Why the Dragonfly?
"The Dragonfly symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization - understanding the deeper meaning of life.
The Dragonfly's scurrying fight across water represents an act of going beyond what's on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life." |
Our Story
March 2016
Deb Brown was added to the list of those in need of a liver transplant. To qualify for the transplant, Deb had to undergo a series of qualifications, including a current tetanus shot, tuberculosis vaccine, dental screenings, and other various medical testing.
July 2016
After 4 months, Deb was listed as "active" on the list of those waiting for a liver transplant in the United States. Deb's condition worsened as it was affecting her daily life - she couldn't eat, she couldn't sleep, and she struggled with her breathing.
Deb Brown was added to the list of those in need of a liver transplant. To qualify for the transplant, Deb had to undergo a series of qualifications, including a current tetanus shot, tuberculosis vaccine, dental screenings, and other various medical testing.
July 2016
After 4 months, Deb was listed as "active" on the list of those waiting for a liver transplant in the United States. Deb's condition worsened as it was affecting her daily life - she couldn't eat, she couldn't sleep, and she struggled with her breathing.
November 2016
Deb was contacted by the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinic's Transplant Center that there was a liver available to her that matched her needs. With a sense of urgency and long-awaited anticipation, Deb and Ed traveled to Iowa City for the procedure. After the 11-hour surgery, Deb had a new liver. April 2017 The Dragonfly Transplant Fund through the University of Iowa Center for Advancement was born in collaboration with Dr. Reed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic's Transplant Center. May 2018 The Dragonfly Transplant Fund's Annual Golf Outing began. For the inaugural event, it hosted 38 golfers and raised $5,500 at Blue Top Ridge Golf Course in Riverside, Iowa. May 2019 The 2nd Annual Golf Outing more than doubled our first year's attendance and donations. We were ecstatic to host 84 golfers and raise over $17,700 in its second year. |
May 2020
Deb Brown passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020, but her legacy lives on through the Dragonfly Transplant Fund.
October 2020
In the Golf Outing's third year, we hosted 102 golfers and raise nearly $28,000 for the Dragonfly Transplant Fund through the University of Iowa Center for Advancement at Blue Top Ridge Golf Course in Riverside, Iowa.
January 2021
The Dragonfly Transplant Fund has launched its new gift card program at the UIHC Transplant Center. The program provides two (2) $5 gift cards to transplant patients and their families during their stay. Learn more about the program.
August 2021
With more than 100 golfers in attendance on a sunny summer day, our team of volunteers with the Dragonfly Transplant Fund hosted the 4th Annual Golf Outing and Fundraiser. Thanks to the generosity of our incredible supporters, we raised over $32,000.
February 2022
On Valentine's Day, Dragonfly Transplant Fund partnered with Bread Garden Market to provide boxed lunches to the staff members at the UIHC Transplant Center to celebrate a record-breaking year for with 150 organ transplants. These transplants included 121 kidney transplants (48 from living donors), 19 liver transplants (1 from a living donor), and 10 pancreas transplants.
Deb Brown passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020, but her legacy lives on through the Dragonfly Transplant Fund.
October 2020
In the Golf Outing's third year, we hosted 102 golfers and raise nearly $28,000 for the Dragonfly Transplant Fund through the University of Iowa Center for Advancement at Blue Top Ridge Golf Course in Riverside, Iowa.
January 2021
The Dragonfly Transplant Fund has launched its new gift card program at the UIHC Transplant Center. The program provides two (2) $5 gift cards to transplant patients and their families during their stay. Learn more about the program.
August 2021
With more than 100 golfers in attendance on a sunny summer day, our team of volunteers with the Dragonfly Transplant Fund hosted the 4th Annual Golf Outing and Fundraiser. Thanks to the generosity of our incredible supporters, we raised over $32,000.
February 2022
On Valentine's Day, Dragonfly Transplant Fund partnered with Bread Garden Market to provide boxed lunches to the staff members at the UIHC Transplant Center to celebrate a record-breaking year for with 150 organ transplants. These transplants included 121 kidney transplants (48 from living donors), 19 liver transplants (1 from a living donor), and 10 pancreas transplants.
After our earliest meetings, I was impressed by Deb and Ed's commitment to improving Deb's health. Today, after Deb's successful recovery, I am impressed by their commitment to the transplant community as a whole through the Dragonfly Transplant Fund. Their philanthropic efforts have already accomplished much in a short time, and the benefits within the community will be lasting. Dr. Alan E. Gunderson
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“Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there that needs what you have to give.” |
Ed Brown is excited to share their story of the organ transplant process with their community.
From handling your diagnosis to finding the right doctor to learning how to live your new life after your transplant, Ed Brown is proud to share an experience that will educate, inform, and entertain you and your personal or professional connections. It is his goal to educate others on the importance of organ donation and to serving patients and their caregivers. Invite Ed Brown to speak at your next meeting or conference! |