Jill Grandas Celebrates 35 Years With DCI Donor Services
Posted in Articles by Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Jill Grandas, DCI Donor Services (DCIDS) Corporate Executive Director, began her workday like many other days, preparing for a meeting with Tennessee Donor Services (TDS) staff from around the state.
As the morning progressed and terrorist attacks grounded all airplanes in the midst of the national tragedy, Jill was notified of the challenge TDS faced in transporting a liver to a baby waiting for the gift of life – and whose chances of survival were deteriorating by the hour. Her determination to help this baby motivated her to make it happen despite the overwhelming challenges. Jill picked up the phonebook and dialed the Federal Aviation Administration to request emergency assistance with flying the organ to the baby girl in liver failure. The Tennessee Air National Guard stepped in and flew the donated liver to Houston without delay and her transplant surgery proceeded as planned.
Twenty years later, on Sept. 11, 2021, the baby girl, now 21 and pursuing a career in medicine, called Jill to thank her for what she did. On a day of tragedy for so many, a life was saved because of Jill Grandas’ creative problem solving.
This story is one example of why Jill loves her work. “At the end of the day, someone’s life is impacted significantly or even saved because of our mission,” she said. “That is motivating.”
Jill joined DCIDS in March 1987 and recently celebrated her 35th anniversary. Prior to joining DCIDS, Jill was a neurological intensive care unit nurse. She cared for patients with severe brain injuries, many of whom would become organ donors. This is where her passion began due to her admiration for “the miracle of organ donation.” Transitioning to working for an organ procurement organization was a natural next step.
As the DCIDS corporate executive director, Jill loves working alongside a team of people who are just as passionate as she is about organ donation. During her 35-year career, Jill has had opportunities to continuously pursue exciting new roles. She enjoys helping to grow the next generation of DCIDS employees. “My goal is to keep bringing people here who want to do the same thing I want to do,” she says of her dedication to the DCIDS mission.
Jill is motivated to find additional growth opportunities for DCIDS and identify ways to help as many people as possible. She holds much hope for DCIDS and is devoted as ever. “I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished, and what we will accomplish in the future.”
Jill’s work to transform DCIDS has not gone unnoticed. “Under Jill’s leadership, there has been a significant increase in organ and tissue donations due to her unwavering commitment to her job and the DCIDS mission,” said Dr. Keith Johnson, DCI founder and Chairman of the Board. “She has developed an excellent team, and the impact they have had on the lives of transplant recipients and donor families, who they have supported during very difficult times, is immeasurable. DCIDS wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what we have without Jill’s contributions, and we are grateful for her dedication and leadership.”
Thank you, Jill, for 35 years of hard work and passion for the gift of organ donation! We are so grateful for you and all that you do to help the lives of our patients! Congratulations on your DCIDS anniversary!