Stef Duer

Stef never imagined that the work she’d one day dedicate her life to would become the very thing that helped her heal. She began her work as a Donor Family Coordinator at Donor Alliance a few years ago, supporting families through the process of organ, eye and tissue donation after loss. But her connection to this mission began before that, when her older brother Max passed away unexpectedly after an accident. Even in the middle of unimaginable grief, Stef and her family chose to honor Max’s generous spirit by saying ‘yes’ to organ, eye and tissue donation. Max went on to save five lives and heal many more. “There’s some comfort knowing that your person is out there somewhere and that your person did directly ensure somebody else was going to live, which is just so cool,” Stef Shared. Now, through both her professional role and personal story, Stef helps others understand the true meaning of donation. Each day, she honors Max not just in memory, but through action. She stands beside grieving families with the quiet strength of someone who understands.