John Meissner spent years giving back to his community as a dedicated referee for middle and high school basketball and baseball games. His active lifestyle was challenged when he was diagnosed with arthritis in his toes, a painful condition that made walking and running difficult. In February, John underwent a life-changing surgery in which a donated bone graft was used to relieve his pain and restore his mobility.
John’s connection to donation began long before he became a recipient. In 2012, his wife Kimberly passed away and became a liver donor. Her selfless gift brought hope to another family in need. That experience deeply moved John, inspiring him to register as a donor himself and to speak openly about the importance of donation.
Now, having personally experienced both sides of the donation journey, John shares his story to inspire others. “I know what it is like to make that decision to help someone else have a better quality of life,” he said. “I am extremely grateful.”
As a way to honor his donor’s legacy, John participated in LifeNet Health’s Thanks2You program*, a unique opportunity for recipients to send messages of appreciation to their donor’s family. Through a heartfelt letter, John expressed the impact of their decision and the renewed sense of purpose it gave him.
If you received an organ or tissue (allograft) from LifeNet Health, you can participate in the Thanks2You program by writing a letter or submitting a message online at https://www.lifenethealth.org/donor-families-recipients/thanks-2-you/compose-and-send-letter. It’s a simple but powerful way to say thank you and to show that the gift of donation truly lives on.
* The Thanks2You program is an initiative by LifeNet Health that allows tissue recipients to express their gratitude to the families of their donors. Through heartfelt letters, recipients can share how the gift of donation has impacted their lives, providing healing, mobility, and a renewed sense of hope. The program serves as a bridge between donor families and recipients, offering a way to honor the generosity of donors while giving families a sense of comfort in knowing their loved one’s gift made a difference.