Dr. Kasi McCune

Surgical Director of the Pancreas Transplant Program at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Not only an accomplished surgeon, she has spearheaded important medical research in the areas of pancreas and kidney transplantation, advancing outcomes for countless patients. Dr. McCune’s ability to connect with and provide support to her patients is well-known and evidenced by her strong connection to her transplant patient, Jen Benson, our 2022 Recipient Awardee. Their individual stories are compelling enough, but Hearts for Russ is truly honored to be acknowledging their strong patient-doctor relationship and recognizing their devotion to organ donation advocacy together in 2022.

Jen Benson

Kidney and Pancreas transplant recipient who was so transformed by the 7-year ordeal that led to her life-saving transplant (from a 19-year old deceased donor), that she is now devoting her full-time efforts to providing support to patients and their families on their journeys to an organ transplant.  She founded The Transplant Journey, a non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals and their families with knowledge and guidance to positively affect the transplant experience.  Jen’s tireless devotion to the cause is infectious and proven by the many other transplant recipients she has enlisted to give back and help others in need.  www.transplantjourney.org 

Brenda E. Cortez

Since donating her kidney 17 years ago to another mom she barely knew, Brenda has felt her kidney donation was a gift for her as much as it was to the other mom. Brenda has devoted her life to spreading awareness and writing both children's and nonfiction books on the subject. She is the creator of the Howl the Owl ®️ children's book series. HOWL stands for Help Others With Love. Her book, "Because of Organ Donation", was published in 2021, and book two will be out in 2023 which will feature organ donation pediatric stories. www.brendacortez.com