Katherine “Kayte” Mosher
Type of Donation: Tissue and cornea donor
Age and Location: Age 20 – Ottumwa, IA
Donation Date: January 25, 2012
Sponsor: Honored by Iowa Donor Network
KATHERINE’S STORY
Kayte Mosher of Ottumwa, Iowa was just 20 years old when she passed away on January 25, 2012 and left behind a legacy of life through her gift of tissue donation. Kayte, who was bold, beautiful, vibrant and full of love and life, died from a brain aneurysm. The only easy decision for Kayte’s family in the wake of her death was saying “yes” to donation. Her family knew from conversations with Kayte that she wanted to be a donor. Afterall, Kayte was an incredibly giving person. Kayte would give her friends a place to sleep, animals a loving home, she’d even donate her last dime to the animal shelter then turn around and ask her mom for rent money. When Kayte died she was in the process of applying to colleges to become a veterinary technician so that she could help animals.
Kayte had a giving heart, so it’s only fitting that she continues to give to others after her passing. Kayte wasn’t able to donate organs, but she was able to donate tissues and corneas. Kayte gave 278 bone grafts, 45 skin grafts, two heart valves, and two corneas to help others. Her gifts went to hundreds of men, women and children across the US and as far away as Singapore. Kayte’s gifts have allowed her recipients to live happier, healthier, and more active lives. While tissue donation doesn’t often get much attention in the media, it too can be life changing and in some cases lifesaving for recipients. Every donation of organs, tissues, or corneas matters and creates an incredible legacy of life.
Donation is often referred to as a “gift of life” for recipients, but it has also been an incredible gift to Kayte’s family. Knowing that Kayte continues to help so many people, long after her passing, brings her family great comfort. Kayte’s sister, Heather Butterfield, was so inspired by Kayte’s legacy that she now works for Iowa Donor Network, Iowa’s sole Organ Procurement Organization and Tissue Recovery Agency. Heather hopes to inspire others to give the gift of life, like Kayte did.