly on our driver's licenses.

Brian was ill with a stroke and congestive heart failure during the last year of his life. He was in and out the hospital monthly and retired at the end of 2020 because of his health.

On Monday, August 16, 2021, he was released from the hospital again. At home, he went to get his phone to call his parents to let them know he was home. He fell and never got up.

I tried helping him up, but when I saw his eyes roll to the back of his head, I called 911. We live a block from a fire station, so the EMTs were there in moments. They worked on Brian for a half-hour, but he never woke up.

My organ procurement organization called about organ donation. They didn't need my permission because of the orange sticker and Brian's signature on his drivers license, but they asked a lot of questions about his health and told me that somewhere around 70 people would benefit from Brian's skin, organs (except his heart), even his eyes, despite cataract surgery on both of them years before.

This news comforted me and is a major reason for organ donation: not only does it help those who receive the organs, but it also helps the grieving knowing that someone is benefitting from their loved one's last gift."

—Lorin

06/16/2026

"My son, Josh, was 38 years old when a woman turned left and killed him while he was riding his motorcycle home from work.

Our organ procurement organization (OPO) has helped us along the way since November 2023, always encouraging us to participate and helping us throughout the mourning process.

Josh was a five-year Army veteran and was about to begin working at the VA to help other veterans. We are forever grateful to our OPO for continuing to help us through the healing process."

—Mitzi

06/15/2026

"Here we are in 2026... I am able to see another birthday.

I am forever grateful to my donor, my 'Organ Buddy.' We have gotten so close through this whole process. It seems we're more like family. It has also made me look at life through a different lens. The transplant process puts into perspective what matters, what doesn't, what's in your control and what needs to be released."

Tiffany (left in photo) was diagnosed with a rare liver disease in high school that progressed in severity over the years until her medical team suggested that a living liver transplant was her best option. Tiffany posted her story on social media, and a family friend, Nora, messaged to say she was interested in being evaluated as a living donor. They were a match! In September of 2025, Tiffany and Nora had their surgeries. They both are doing well today. 💙💚

Thanks to Tiffany and Donate Life America for sharing this story!

06/15/2026

"My brother passed due to an untimely death. We donated his organs and my Mom was able to meet the recipient of his heart. The other recipients didn’t want to meet but that’s okay, they were able to live longer lives with their children and that was a gift."

—Irene

06/13/2026

"In 2012, what I thought was just a normal doctor’s visit for my recurring bronchitis changed my life forever. A nagging cough, something I brushed off time and time again, led to me being placed on supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Eventually, doctors diagnosed me with end-stage lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis. I remember thinking, How could this be? I had never smoked. It wasn’t genetic. I had never worked around harmful chemicals. Nothing made sense.

In August 2018, I received the call that donor lungs had become available. That moment brought a mixture of emotions; I knew this gift had come through someone else’s loss, and I immediately understood the magnitude of the sacrifice behind my second chance at life. Before my transplant, I faced many challenges with my health that impacted not only me, but also my family. Today, I live with deep gratitude for my donor, Ali, whose selfless gift gave me more than lungs; it gave me more time, more memories, and more opportunities to make an impact. I honor Ali’s legacy by sharing my story, advocating for organ donation, and encouraging others to register as donors.

My journey has taught me never to take life for granted. Every breath I take is a reminder of grace, purpose, and the power of generosity. I am living proof that organ donation saves lives, and I strive each day to live in a way that honors the incredible gift I was given." 💙💚

Thanks so much to Lashon and Donate Life America for sharing this story with us!

06/13/2026

"My son Auston fell to his death off a cliff. He was an organ donor. He was bright, talented, a lyricist and had a heart of gold. He was only 24.

The organ procurement organization handled all of the details with compassion. I know this is what he wanted. I’m an organ donor too. His life giving gift has saved lives for many people. Letters from grateful families mean the world to me. Do it! Auston was a wonderful young man. All you have to do is add ‘organ donor’ to your drivers permit or license. Be inspired. Save lives after your death."

—Mary

06/11/2026

"A single tissue donor can help dozens of people—often more than 75 lives can be improved or healed.

My Dad gave an incredible gift through tissue donation. Knowing that part of him lives on by helping others heal brings a sense of comfort to such a painful loss. His legacy is not only in the memories we cherish, but also in the lives he touched through his final act of kindness. My dad always wanted nothing more than to help others, and in this way, he was able to."

—Kyleigh

06/10/2026

"My scar is a daily reminder to thank my donor family. I received my kidney last April, and I’m still grateful to be living my life again. I had Chronic Kidney Disease since birth. No more hours of peritoneal dialysis, just more time to spend with my loved ones and my dog."

—Jillian L.