Susie Ausmus

Supporting Families After A Loved One Donates

I am a registered donor and have witnessed firsthand the donation process as a donor daughter. My mom Theresa became an organ, eye, tissue and research donor in May 2014 from a ruptured brain aneurysm, which progressed to brain death.

I provide care and support to donor families by preparing the initial letter they receive that shares information about the generous gifts their loved ones gave through donation. Additionally, I support the Donor Family Aftercare team through program and event management.

Prior to joining LifeSource, I worked as an Operations Assistant for a stockbroking firm in Minneapolis and held that same title in Baumholder, Germany while my now ex-husband served in the Army. That role required a lot of multi-tasking, working with vendors and scheduling events and ceremonies for members of our Armed Forces. I worked at LifeSource for 5 years at the front desk gaining knowledge and perspective of the entire organization which has prepared me for working with our Aftercare team.

I will never forget how I felt reading the outcome letter that shared who my mom’s gifts went to. To be able to prepare those letters for other donor families is truly a full-circle moment for me. I go to work every day for the families we serve with an energized spirit. I know what the donation process is like, I know the heartache and world-shattering effects death has when you lose someone so special, but I also know the amazement and gratitude of the outcome that donation has brought me and my family.