Second chances start with people: Honoring LifeSource’s 2026 Donation Advocates
Every life‑saving transplant begins long before the operating room. It starts with people — care teams who act with urgency and compassion, families who say yes in unimaginable moments and community voices who inspire others to register as organ donors.
This April, during National Donate Life Month, LifeSource is proud to celebrate those people by honoring recipients of the 2026 Donation Advocacy Awards. These awards recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota whose dedication is helping transform generosity into more second chances at life.
The power of many, working together
Behind every successful organ, eye and tissue donation is a remarkable level of coordination. Hundreds of people and partners must align — ranging from hospital teams, transplant centers, DMVs, funeral homes and community organizations — to honor donation decisions and support families with care and compassion.
The Donation Advocacy Awards shine a spotlight on this collaboration across the donation system. From hospital partners delivering exceptional bedside care to community advocates helping normalize conversations about donation, each honoree plays a vital role in ensuring more people and their families have the opportunity to leave a life‑saving legacy.
“Organ donation does not happen by chance — it happens because people step up,” said Kelly White, CEO of LifeSource. “Whether they are at the bedside, in the community or sharing their personal story, these leaders move this work forward. They inspire others to act and help make more second chances possible every single day.”
This year’s honorees represent the breadth of collaboration — from small rural hospitals to major medical centers, from classrooms to cultural organizations, and from donor families who turn profound loss into powerful advocacy.
2026 Donation Advocacy Award Honorees
LifeSource is honored to recognize the following champions for their above‑and‑beyond contributions to advancing donation:
Ambassadors of the Year
Jayson and Michelle Pautzke, Donor Parents
Sharing their family’s story to inspire others and bring hope to those waiting.
Pay It Forward Award
Melodie Lane and Kevin Anderson, Donor Parents
Honoring their loved one by creating ripples of generosity and awareness.
Youth Education Champion
Chris Lacy, Personal Wellness Teacher, Chanhassen High School
Empowering students with knowledge that can shape a lifetime of informed decisions.
Community Connectors of the Year
Tish Rivera‑Cree, Indian Health Board
Barb Drew, Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors
Building trusted bridges between donation and Native communities through culturally grounded outreach.
Small Hospital Partner of the Year
Alomere Health – Alexandria, Minnesota
Demonstrating excellence and compassion in donation support within a community hospital setting.
Large Hospital Partner of the Year
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Setting the standard for collaboration, clinical excellence and family‑centered care.
Care Team of the Year
M Health Fairview Emergency Medical Services
Providing critical, time‑sensitive care that makes donation possible.
Career Impact Award
Dr. Bhargav Mistry, Transplant Surgeon, Sanford Fargo
A career defined by dedication to patients, innovation and transplant outcomes.
LifeSource Legacy Award
Susan Mau Larson
Honoring a lifetime of impact advancing donation and inspiring future leaders.
Moving closer to a future where everyone says yes to donation
Each honoree represents a shared belief: that donation is an act of hope, compassion and community. Their work brings LifeSource closer to its vision — a future where everyone says yes to donation, and no one dies waiting for a life‑saving transplant.
To our 2026 award recipients: thank you for your leadership, your heart and your unwavering commitment to saving and healing lives. Your impact is felt far beyond today — and your legacy will be carried forward by every life touched through donation.