This page features a collection of personal stories from individuals whose lives have been profoundly changed by organ, eye, and tissue donation in Missouri. Through these heartfelt accounts from recipients, living donors, and donor families, the Bureau of Vital Records highlights the life-saving impact of the "Gift of Life." These narratives serve to inspire others to register as donors and provide a deeper understanding of the transplant journey.
When I was a child I would sometimes visit my grandparents at their second home in Jefferson City. It was a small place…
Maureen Hulbert retired from a Grandview, Missouri elementary school after 31 years. During her tenure, it never occurred to her that…
Kevin Calhoun was a young man living a normal life before he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.
For over 30 years, Barbara Martin has made a difference in the lives of her students, first as an elementary public school teacher and later at the university level.
Angela Rose feels a responsibility to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. It stems from a conversation with her daughter in 2013.
My name is Cheri Volner and this is my family’s story. I title this story “Our Transplant Journey” because that is what it is, a journey.
My name is Edward Gulewitz, Jr., and I was born with cystic fibrosis (CF). Most people are diagnosed with this disease in their infancy or early childhood; I was diagnosed…
When Theresa McClellan suddenly lost her husband Rick during a volleyball game in 2014, her whole world changed.
Maxine McMullen had no idea she was in danger of losing a kidney.
Ginger Ireland’s childhood, education, job and family revolve around Kansas City, MO. For Ginger, Kansas City has always been home. Like all of us, Ginger lives with a story.
Tragedy is hard to grasp when a life is cut short, but the heart can look beyond loss to see a chance to "play it forward" through the selfless and transformative Gift of Life.
Over the years, Carol from Sunrise Beach, Mo., has generously volunteered several times to share her experience as the mother of a donor.
Kathy Schmelzle's Hero's
It all started when Kathy Schmelzle's uncle passed away and became an organ donor. After that, Kathy became passionate about organ, eye and tissue donation. Little did she know, a few years later, she would also become a donor. Kathy's passion inspired her parents to create the Donate Life Globe as a way to honor their daughter and continue her quest to promote organ, eye and tissue donation.
There are benefits of becoming an organ or tissue donor. The strongest benefit of being a donor is the fact that people’s lives can be saved. Just think, you could help over 50 people like my uncle.
Recently, my uncle Wally died very unexpectedly. He was the type of person who never showed emotion to something negative that bothered him...
Do you know people who never relax? Their presence and energy are the batteries for any team effort. That is Kathy and Dave Kratofil from Belton, Mo…
Gentry Howard, a four-year-old from Raymore, Mo., was born with glaucoma, a disease that causes increased pressure within the eye. In addition to glaucoma…
Two men became MTN Ambassadors after a second chance at life bonded them as brothers, or as they refer to themselves, "kidney cousins"…
Angela Johnson recalls the moment she decided to donate the organs and tissues of her 16-year old son. "My son was 16 in 2001, and he was a gunshot victim," Angela said…
Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) relies on dedicated volunteers and ambassadors to help increase awareness and provide education about organ and tissue donation...
Jeanne became a writer following her kidney and pancreas transplant in 2006. "In December 2012, I received notice that my second novel…
Matt Barker, a fifth grader at Holden Elementary in Holden, Mo., wanted to do something special for National Donate Life Month, April 2012…
As part of National Eye Donor Month this past March, the Old Monroe Lions Club held a donor registration drive in their community…
With the help of family and friends, the Wildhabers have added 1,045 people to the organ and tissue donor registry through a program called Zac’s Challenge…
When a person or an organization defines the "ideal" Ambassador or volunteer it should be based on a person like Connie Koch. She is outgoing, full of energy and incredibly dedicated…
She gave this gift of self to her entire family when she became a living kidney donor to her father. Gary Summers lives in Springfield, Mo., and came to Kansas City for a transplant...
"I wanted to pick out my wedding dress before I lost my sight so I could picture myself on my wedding day"…
Prior to receiving his cornea transplant, Mike Foley saw everything around him in a blur…
Before Chase Reid was born, his mother Na’Tasha knew her little boy had a long road ahead…
The morning of July 4th was warm and sunny. I was sitting at the kitchen table and had just finished my breakfast. Jacob arrived early in his…
Movement is everything to Rachel Frank. While playing Division 1, Big Ten soccer for the University of Illinois, she sustained…
The morning of July 4th was warm and sunny. I was sitting at the kitchen table and had just finished my breakfast. Jacob arrived early in his…
Allen was like many other African-Americans, who, along with Asian-Pacific Islanders and Hispanics, suffer disproportionately from renal…
Quinton and Daria Dodds experienced what no parents should have to endure: the tragic loss of their daughter, Autumn, at just two months…
"My mom was such a giving person," says Angele. "Even when she didn’t have much, she would still find a way to give to others. Though it…
Carol and Michelle are cousins who share a unique bond, one that most family members rarely experience. They both received lifesaving…
Dianne and her daughter, Kim, have undergone the passing of three family members in the past four years. All were organ donors. The most…
On his 50th birthday, Sidney started to feel very ill and crawled next door for help. An ambulance rushed him to the hospital, but the effects…
"In 1998, Rocky Johnson began having heart problems. Doctors spent the next four years treating Rocky. Then in 2002, he was…
"It started one day with a nose bleed at work that I just could not get to stop. I went to my doctor, and after several tests, the diagnosis…
Jason Ray (a Ray of Hope) a college senior, bible teacher, college rock band singer and most notably the University of North Carolina's mascot…
Faith Anderson is a donor mom. A title that no mother would ever seek. The accidental death of her 13 year old good-hearted son Matthew…
In December of 2007, Andrew received a kidney and pancreas transplant. "This was such a life changing experience for me," says Andrew. "I felt…
Justin, or "J," died in January 2007 shortly after his 27th birthday. Although, his life was short, the mark that he left on those around him, especially his…
On vacation in 2003, Debra Callaway sat curled up reading her New Yorker magazine. She read of a man who donated his kidney…
"In the last 40 years especially, transplants have gone from rare and risky to routine. And in that same time, the program has grown as well." More…
Delayne was a beautiful, giving person. She had a smile that was contagious and was involved in every sport and activity at Osborn…
Merle Zuel was diagnosed with a defective aortic valve at the age of ten. Leading a rather normal life until age 34, Merle was admitted to the…
Wil had been sick for so long, he could hardly recall a time when he felt good. For years, doctors were treating him for an unknown lung disease…
Spending nine hours at home each night on dialysis, Olethia has no life after 8:30 pm. However, that does not keep her from running after her ten…
The look on my doctor's face said it all. He simply stood there, with no offer of words, but seemed to be trying to find the right ones…
Amy Honeycutt is nursing student at the University of Missouri - Kansas City with a life full of friends, family, fun and a willingness to volunteer…
Tying a fly for fishing can be difficult enough for someone with 22/20 vision, but for a person suffering from a blinding eye condition, the challenge…
“He was the type of kid who soaked up life. He had a constant wonder in his eyes and a contagious smile. He always had a kind word and never…
For many families who have lost a loved one, organ, eye and tissue donation gives them a sense of hope, and when families hear from…
June Laschober proudly wears a green Donate Life bracelet in memory of her son, Scott. She hopes the bracelet she wears every day will spark…