Mid-America Transplant

05/29/2026

When June was younger, her brother, Brian, went into kidney failure. Her dad, a Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War, was able to be Brian's living kidney donor.

After nearly 20 years with his donated kidney, Brian was in need of another transplant. Now much older, June was able to get tested to be her brother's living donor, and in 2005, June and Brian underwent a successful transplant. Thanks to the generosity of June and her dad, their family had many more years with Brian, but sadly, Brian passed away from organ failure in 2014.

Now, June is a living kidney donor herself and an advocate for donation, volunteering and competing in the Transplant Games of America. 💙💚

Story via Donate Life America

05/29/2026

"Losing my daughter eight months ago broke me, but knowing she lives on in others gives me something to hold onto. I hope that one day I can meet the people she saved."

—Cecy

05/28/2026

We pass on our condolences to Danielle’s loved ones.

Danielle passed on the gift of life through organ donation so that others may have a second chance at life. 💙💚

Danielle Uskiwich, a beloved St. Charles school secretary, died after a crowd surfer's kick unveiled fatal brain clots. Her organs were donated.

05/27/2026

"On May 20, 1988, I received a liver transplant. I was just 6 years old. I was born with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which developed into cirrhosis of the liver.

I just celebrated the 38th anniversary of my liver transplant and am still going strong. Thank you, organ donors!"

—Erin H.

05/26/2026

"I wrote to my donor’s family one year after my lung and liver transplant. I later received a letter from my donor’s mother. She signed it with her name and phone number, and I called her soon after. A few months later, we drove five hours to a Path of Remembrance gathering, where I met about 25 members of my donor’s family. It was wonderful and deeply touching. I stay in contact with my donor’s sweet mother through texts, calls and messages. I feel like I am part of the most loving, giving and kind family. I am truly blessed and thankful every day."

—Chalma

05/25/2026

"My sister wrote the first letter to my donor family while I was still in the hospital recovering from my liver transplant due to autoimmune hepatitis. I wrote to them about four months later, thanking them and expressing my sympathy.

I didn’t hear back until my one-year anniversary, when my donor’s parents wrote to me. They said it was part of their healing process and told me about their son. At the end of the letter, they said they did not want any further contact. I honored their wishes, but I think of them often and am grateful they honored their son’s wishes, even though it was very hard for them."

—Cherith R.

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we honor the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp, a member of the 75th Army Ranger Regiment, saved six of his comrades when his unit came under attack in Afghanistan. He was mortally wounded and saved four more lives back in the United States through his selfless gift of organ donation.

To honor Corporal Kopp and all other brave soldiers who became organ, eye and tissue donors, the Fallen Soldier statue stands at the National Donor Memorial and honors members of our military who made organ, eye, and tissue donation their last courageous act of service. The site is a place of peace for all who wish to honor the gift of life! 💙💚

Story via Donate Life America

05/24/2026

"My son, Chris, passed away suddenly at his home on March 3, 2026, and became an organ donor.

He attended JROTC in high school and graduated from high school. After graduating, Chris wanted to join the military, but due to medical reasons, he was unable to pursue that dream. He also thought he wanted to be a dental hygienist, but after entering the program, he quickly realized working in people’s mouths was not for him.

Chris eventually made his way to work with a friend and went on to hold a variety of jobs. He was extremely ambitious and could fit into any work environment, no matter the role. He had goals of joining the plumbers union in 2027.

Chris was very proud of saving up to purchase his first car. He had the biggest heart and one of the sweetest smiles. He always put others before himself and strived to be the best version of himself.

He was an avid lover of baseball. He loved collecting baseball cards and could share countless facts about the game and its players. He also had a deep love for music and creating his own, known to many as ‘Risen Mikey.’ You rarely saw Chris without an earbud in, listening to something.

One small detail about Chris is that he loved Mexican food, especially burritos.
I miss him so much."

—Rose

05/23/2026

“Out of all my scars, this is my favorite one. It’s shaped like a puzzle piece. I could have died at any time from insulin resistance. Now I’m diabetes-free. No more insulin for me.

Thank you for my new pancreas. Thank you to my donor, who gave this as a final gift. Thank you to the hospital for my care.

Please be an organ donor. Take care of yourself and your health for those who love you.”

—Destiny

05/22/2026

It is our privilege to be part of episode two of Gifted the Docuseries. Thank you to Robert Horsey and the team at Gifted Productions, LLC for highlighting our work and for honoring organ, eye, and tissue donor heroes and their families.

Through personal stories of three donor families, “Gifted” aims to inspire viewers to register.