(6-9-25) At a recent Celina Kiwanis meeting, Jo Muether spoke about the value of organ and tissue donation based on her own experience as a liver recipient. For over 30 years, Muether suffered from primary biliary cholangitis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and destruction of the bile ducts in the liver. During that time the condition was stabilized with medications. In 2020 she suffered an acute onset and was placed on the transplant list for a liver. While waiting for a match, she went through extensive preparations for a possible transplant, knowing a call could come at any time of the day or night. Muether received that call at 10:00 pm. She endured a 7 hour operation at OSU’s Wexner Medical Center, where she spent a week recovering. She was transferred to OSU’s Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital for 2 ½ weeks where staff taught her diet guidelines, a medication regimen, and new lifestyle restrictions.
The hero of her story was a young man named Matt, who had registered as an organ donor. Matt had a car accident from which he was not going to recover. His family honored his wishes to donate organs. Matt’s unselfish act resulted in a healthy liver for Muether as well as kidneys and tissue for other recipients. Two years after her transplant, Jo Muether met Matt’s family through Lifeline of Ohio, a service which connects donor families with organ recipients. They continue to stay in touch.
According to Donate Life Ohio, more than 3,000 Ohioans are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. A single organ donor can save up to 8 lives. One tissue donor can heal more than 75 lives. Donor registration is simple. Individuals can register at the BMV when they apply for or renew a driver’s license or at DonateLifeOhio.org. Inform family and friends about your registration so that they know your wishes.
During the club’s business meeting, members finalized plans for their annual chicken dinner. In preparation for the Lake Festival, members signed up for donations to the food stand. Scott Miller willcontact Alicia Ball for possible student helpers from her Lab Rats club. Six members attended theDivision 2 meeting and will report updates to the club. Karen Perts has applied for grants from Dairy Queen and Cooper Farms to be used for the club’s service projects. Linda Goodwin was recognized for her timely monthly reports to Kiwanis International. In recent weeks the club has donated over $1000 to various charities. In 2026 the club will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Committee members are making plans for the celebration.
For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Celina, like them on Facebook or find them online at Kiwanis Club of Celina.
Mercer County Outlook 