A Night of Heroes: Celebrating 20 Years of the American Transplant Foundation
What happens when you combine superheroes, trivia, and a life-saving purpose? You get an unforgettable evening that proves hope, humor, and community can change the world.
On a remarkable night in 2025, the American Transplant Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary with its signature event, Trivia for Life. Trivia for Life brings together transplant recipients, living donors, medical professionals, and supporters for an evening of competition, celebration, and compassion.
Two Decades of Saving Lives
Twenty years ago, Steve Farber and Dr. Larry Chan shared a powerful dream: no family should face the transplant journey alone. That vision has grown into a lifesaving force that has supported thousands of families across Colorado and beyond. As Executive Director Anastasia Henry reminded the packed room, “This is our League of Heroes.” Looking around at the transplant recipients, donors, and medical teams in attendance, it was impossible to disagree.
An Evening of Impact and Inspiration
Hosted by 9NEWS anchor Jennifer Meckles and guided by trivia master Gregg Farber, the evening seamlessly blended friendly competition with profound moments of recognition. Three rounds of trivia – covering pictures, music, and video clips spanning decades of pop culture – kept teams engaged while reminding everyone why they were there.
Between rounds, the Foundation honored extraordinary individuals whose contributions have transformed lives.
Dr. Alexander Wiseman received the Patient Advocate Award for his legendary work in transplant medicine.
The Children’s Champion Award was presented posthumously to Dr. Michael Wachs, accepted by his beloved wife Traci, honoring a pediatric surgeon who didn’t just save children’s lives – he gave them futures.
Perhaps the most moving moment came with the creation of a brand-new honor: the Unbreakable Spirit Award, presented to Amanda and Dave Repsher. Their journey of survival following a Flight for Life helicopter crash embodies the resilience and advocacy that define the Foundation’s mission.
A Community Rises
One story captured the heart of the evening. Justin, a lung transplant recipient who had to relearn how to walk after chemotherapy, became isolated when his laptop broke – his only connection to the world. During the same week, his single mother’s car broke down. Two weeks after reaching out to the Foundation, Justin had a new laptop and was learning and smiling again. His mother’s car was fixed, restoring her ability to work and bringing hope back to their family. Justin received assistance through out Tree of Life program.
This is what the American Transplant Foundation does – one grant, two weeks, two lives restored.
The evening’s fundraising ask, matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous sponsor, and generated enough to support the foundation’s lifesaving programs.
Champions All Around
While the trivia competition crowned its 20th Anniversary Champions amid cheers and trophy presentations, the real winners were the families who will benefit from the evening’s impact. As Jennifer Meckles shared in her closing remarks: “Thank you for being real-life superheroes.”
The American Transplant Foundation remains the only organization in Colorado providing comprehensive financial grants to transplant recipients and living donors, working with every transplant center in the state. After 20 years, their mission continues: that one day, no one dies waiting for an organ transplant.
For those who attended, it wasn’t just a trivia night – it was a celebration of survival, a testament to generosity, and a reminder that when a community comes together, extraordinary things happen.
Here’s to 20 more years of heroes saving heroes.
To learn more about the American Transplant Foundation or to support their mission, visit their website or reach out to their team. Every dollar makes a difference in a family’s transplant journey.
If you view all of our event photos here and view our Spotlight Colorado coverage here.
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Did you love being part of something bigger? We’re always looking for passionate volunteers to help with future events. Whether you can give a little time or a lot, we’d love to have you on our team!
