Transplant Recipients Raise Awareness for Organ Donations

Patients share their stories to encourage more people to register as donors

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:41pm

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A vibrant, neon-outlined heart glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the vital importance of organ transplants.Transplant recipients share their stories to raise awareness about the life-saving power of organ donation.Zion Today

Six transplant recipients, including four kidney and two liver recipients, gathered at the Zion-Bernton Public Library to share their personal stories and raise awareness about the critical need for organ donors. The event was organized by Debby Ramsey, Illinois' longest-surviving kidney transplant patient at 41 years, who has made it her mission to spread the word about organ donation since retiring from her family's century-old business.

Why it matters

With approximately 4,000 people in Illinois on the transplant list and 300 dying each year while waiting, raising awareness about organ donation is crucial. A single donor can improve the lives of up to 25 people, and living donors have the added benefit of moving to the top of the list if they ever need a kidney transplant themselves.

The details

The transplant recipients shared how organ donations have transformed their lives, from Robert Vander Hooning regaining his strength after receiving a kidney from a 21-year-old college student, to Carlo Pierandsozzi overcoming liver cancer and drug addiction with a transplant, to Steve Rosenzweig having to wait two years cancer-free before becoming eligible for a kidney transplant. The patients emphasized the importance of having a caregiver during the recovery process and the anxiety of waiting for the life-saving call.

  • In 2022, Robert Vander Hooning passed out on New Year's Eve and was diagnosed with kidney disease.
  • On January 19, 2025, Vander Hooning received a kidney from a 21-year-old college student.
  • On December 12, 2025, Vander Hooning had the kidney transplant operation.
  • In 2024, Steve Rosenzweig was diagnosed with kidney cancer and had to be cancer-free for two years before becoming eligible for a transplant.
  • In June 2025, Donald Grass had his kidney transplant after waiting several years on transplant lists.

The players

Robert Vander Hooning

A 69-year-old kidney transplant recipient who regained his strength and now designs campaigns to help others find suitable donors.

Debby Ramsey

Illinois' longest-surviving kidney transplant patient at 41 years, who organized the event to raise awareness about organ donation.

Carlo Pierandsozzi

A 73-year-old liver transplant recipient who has become a mentor to others waiting for and recovering from transplants.

Michael Wolin

A liver disease patient who was helped by Pierandsozzi during his own transplant process.

Steve Rosenzweig

A kidney transplant recipient who had to wait two years to be cancer-free before becoming eligible for a transplant.

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What they’re saying

“'My daughter said, 'Dad, we've got to get you a kidney,' Vander Hooning said. 'We started Kidney4Dad.com. We built a marketing campaign. We had yard signs and bumper stickers. You name it, we had it.'”

— Robert Vander Hooning, Kidney Transplant Recipient

“'I do want to spread the word about organ donation,' she said. 'It's a passion of mine. I'm very blessed to have had 41 years. Without a donor, there's no transplant. It's Donate Life Month, and I make sure people know about how to register to be an organ donor.'”

— Debby Ramsey, Kidney Transplant Recipient

“'In 10 minutes, she was there,'”

— Carlo Pierandsozzi, Liver Transplant Recipient

“'I was scared,' Wolin said. 'I didn't know what was going to happen. He was such a help to me. I was told (the wait) could be a couple of years or a couple of weeks.'”

— Michael Wolin, Liver Disease Patient

“'I got on every list I could,' Rosenzweig said. 'I got a call from Northwestern, and they said, ' See you at 4:30.' I was in the middle of selling my home. My wife was my caregiver. Four days later, we moved into our (new) home.'”

— Steve Rosenzweig, Kidney Transplant Recipient

What’s next

Debby Ramsey and the other transplant recipients plan to continue their outreach efforts throughout Donate Life Month and beyond, hosting more awareness events and spreading the word about the importance of organ donation through social media, community partnerships, and direct engagement with the public.

The takeaway

This event highlights the life-changing impact of organ donations and the critical need for more people to register as donors. The personal stories of the transplant recipients demonstrate the anxiety and uncertainty of waiting for a call, as well as the profound gratitude and renewed sense of purpose that comes with receiving the gift of life. By sharing these powerful narratives, the organizers hope to inspire others to consider becoming organ donors and help save lives.