Iowa Methodist Transplant Center

04/10/2026

Information if you are considering giving the gift of life ...

04/10/2026

Today's story is a hero who spent his life helping others! And he has a special connection to UnityPoint Health - Des Moines....

Jerry was a proud husband, father, grandpa, and brother. Throughout his life he was a loyal friend to many and a generous man of faith who, at a moment's notice, would open his home to anyone in need. He loved to give gifts and make people laugh with his quick wit and wild sense of humor. He loved to read, had a vast vocabulary, outstanding memory, and encyclopedic knowledge on an eclectic range of topics.
Jerry graduated as the first male nurse at Iowa Lutheran School of Nursing in 1972. He then went on to serve as 1st Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps in Fort Leonard Wood, MO during the Vietnam Conflict and is fondly remembered for his giving spirit. He worked as an RN for an ambulance service, at the Des Moines VA Hospital, and in the Emergency Department at Des Moines General Hospital. His family is proud to honor him and blessed to know that although his earthly life has ended, he is still giving life and health to others.

04/09/2026

Today's Hero already had a unique connection to the world of donation and Joey Gase, a donor family member who we have been honored to have join us for Donate Life Month in the past. Upon his death, his family knew he would want to continue his support of donation.

Bradley Hickok was born April 30, 1963, and passed into God’s loving arms November 5, 2025. Brad was a quiet, shy individual whose passions were lived out in his life. He was the second of four brothers who were always each other’s best friends. He had a passion for family, music, hunting, fishing, water activities - whether liquid or frozen, and a passion for racing. Brad was never content sitting back and just watching. He always found a way to become a valued part of that which he loved. Brad was involved in the DMVR SCCA and worked on the track for 5 years of the Ruan Grand Prix. Brad and his brother Bill got involved with Iowa Speedway at the inaugural race and worked for various racing teams over the years as crew members there and on the race circuits. We draw attention to his love of racing and being involved because this ties him to the Iowa Donor Network in a unique way. Brad and Bill introduced a young Joey Gase to a NASCAR owner, who hired Joey to drive, and Joe has a major sponsorship from the Iowa Donor Network. The family was honored to continue Brad’s support of the Iowa Donor Network through his donation and were comforted to learn that his untimely passing can bring blessings to so many others. A silver lining in the darkest clouds!

Photo: Joey Gase and Brad Hickok

04/08/2026

Today's Hero is Mary Louise Turner - her family submitted the following for the Wall of Heroes:
Our mother Mary Louise Turner was a constant source of giving throughout her life. Her love for her family was immeasurable and was just one of the many endearing qualities that made her so special to us and those who knew her, and why she was such a blessing to out family. It’s only natural she would be an organ donor to provide hope and a second chance for those in need. We are proud to honor her final, selfless act of giving because it celebrates her legacy of love, compassion, and generosity. In keeping with her loving and generous spirit, she continues to give. “To donate, is to give life beyond your own.” A perfect quote representing our mother’s love.

04/08/2026

04/07/2026

Ashton Boles
On April 21-2025 Ashton unexpectedly passed away. She was 38 years old.
She was my second daughter. A sister, And a mother to the most precious thing, her 8-year-old daughter Myla.
Her big brown eyes, her beautiful smile, her laugh, Along with her big heart and compassion for others, will be remember by all who knew her. Which made it an easy decision for her to add “donor” to her license.
Ashton had many talents, her creativity and eye for design was her career.
She loved her family, sunsets, and spending time around water, but most importantly, watching her daughter dance, sing and perform on her make-believe stage.
I know she’s proud of how many people she will help with her cornea and tissue donations.
Ashton You Are Loved and Missed

04/06/2026

As we start the 1st full week of Donate Life Month, we would like to highlight a story submitted for our Wall of Heroes this year
This story captures the courage a son found in making medical decisions for his Dad - and now he is able to honor his Dad and the legacy left by donation.
"My Dad, Terry Dennis Watson Sr., was the most amazing guy that I ever knew. He would ALWAYS give his time, energy, and effort to make sure I was the happiest I could be. When I became the next of kin for my Dad, I wasn't quite sure what decisions were right or wrong. However, the one thing I knew I NEEDED to do was donate whatever I could from his body to try and better another person’s life. I knew he would support whatever decision I made, including this one to save another life while his was so tragically cut short. I encourage everyone to be an Organ Donor and save as many lives as possible and allow lives to be improved from your generous donations. Think about it, what if your family member or friend needed an operation, but there were no organs or tissue to save them? My Dad ended up being cremated and I kept his ashes but my view is, if everything was going to be burnt and turned to ash anyway, why not donate what I can and not let it go to waste? I appreciate every moment I shared with T-Dawg, and know he is looking over me, proud of every step on my journey. I know he would be proud and support my decision to donate what I could from his body (including bone, tissue, and skin) which I hope all go to a good cause and better the life of someone else. I love you T-Dawg, thank you for being the best Dad there ever was."

04/03/2026

Don't forget you can join a 10K this month without even having to run! But you can make a difference in the lives of others.
Check out the Fauna 10K - it is going on all month.
Faunatransplantgroup@Gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/faunatransplantgroup

04/03/2026

Donate Life Month: Donor Stories
To celebrate and raise awareness, we will be sharing amazing stories from our donors and recipients throughout the month.

Jen and Missy
"My name is Jen and I donated my left kidney on June 17, 2024. Mine was a directed donation, meaning I knew my recipient. Missy was a daycare teacher for our girls and was born with only one kidney. I had seen a few of her Facebook posts about her failing kidney and her dialysis experience. One of them mentioned that her blood type was A+ (same as me!). I messaged her in February of 2024 and said, "let's talk!"

I spent a day in March undergoing extensive medical tests (kidney function test, CT scan, cardio workup, more blood draws, etc.). A couple of weeks later, my husband and I met with the entire transplant team to ensure I was fully informed and ready for the procedure. They presented all my results to the transplant board, and in April I got the call that I was approved! My surgery was on a Monday, and I was discharged from the hospital two days later. It was a laparoscopic robotic procedure, so recovery was much quicker than if it would've been an open procedure.

These days I am feeling great, and the only lifestyle change I've had to make is to avoid NSAIDs. Other than that, things are just the same as they were when I had two kidneys. Missy is also doing amazing, and her labs are looking better all the time. No more dialysis means gaining precious time back that she now spends with her young son. Please consider being a living donor. You will change someone's life!"

04/01/2026

We are excited to share this story of a sister’s amazing gift to her brother ❤️And we are proud to be their Transplant Team!

04/01/2026

Today is the first day of Donate Life Month and also LIVING DONOR DAY!
Stay tuned, we will be sharing a very special video story later today about a sister's love and her life changing gift!

11/21/2025

It’s beginning to look like Christmas at the Transplant Center. 🎄