For most of her life, Ashley’s knowledge of organ donation was limited to hearing about a “friend-of-a-friend” who received a transplant.
That all changed suddenly in 2020. Ashley’s father urgently needed a double lung transplant, and while supporting him, she became intimately acquainted with the world of organ donation.
“I had never really come face-to-face with it until that situation with my dad,” Ashley said. “Through his journey leading up to transplant and then post-transplant, I learned a lot. I became a very passionate advocate for organ, eye, and tissue donation,” she said.
Because of the gift of a generous donor, her father received a life-saving transplant in February 2020. The gift changed the course of Ashley’s life too.
Mid-America Transplant: A perfect fit
Inspired by the field of organ donation, she considered looking for a job in recruiting, her chosen field, at Mid-America Transplant.
“Knowing the positive outcome it has on the recipient side, I really wanted to work someplace where I could give back in a way. So much was given to me and my family during that time.”
Thankfully there was a place that fit the bill.
“I kept an eye on Mid-America's jobs, and in November of 2021, I saw that they had a recruiter position come up,” Ashley said. “Knowing that I had a lot of relevant experience, especially with some health care background, I applied.” She got the job and started at Mid-America Transplant in December of 2021.
One of Ashley’s main responsibilities is finding top talent who are a good fit to represent the mission and work of Mid-America Transplant.
“In my role here as a talent business partner, I am recruiting, talking to candidates about what it's like to work at Mid-America Transplant, and then ultimately getting new people in the door at the organization.”
Although she recruits for a wide range of positions at Mid-America, Ashley spends a lot of time speaking with nurses. They often have a special connection with the organization’s work.
“Many people that have a nursing background have seen some of those aspects of donation and transplantation, and they are attracted to the organization for the same reasons I was. To be able to give back, learn more, and do something more meaningful,” she said.
Playing a key role in building Mid-America’s supportive work environment
Given the sometimes challenging nature of the work, Mid-America works hard to ensure that all employees feel as supported as possible.
“I always tell people the work is very hard, dealing with death every single day, but it's so rewarding knowing how many life-changing gifts are being recovered and where they go.”
Ashley works directly with new hires, helping them get acclimated to their new environment.
“Earlier this week, we had a new hire orientation,” she said. “So I got to greet them on their first day, welcome them into the organization, and set them up for success. I love getting to talk to the nurses, and our family support staff, and those that are doing that direct interaction with our donor and donor families.”
The main thing Ashley wants them to understand? How much the work matters.
“My piece is to get them to understand the impact that our goal will have to kind of give them some energy around that, to get them excited to be joining and doing this work.”
As for Ashley’s father, “he’s doing amazing,” she said. “We just passed the four-year mark!”
Sometimes, she still can’t believe the miracle her family received with her father’s donated lungs. “There are times where I pinch myself, like ‘is this real, did this really happen?’”
The feelings are especially poignant during family milestones her father would have missed out on without the transplant. “Like getting to see my brother and sister in-law welcome a new baby, and getting to see him hold her,” she added.
Ashley says her father does not take anything for granted.
“He is someone that truly lives out each and every day and is incredibly thankful for his donor. We just have so much gratitude for his donor and their family for saying ‘yes.’”
The fact that the donor was anonymous does not make the gift any less meaningful. “Despite not knowing who they are, we still hold that space in our hearts for them and their family. I hope that they know that he is so thankful for that gift.”
For Ashley, her job as a talent business partner is ultimately about getting others to feel the inspiration that she experiences on a daily basis. In other words, “helping people find that same type of passion for the work.”
If you feel a calling toward organ donation, consider joining an organization committed to a lifesaving mission and find a rewarding career with Mid-America Transplant. View our current job openings.