When I started with Indiana Donor Network more than 21 years ago, we looked quite a bit different than we do today. At that time, we had fewer than 50 employees and transplanted fewer than 400 organs annually. Today, we have more than 250 dedicated team members, and in just one year, we transplanted 949 organs. We also have a state-of-the-art Organ and Tissue Recovery Center and a fleet of aircraft to transport those lifesaving organs wherever they need to go. We have an aftercare support program that provides hope and healing to thousands of families each year and public outreach initiatives that reach millions of people annually.
This type of growth doesn’t happen by accident; it occurs only if an organization remains dedicated to its mission, vision and values over the long run. I’m proud to say we’ve done just that.
In fact, despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years, we’ve seen the highest growth rate in our organization’s history. This year alone, we transplanted 10% more organs than in 2020, which was itself a record-breaking year. On the tissue side, we recovered more heart valves than ever before, beating a record previously set in a year without pandemic-related challenges.
Of course, none of this is possible without the incredible generosity of Hoosier donors and their families. They are the true heroes of this story, and we are honored to help them leave a legacy of life.
The impact we’ve made also wouldn’t be possible without our professional and community partners. Organizations and individuals from hospitals, transplant centers, state and local governments, funeral homes, schools and more have all helped us get to where we are today.
Thank you to all of you who support our mission and help us save lives. While our gratitude is immense, it cannot match the appreciation of the more than 800 patients who received a lifesaving transplant last year.