November 2025

Monica Taylor

ORGAN ADMINISTRATOR ON CALL

LOUISVILLE, KY

My dad had open heart surgery when he was 48 years old. Due to contracting sepsis, he was on strong antibiotics for a prolonged period, which caused damage to his kidneys. Fast-forward about 10 years, and he was told he was going to need a kidney transplant or go on dialysis. I agreed to be tested, and I was a match! On December 3, 2009, at University of Cincinnati Medical Center, I gave my dad my kidney and he never had to get dialysis!

Marlayna Cooney

HOSPITAL PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

CINCINNATI, OH

When my youngest daughter was born with cystic fibrosis, my husband and I met several families who were impacted by organ donation. I knew I wanted to be a part of this mission and joined the team in 2018. In 2023, my sister Peggy passed away. During such a sad time, my family felt a bit of comfort by honoring her decision to help others through tissue and eye donation. We think of her cornea and skin recipients often, and hope they are doing well.