Mid-America Transplant

03/16/2026

“My six-year-old son, John Luke, became an organ donor after a tragic accident.
John Luke had a four-wheeler accident on our land. My oldest son found him in the pond. My husband is a paramedic and was home that day. He pulled John Luke out and started CPR while our 12-year-old called 911.

Over the next few days the doctors ran several tests. His brain activity continued to diminish, and eventually they told us he was clinically deceased.

My husband understood the science of organ donation and how it could help others, but all I could see was my child. I couldn’t imagine letting someone take something so precious from him. At first, we said no.

I stepped outside and prayed that the Lord would give me peace about whatever decision we made. I didn’t have peace with saying no. As I prayed, I felt the Lord remind me that there were people praying for something that John Luke could no longer use.
I went back in and told my husband I was willing to donate certain organs. John Luke was able to donate his heart, pulmonary valves, kidneys and liver.

Two people in their 30s received his kidneys. A six-year-old boy received his liver, and I still keep in contact with his mother. Recently we learned his pulmonary valve helped a five-year-old boy.

John Luke loved playing outside. He had just started kindergarten and was learning to read. He was funny, quick-witted and full of life. If he ever got quiet, you had to go check on him because he was probably into something he shouldn’t be. He loved dressing up as superheroes. I still have all of his costumes.

Because of organ donation, I truly believe he became a superhero for those families.

This experience changed my life. I’m now in school studying surgical technology because I want to help families going through moments like ours. I’m also a registered organ donor now. I wasn’t before. Other members of our family have since registered to be donors too.

Of course I wish John Luke were still here. But seeing how far the little boy who received his liver has come, and knowing the quality of life he has now, brings me peace. John Luke’s life changed other lives. He truly was a superhero."

— Johnna

03/15/2026

“Our son was a donor in December 1998, he was able to donate his liver and kidneys. We heard from two of the recipients, but at the time, I couldn’t reply, it was such a difficult time. He was only 20 and killed by a drunk driver. The years have passed but I still miss our beautiful son every day, but I am glad he gave others the chance to live on with his help."

—Vicki C.

03/14/2026

"When most kids turn 16, they are excited to get their driver's license. I was excited to donate blood for the first time. I had been inspired by my Mom, as she was and still is an avid blood donor. My first blood donation experience offered an incredible feeling of gratitude. Gratitude for good health and for having an able body to help someone in need. I was smitten by this feeling of gratitude and became a regular blood donor. Blood donation then became something special my Mom and I did together every 56 days.

As I got older, I became fascinated by the miracle of living donation. The thought of saving a life through living organ donation sparked every fiber of my being. For it is not only one life you save, it is each and every life that is lovingly connected to the recipient, too. I then added 'living organ donation' to my personal life 'bucket list.'

In 2024, a family friend presented the unfortunate need for a kidney transplant. With the loving support of my Husband and my Mom, I proceeded forward with testing and evaluation to determine if I could become a living kidney donor. After thorough testing, we discovered not only was I an approved living donor candidate, but a direct match to donate my kidney to our friend, Vanessa. In June of 2024, we had an incredibly successful transplant surgery. It is so joyful to see Vanessa return to a better quality of life with her family without the confinement of dialysis and the daunting amount of medical appointments.

Throughout my living organ donation journey, the one thing I emphasize to others when asked the reason behind my 'why' is simply this: 'why not?'

Our world can truly become a beautiful place the moment we start saying yes, and I am so proud to say, 'I said yes to organ donation.'" 💙💚

Thank you to Amanda and Donate Life America for sharing her story with us!

03/13/2026

Kidney disease is closely connected to some of the fastest-growing health challenges in the United States, with 1 in 3 Americans at risk.

This March, celebrate National Kidney Month by learning what steps you can take to protect your health and read the story of one man whose life was changed through the selfless gift of organ donation.

Read more via the link below.

1 in 3 adults is at risk for kidney disease. Celebrate National Kidney Month by learning the signs and why organ donation matters.

03/13/2026

“My donor was a 20-year-old male. I waited a year to write to the family to give them time to grieve. I didn’t hear back from them, but the coordinator assured me they received my letter of gratitude, which was hard to write but eventually came together. It’s such an unimaginable feeling to know someone died and saved me—to make that final decision during their tremendous loss. It is the most humbling experience to try to put into words how your life has been saved and how to express just how grateful you are.

I have since learned from the people who manage correspondence between donors and recipients that only 10 percent ever hear back from their donor family. That being said, I am still hoping we may meet someday. It has been two and a half years since I wrote to them.

I am swimming in the Transplant Olympic Games this summer in Denver for the first time! I can’t believe I’m doing anything like this after how sick I was and what a tremendous gift it is to be able to participate and gather with other recipients and donor families from across the United States. Thank you to the donors and family members who have the courage to save us!”

—Stacey F.

03/12/2026

"My 35-year-old son has cystic fibrosis and has received two double lung transplants and a kidney. Being an organ donor means so much to families like mine—words cannot express our gratitude."

—Theresa

03/11/2026

“My mom donated both her kidneys last August after her passing, along with many other gifts. She believed strongly in this.

This is a memory cabinet my aunt and uncle made for me. It includes the blanket, a bracelet and the heartbeat vital from our organ procurement organization, as well as her funeral card.”

—Hannah

03/10/2026

“I’m very, very grateful and very thankful to the donor family for giving me my organs.” 💙💚

03/10/2026

"I'm very, very grateful and very thankful to the donor family for giving me my organs," Macey told Good Morning America. 💙💚

A 17-year-old in Missouri is returning to cheering after receiving a heart and kidney transplant.

03/10/2026

"A month prior to his passing he chose to give the gift of life. As his mother I fulfilled his wish. He was a giving and selfless young man.

I received a heartfelt letter from one of my son's recipients. I was so emotional about it I couldn't find the words to write back. Truthfully I just wanted to meet the young man who was able to walk again because of my son's gift. My son lives on through them."

—Michelle

03/09/2026

“My 32-year-old son, Sean, donated in July 2023. He had signed himself up at 9 years old. I knew we had to do it. It has given our family, walking on through our journey without him, a feeling of peace.”

—Janet

03/09/2026

“I am a registered nurse. I have worked in almost all aspects of organ donation, including procurement surgery and transplant. It is always an emotional time, as one family grieves tremendously and another is so grateful for the chance to live a healthier life because someone cared at the worst moment of their life. Not only do I know this professionally, but also as an auntie. My beautiful, handsome, brilliant 27-year-old nephew was a donor of seven organs. He will be missed forever and ever until we meet again in heaven.

I picture him sailing in the clouds now. How wonderful it is to believe. How comforting to think he is with all those we love, including his grandmother, my precious sister who recently passed. Sailing on sunbeams and the love of the Lord. It is well with my soul.”

—Gail