Why We Give: Stewart Memorial Employees Reflect on Organ Donation During National Donate Life Month

In honor of National Donate Life Month, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital raised the Donate Life flag this April and invited employees to reflect on a powerful question: Why did you choose to become an organ donor? The responses were moving, deeply personal, and a reminder of the incredible impact one decision can make.

Throughout April, Stewart Memorial also set up a Donate Life resource table in the Lake City Clinic rotunda, offering educational materials and information about the ongoing need for organ, eye, and tissue donors. The display served as a conversation starter for patients, visitors, and staff—and as a reminder that anyone can take the first step toward saving lives.

As part of the month-long observance, employees also participated in Blue & Green Day on April 11, proudly wearing Donate Life colors to show their support and help raise awareness.

“Each story that came in from our team members was incredibly touching,” said Rachel Walters, marketing coordinator at Stewart Memorial. “It became clear very quickly that for many, organ donation isn’t just a box they checked—it’s tied to life, loss, hope, and healing.”

Here are just a few of the heartfelt reasons employees shared:

“My decision to become an organ donor is simple,” said Allison Carroll. “My dad’s journey through three kidney transplants, thanks to selfless donors, taught me the power of life-saving generosity. I want to give others the same chance at life that my dad received.”

Julie Kitt has been a donor since she was sixteen. “After losing my husband in 2003, we were able to donate his skin grafts and corneas. The letter from one recipient meant the world to me—it showed that even in death, Chris was still helping others. I’m forever grateful for the compassion and support I received from Iowa Donor Network during one of the hardest times of my life.”

Jim Henkenius shared a personal story: “Working in healthcare, it felt like the right thing to do, but this was later reinforced when my daughter suddenly passed away in a car accident. Chelsey’s donations helped 86 people. That number was astonishing to me and will be the reason I continue to be an organ donor.”

Cody Steinberg shared, “I am an organ donor because it's about doing something bigger than yourself—becoming a hero even when you're no longer around.”

Klay Birkey told the story of her cousin, who was diagnosed with a rare lung disease at 17 and received two life-saving lobes from uncles, followed by a full lung transplant. “That gift gave her 15 more years of life. She even ran part of the Boston Marathon. Her motto, ‘impossible is nothing,’ inspires me daily. Organ donation is a cause close to my heart and my family's.”

Casey Wetter put it simply: “We never know when one of us or our family members might need an organ. At the end of the day, it's about leaving a legacy of giving.”

Ashley Mork, said, “I was born to help people. I became a nurse for a reason and want to continue to save lives when I am gone.”

 And Branden Roberts added, “I want to continue contributing to others' lives after I'm gone and pay it forward.”

Stewart Memorial is proud to highlight the compassion and generosity of its staff—people who not only care for others in life but also believe in the power of giving beyond it.

To learn more about organ donation or to register as a donor, visit www.donatelife.net.