Iowa Donor Network

10/18/2026

"My son, Addam was a donor hero. After his heart was transplanted, the recipient’s family sent us a Build-A-Bear with a recording of the new heart’s first beats after surgery. The beeps of the hospital machines can be heard in the background. Addam lives on through his recipient."

— Rebecca

10/17/2026

“My 22-year-old son was an organ donor. I have met his heart recipient, and we have kept in touch. We love her, and I am so thankful for organ donation.”

—Donna

10/17/2026

“I am 22 years post-kidney/pancreas transplant, and it is only because of the glorious gifts of heroes (organ donors) that I have been able to see my granddaughters graduate from college, celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary, attend my 50th class reunion and enjoy more time with my two kids!

This is me (in the red shirt, with my wife to my left), along with the parents of my hero and donor, their son Tyler. We met three years to the day after they lost their son and I received my second chance at life. This was almost 19 years ago.

It was the most humbling day of my entire 71 years on this earth!”

—Kenneth

10/15/2026

“Stella was a typical 4-year-old girl. In November 2023, she developed flu-like symptoms that came and went. After about two weeks, I took her to our local ER because of how pale her face had become. She also complained of a tummy ache and had a decreased appetite.

Our local ER did a CT scan and referred us to our local children’s hospital for further evaluation. While waiting for an ambulance, Stella became unresponsive, and she was ultimately flown to another hospital.

There, doctors performed an echocardiogram and discovered that her heart was not pumping as it should. Within 24 hours, Stella was intubated, and within another 24 hours, she was placed on ECMO, where she would spend 13 days fighting for her life.

During that time, the hospital ordered urgent genetic testing to determine the cause of her sudden, rapid heart failure. That’s when we learned she had a PPA2 gene mutation.

Stella was able to come off ECMO, but two days later, she underwent surgery to receive a ventricular assist device (VAD) to support her heart until she could receive a transplant.

Just four days before her fifth birthday, Stella got the call that a donor heart was available, and she received a successful heart transplant.

Since then, she has thrived. She returned home just eight days after her transplant and was back in school less than a month later.

I honor her donor by doing my best to raise Stella and remind her that it is because of an organ donor that she is able to do all the things a typical little girl does. We are eternally grateful.”

—Karrie

10/14/2026

"My husband, Mike, had a liver transplant in May of 2024. We are so grateful for the second chance at life. He was given a week or two to live and within nine days he had his transplant and is holding strong. We think of his donor and pray for the family all the time."

—Teresa

10/14/2026

"If giving him a piece of my liver meant giving him the chance to grow up, to run, to play, to go to school, to become whomever he was meant to be someday – there was never really a choice. There was only him."

Maxwell was born with biliary atresia, a rare liver disorder that affects newborns. At 12 weeks old, he had a procedure that gave his liver some more time, but it wasn't a cure. Maxwell would eventually need a liver transplant. This past July, his mom, Juliane, became 5-year-old Maxwell's living donor.

Juliane and Justin, Maxwell's dad, share their journey in hopes of raising awareness of living donation and its potential to help other families waiting for a lifesaving gift. 💙💚

Story via Donate Life America

10/13/2026

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40% of babies born with bilateral renal agenesis are stillborn, and most die shortly after birth. FULL STORY⬇️

10/12/2026

We will be at the 12th Annual Senior Life Conference on Monday, Oct. 26, at Prairie Meadows in Altoona!

Stop by our booth to meet our team, ask questions about organ, eye and tissue donation and pick up some educational resources and giveaways.

We look forward to connecting with our community and hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars for an incredible day out! 🎉
The 12th Annual Senior Life Conference is returning on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona, and this is an event you won't want to miss!
Doors open at 8:00 AM, and your $15 ticket packs in immense value:
• A keynote presentation by dementia care specialist Dr. Yogesh Shah, MD, MPH, FAAFM
• Practical, high-value breakout sessions covering everything from downsizing stress-free, Medicare made simple, and smart travel tips, to protecting yourself from online scams and estate planning
• A hearty lunch buffet
• 75+ exhibitors, exclusive discounts, giveaways, and door prizes!
Whether you’re planning your next chapter, helping loved ones navigate life’s milestones, or simply looking to connect and learn something new, there is truly something here for everyone.
👉 Grab your spot today: Register at www.centraliowasenior.com
Help us spread the word! Please share this post with friends, family, and local groups who’d love a fun, informative day out. Who’s joining us this year? 💬👇

10/12/2026

"My dad received a heart transplant at 60 and lived to be 78. There are no words to express the gratitude of recipient families. God bless organ donors."

He had struggled with illness since he was 14 due to rheumatic fever. After three heart surgeries and many other complications, he finally got a new heart. The first photo is of my dad about a week before his transplant. The second shows him healthy after the transplant."

—Gail

10/12/2026

"My husband, Rocky, passed away last year. He could make anyone laugh.

He donated everything he could. I have received one letter, and it is so great to read with our 16-year-old son. My son may never know what it's like to have a dad for driving, graduation and first dates, but I hope he holds on to knowing his dad helped many other people.

I thought making the choice to take him off the ventilator would be the hardest part. Little did I know the aftermath of looking into a little boy's eyes would be worse.
I encourage recipients to keep sending letters. As a donor wife and family, it really is the only thing we hold on to that's still alive and helping."

—Jennifer