Jetaya Rose Lucero was known for her bright smile, caring heart and passion for helping others.

“She was daddy’s princess with an attitude,” said her mother, Sharen Lucero.

Her father, Lee Lucero, remembers how her presence could instantly brighten a room.

“Her smile would light up a room,” he said. “She had a gift for Down syndrome or special needs kids. It was her goal in life to be a special needs teacher.”

Jetaya and her brother were adopted by Sharen and Lee when they were young children. Their biological mother is the Luceros’ daughter, making their family bond even more special.

Jetaya loved animals, spending time outdoors and experimenting with makeup. She cared deeply for others and dreamed of a future helping children with special needs.

That future was tragically cut short when Jetaya died from fentanyl poisoning.

When Sharen and Lee received the call that Jetaya had been taken to the hospital, they rushed to be by her side.

When they arrived at the hospital, they learned something remarkable. Jetaya had already made that decision for herself. She was a registered organ donor.

Through the gift of organ donation, Jetaya became a donor hero and saved five lives.

While nothing can erase the pain of losing a child, her family finds comfort knowing that part of Jetaya’s legacy lives on through the people whose lives were saved.

Today, Sharen and Lee continue to share their daughter’s story with others. Their goal is twofold: to educate people about the dangers of fentanyl and to encourage more individuals to register as organ donors.

Learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

MTN celebrates National EMS Week, honoring the service and commitment of EMS professionals.

In May, Midwest Transplant Network celebrated National EMS Week. The annual week-long campaign honors the service and commitment of EMTs, paramedics and the entire emergency medical services workforce.

This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” highlighted the critical collaboration between 911 dispatchers, first responders, healthcare professionals and local organizations. MTN is honored to work with EMS clinicians to ensure better outcomes for patients and communities. In recognition of our partnership with EMS, MTN staff delivered treats and goodie bags of gratitude to EMS teams throughout the area.

MTN staff delivered treats and goodie bags to thank EMS teams in the area.

Melissa Williams, MSW, CEBT, CTBS, Director of Tissue Services at Midwest Transplant Network, recognizes the efforts put forward by EMS, saying, “MTN would like to thank our EMS partners for their lifesaving work in our community.”

EMS professionals care for individuals who ultimately become donor heroes. Their difficult work is vital to the health and safety of our communities but often goes unrecognized. MTN appreciates the extraordinary dedication and compassion demonstrated by EMS providers.

EMS Week is a time to celebrate contributions and thank EMS professionals and their families for the sacrifices they make in service to others. MTN is proud to partner with EMS to improve outcomes, together.

Owen’s journey is a reminder that hope continues to grow through resilience, support and the possibility of a lifesaving gift.

At nine years old, Owen Cigich has a larger-than-life personality and enough energy to keep everyone around him smiling. He loves laughing, cup stacking, swimming and spending time with his treasured cat stuffie, Cinnamon Roll.

He is also building a following online through his YouTube channel, @ONEANDONLYOWEN. With help from his parents, Kathleen and Ben, Owen creates videos and is excitedly working toward his goal of reaching 800 followers.

“He’s fearless,” said his mom, Kathleen. “He will jump into a 12-foot-deep swimming pool and talk to anyone.”

That fearless spirit has carried Owen through challenges most children his age will never have to face. During a routine ultrasound at 30 weeks of pregnancy, doctors discovered a posterior urethral valve blockage that damaged Owen’s kidneys. Just seven days after he was born, his parents learned he would one day need a kidney transplant.

Plans for a kidney transplant were interrupted after he was diagnosed with liver cancer and began treatment. Before returning to the kidney transplant waiting list, Owen had to be cancer-free for two years.

Despite every setback, Owen has continued to move forward with determination, optimism and a joyful outlook on life.

When you meet Owen, chances are he will hand you one of his business cards. The idea was completely his own. His cards help spread awareness about his need for a kidney transplant and share information about his YouTube channel.

“It was all his idea and it’s one way to let others know about his need for a kidney and promote his YouTube channel,” Kathleen said.

Owen may be young, but he already thinks about his future. When his dad asks what he wants to be when he grows up, Owen confidently answers:

“I want to be a YouTuber or a math teacher.”

Behind every person waiting for a transplant is a unique story, a family and a dream for the future. Owen’s journey is a reminder that hope continues to grow through resilience, support and the possibility of a lifesaving gift.

Learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

Midwest Transplant Network’s 2026 Excellence in Donation award.

Midwest Transplant Network recognizes their partners in organ, eye and tissue donation by presenting the annual Excellence in Donation Awards to hospitals, individuals and community organizations.

Based on 2025 donation outcomes, Midwest Transplant Network presents awards for excellence in organ and tissue donation to hospitals with the highest rate of facilitating these lifesaving gifts in eligible cases where donation is authorized. MTN also honors exceptional partners – including hospitals, medical examiner offices, funeral homes, government agencies and dedicated individuals – who provide outstanding support to its lifesaving mission.

“Midwest Transplant Network proudly recognizes our dedicated partners with the Excellence in Donation Awards,” said Justina Barnes, Director, Hospital Services, MTN. “This celebration allows us to publicly acknowledge how our honorees fulfill the mission of organ and tissue donation, exemplifying our shared purpose of delivering hope to families in Kansas, Missouri and beyond.”

Butterflies and Organ Donation

To design the 2026 Excellence in Donation awards, Midwest Transplant Network commissioned special artwork from Jane Leach, a local Kansas City artist and owner of Cottage Blooms.

Through photography, Jane captures a wide array of beautiful and detailed images. Her photos feature flowers, butterflies, seashells, leaves and animals which are cut out and mounted on embossed cards to create an elegant and unique 3D effect.

This year’s Excellence in Donation awards feature butterflies, a symbol of transformation, rebirth and the profound renewal of life. Through the gift of organ, eye and tissue donation, countless lives are transformed. The awards represent the incredible generosity of donor heroes, their families and the healthcare professionals who graciously walk beside them.

2026 Excellence in Donation Honorees

MTN President and CEO Jan Finn presents an Excellence in Donation award to a hospital partner.

Midwest Transplant Network collaborates with 243 hospitals and recognizes the following:

Organ and tissue excellence: Centerpoint Medical Center, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Liberty Hospital, Stormont Vail Health, The University of Kansas Health System, The University of Kansas Health System Olathe Hospital

Organ excellence: Freeman Health System, Mercy Hospital Joplin, Saint Luke’s North Hospital, University Health Truman Medical Center

Tissue excellence: AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Boone Health, Hays Medical Center, Inc., Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Johnson County Medical Examiner, Kansas Medical Center, Lake Regional Health System, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Saint Luke’s East Hospital, Saint Luke’s South Hospital, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Western Missouri Medical Center

MTN welcomed hospital and community partners for its annual Excellence in Donation Awards.

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

Individual and group honorees:

Terri Cox, RN, Mercy Hospital Joplin

The Honorable Sharice Davids, U.S. House of Representatives

Brigid Flynn, MD, FCCM, Director of Cardiothoracic ICU, The University of Kansas Health System

Angela Forquer, Chaplain, Freeman Health System

Kat Humphrey, MSN, BSRT, RN, CEN, Neurology Clinical Specialist & Stroke Coordinator, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission

Jackson County (MO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

Nate Karch, DNP, RN, NE-BC, PCCN, Director of Nursing, MU Health Care

Erin Khouri, DO, Supportive & Palliative Medicine Physician, Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City

Laurie Labarca, President, Ascension Via Christi St. Francis

Patrick Marsh, CFO, and Regan Mosier, Brand Development Manager, Charlie Hustle

Maxine McMullen, MTN Ambassador

Steven Naumann, Mid America Transport Services

Jennifer Short, BSN, RN, CCRN, SCRN, CA5 ICU Clinical Nurse Team Leader, The University of Kansas Health System

Tammi Watkins, MSN, APRN, NP-C, ACHPN, Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care

MTN President and CEO Jan Finn presents an Excellence in Donation award to community partners.

An MTN Laboratory staff member prepares samples for testing.

Living donation allows individuals to donate organs while they are still alive, significantly improving the chances of survival for recipients. The most commonly donated organs are kidneys and segments of the liver. In certain circumstances, other tissues can be donated as well.

According to Donate Life America, in 2024, more than 7,000 people made the decision to give one of their kidneys or a part of their liver to someone waiting for another chance at life. Others gave the healing gift of birth tissue such as placenta and amniotic membrane. Grafts derived from birth tissue promote natural healing for burns and painful wounds.

A living donor has the unique opportunity to decide who to donate their organ to, helping a recipient receive an organ transplant faster. Most living donations occur between family members or close friends. However, some people choose to donate to someone they don’t know. There are powerful stories of real people who have donated and received organs.

While recovery from surgery takes time, living donation is typically safe for the donor and does not affect life expectancy. Most living donors go on to experience active, healthy lives, finding fulfillment in the lasting, positive impact of their decision.

Benefits of Living Donation

• As a living donor, you can choose who receives your organ.
• You can reduce someone’s waiting time for an organ transplant.
• Living kidney donation can shorten or prevent the need for kidney dialysis.
• Research has shown that recipients of organs from living donors have better outcomes than those who receive organs from deceased donors.

MTN’s Impact on Living Donation

Midwest Transplant Network’s Laboratory Services team supports living donation by providing testing that transplant programs need to match donors and recipients. The laboratory’s work helps ensure living donor transplants are safe, effective and possible for more patients.

A blood vial in the MTN Laboratory.

Living donation changes lives. MTN is proud to support the generosity of living donors through laboratory testing, making living donor transplants possible for patients and transplant programs in our community.

“I encourage anyone considering living donation – or those who want to support someone on their transplant journey – to learn more about living donor options, including paired kidney exchange, and to talk with their local transplant program about how they can help make a lifesaving difference,” said MTN Chief of Laboratory Services, Christina Bishop, MT, PhD.

Living Donor Day

Living Donor Day is a celebration that takes place in April during National Donate Life Month. It honors living organ and tissue donors for their generous decision to save and heal lives. Living Donor Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday in April.

Learn more about living donation.

Jeannette has dedicated 18 years of service to MTN, starting as a Tissue Coordinator and now serving as a Donation Services Senior Specialist. Regardless of her position, Jeannette is fueled by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to pay it forward.

Get to know Jeannette as she shares what brought her to MTN, the moments that have stayed with her and what drives her to serve.

Jeannette Ayala

What is your career experience in healthcare?
I began my career as a surgical technician at Olathe Medical Center. During my rotation, I was approached by an MTN employee and encouraged to apply. I was only at Olathe for a few months before joining MTN full-time as a Tissue Coordinator.

What originally brought you to MTN and how long have you been on the MTN team?
I started with MTN in 2008. The opportunity truly felt like it landed in my lap, but what solidified my decision was attending an Ambassador meeting where donor families shared how donation helped them heal. After that, I knew I wanted to be part of this work.

How has working in this field influenced your perspective of organ, eye and tissue donation?
Working in this field has deeply shaped my perspective. I’ve dedicated my life to it because I truly believe in the impact it has. I also feel a strong desire to pay it forward, just as someone once did for my family in a different way.

What does organ donation mean to you?
To me, organ donation can mean the difference between life and death. The same is true for tissue donation. Depending on the situation, it has the power to save and dramatically improve lives.

When you’re speaking with folks outside of MTN, how do you explain what you do?
I tend to be pretty humble about what I do and don’t often go into detail. Usually, it’s my family who shares what I do with others because they’re so proud of the work.

Based on your experience, what would you say to someone who is unsure about being a registered organ, eye and tissue donor?
I would encourage them to attend an Ambassador event so they can hear directly from donor families and recipients. Seeing those stories firsthand really shows the difference donation makes. I also remind people that you never know who might be impacted—it could even be someone you love.

Describe a moment at work that made you feel proud, challenged or reminded you why this work matters.
One of my colleagues is part of a donor family, and I had the opportunity to train her when she joined MTN. She later shared her story with me and told me that I had helped her family through the donation process. That moment reminded me how close this work can be to any of us and how important it is to show kindness and compassion, no matter how busy or heavy the workload may be. We are here to serve, and it could one day be our own loved one in need.

Can you explain how you feel knowing that your work in the DSD has impacted the lives of over 30,000 people?
Honestly—wow. I had no idea, and it brings tears to my eyes. It’s an incredible feeling. I entered the medical field because someone helped save my son’s life in the surgery room 25 years ago, and I wanted to pay that forward. Knowing this is the impact we’ve had is truly overwhelming in the best way.

How would your colleagues describe you in three words?
Patient, caring, and always willing to help.

Your role can be “heavy.” What is something outside of work that brings you joy?
Spending time with my kids and seeing them happy, smiling and having fun.

Josue was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, along with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect growth and development. In those early hours, survival was uncertain.

When Josue Mendoza was born, his parents faced the unthinkable.

“After delivery, they flew him to Colorado, and that’s where we found out it was his kidneys,” said his mom, Judith. “They said that he was going to be lucky if he only lived like 24 hours.”

Josue was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, along with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect growth and development. In those early hours, survival was uncertain. But Josue kept fighting.

He made it past 24 hours. Then another day. And another.

Still, the challenges remained. His kidneys continued to fail, and much of his early life was spent in and out of the hospital. His family traveled hours at a time for care, navigating long days and weekends centered around dialysis and treatment.

“Two years ago, he wasn’t walking or talking,” Judith said. “We were in the hospital five hours away from home every weekend dealing with dialysis machines.”

Everything changed on March 7, 2023.

That’s the day Josue received a life-saving kidney transplant.

“Life has changed since transplant. A lot,” Judith said. “Within hours, he started drinking water, he started eating.”

The transformation was almost immediate. What once felt uncertain began to fill with hope.

“A few months later, he started walking,” she said. “It’s amazing what a transplant can do.”

Today, Josue is a thriving 4-year-old with a bright personality and endless energy. He brings joy to everyone around him and is looking forward to milestones his family once feared might never come, like starting school and simply being a kid.

“He’s thriving now that he got his kidney,” Judith said.

Behind Josue’s second chance is the generosity of a donor hero and their family, whose decision made this new life possible.

Josue’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of organ donation. Because of that one selfless choice, a little boy who once faced impossible odds is now living a full and active life.

Learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

At 16, Titus Woods faced liver cancer not once, but twice.

At just 16 years old, Titus Woods has already shown what true courage looks like.

In March 2022, the high school junior and soccer player was diagnosed with liver cancer. What began as a typical season of school and sports quickly turned into doctor appointments, surgery and chemotherapy. Titus underwent surgery to remove part of his liver, followed by months of treatment.

Through it all, he kept his focus on getting back to the life he loved. Eventually, he returned to school, friends and the soccer field. For a while, it felt like things were moving forward.

Then, a year later, the cancer came back.

This time, Titus would need a liver transplant.

Leaning on Faith and Family

Titus’ parents, Tracey and Carmi, serve as hospital chaplains. Their work has long connected them to patients, families and the realities of organ donation. Even with that understanding, facing the transplant journey as parents brought a different perspective.

As Titus endured more treatments and the uncertainty of waiting for a transplant, the Woods family leaned deeply on their faith and the support of their community. Friends, extended family and their church surrounded them with encouragement and prayer.

Titus’ brother, Terrell, witnessed the physical and emotional toll up close. Watching someone you love suffer is never easy, but he also saw something else in Titus: resilience.

Despite the setbacks, Titus continued to push forward.

Another Unexpected Loss

In the midst of Titus’ medical battle, the family faced another devastating hardship. A house fire destroyed nearly everything they owned. It was yet another moment that could have broken their spirits.

Instead, they held tightly to gratitude for what remained and hope for what was ahead.

The Gift of Life

Two weeks after being listed for a transplant, Titus received the call. A donor family had made the selfless decision to give the gift of life.

The transplant was successful.

Today, Titus is growing stronger each day. He carries himself with new confidence and perspective. What he has endured has shaped him, but it has not defined him.

“It touches my heart, and I am so thankful to the donor family,” his mom, Tracey, shared. “His whole life has changed.”

A Voice for Hope

For Titus, courage means pushing through hardship with faith and hope. His journey has inspired not only his family but everyone who has followed his story.

Now, he uses his voice to advocate for organ donation, knowing firsthand the life-changing impact of one decision.

Because of a generous donor and their family, Titus has a future filled with possibility.

And because of stories like his, more families can see the power of saying yes to organ donation.

Watch Titus’ Story of Hope and learn more about organ donation at ShareLifeMidwest.com.

More than 35 million people in the U.S. are living with kidney disease, and over 102,000 individuals are currently waiting for a kidney transplant. In 2025, the generosity of 21,795 living and deceased kidney donors made 27,575 kidney transplants possible, an extraordinary reminder of the lifesaving power of donation.

National Kidney Month is both a call to action and a message of hope: prioritize kidney health through prevention and early detection, support those waiting for a transplant and consider registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Together, we can protect kidney health, reduce the need for transplantation and ensure lifesaving gifts are available when they are needed most.

The American Transplant Foundation offers guidance to help reduce the risk of kidney disease:

Get Screened: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, regular kidney function tests can help detect problems early.

Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, excessive salt and sugary drinks.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys function properly and flush out toxins.

Control Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure: Keeping these levels in check is essential for reducing the risk of kidney disease.

Avoid Excessive NSAIDs: Overuse of painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen can damage the kidneys over time.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing stress can all contribute to better kidney health.

Make Time for Sleep: Aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.

Join the organ, eye and tissue donor registry, read donor and recipient stories, or learn more about donation by visiting ShareLifeMidwest.com.

Midwest Transplant Network Kidney Donor/Recipient Stories

Personal stories help us understand the profound impact of organ, eye and tissue donation on health and wellbeing.

A Journey of Living Donation – Joey and Audrey Sughroue – Joey and Audrey Sughroue met when Joey learned he had a genetic kidney disease. Audrey hoped to be a match for Joey and donate her kidney, but she wasn’t. Eventually, they participated in a paired kidney exchange, a life-changing experience for both of them.

A Story of Hope – Jason Talk – Jason Talk learned he was in end-stage renal failure when he went to the hospital with swollen legs. He started dialysis soon after that. Years later, Jason received news that he was a transplant candidate, and shortly after being placed on the waitlist, he received the call that changed his life.

Resilience and Faith – Korbin Staten’s Journey – As a teenager, Korbin Staten discovered he had kidney disease. Six years later, he received a kidney transplant; unfortunately, the transplanted kidney faced two types of rejection. Korbin went back on dialysis but never lost resilience or faith. He was able to navigate adversity and eventually received a second transplant. With the support of his wife and medical team, Korbin has returned to full health.

Resources to explore if you’d like to join the National Kidney Registry or become a living donor:

How to Donate a Kidney

Steps to Become a Living Kidney Donor

In 2025, MTN honored the legacies of 371 donor heroes through their gifts of donation and provided 1,080 organs for transplant.

In 2024, MTN transplanted 1,075 organs from 399 donor heroes. It was the first time MTN reached and surpassed one thousand organ transplants in a single year.

Midwest Transplant Network is a not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) and consistently performs in the top 10% among 55 OPOs in the country, according to data measures by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“We are truly grateful to the donor heroes and their families for giving these gifts to save lives and help so many people. This is only possible because of the generosity of donor heroes, and the commitment of our staff and hospital partners to honor their gifts with dignity and compassion,” said Jan Finn, RN, MSN, President & CEO, Midwest Transplant Network.

“The impact of donation means lives are changed in ways that truly make a difference. Because of the meaningful work we do, it means the grandmother who needed a kidney gets to see her grandchildren grow up. It’s the husband who waited for weeks in the hospital for a heart transplant and he’s healthy enough to ride bikes and take trips with his wife and sons. It’s the young woman who had a second liver transplant that brought her back to health, so much so that she’s in nursing school to become a transplant nurse.

“We want the donor families to feel honored and respected for their part of the donation journey. And we want the transplant recipients to know we are working for them, too.  It’s these reasons this work is so meaningful,” said Finn.

2025 – Honoring the gift of life

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:

• 371 donor heroes shared the gift of life, resulting in 1,080* lifesaving organ transplants.
  (*Excluding organs donated for research)
• 1,682 cornea and tissue donor heroes saved and enhanced lives.
• MTN’s award-winning histocompatibility lab performed 39,122 transplant-supporting tests including bone marrow matching and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of transplants.
• MTN marked its third full year of the onsite Donor Care and Surgical Recovery Unit (DCU), caring for 90 donor hero patients resulting in 345 lifesaving transplants.

At a Glance

MTN Year-End Numbers for 2025

More lives to save

Organ transplants save lives every day, yet data reports from Health Resources and Services Administration show that more than 108,000 people across the country are on the waiting list for an organ transplant. In Kansas, more than 500 people are on the waiting list; in Missouri, more than 2,100 are waiting for a transplant.

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.