Med center colleagues remember Dave Eggers

Dave Eggers, former guest services associate at The Lied Transplant Center, passed away March 29.

Many colleagues knew Eggers, who worked at the concierge desk of The Lied Transplant Center for 17 years. He retired in July. Known for his friendly, enthusiastic manner, Eggers also was an advocate for organ donation, after receiving a liver transplant in 1998. He often spoke about the transplant as a gift and never took it for granted. Recently, Eggers’ liver began to fail and he was relisted for a transplant.

For many who knew him well, the news of his death was difficult to hear.

“Dave was a tireless advocate for organ donation and transplant patients at Nebraska Medicine,” said Becky Jackson, patient support services manager, who worked 11 years with Donate Life Services. “We did numerous presentations together over the years, as he was always willing to share his transplant journey with others. Dave lived life to the fullest. He was grateful for each day with his family; every moment big or small. As Dave would say, it was all thanks to the organ donor who saved his life.

“I had the privilege to know Dave personally — he was a man without compare. He dedicated his life to serving others: through his Air Force career, to his family, to his church and to the transplant community. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.”

“By title, Dave was the concierge of Lied Hospitality,” said Cathy Miedl, Sodexo general manager, Hospitality and Patient Services. “However, he was so much more than one who supported the lodging experience. Dave had a gift to find patients or families who were scared, apprehensive, overwhelmed, or even bitter about their diagnosis. He would share his experiences, his personal joy, and always his confidence in the expertise of Nebraska Medicine. Dave’s passion and message conveyed strength that radiated to anyone who heard him speak. He touched patients in a way that only a survivor can connect.

“One patient in particular had become problematic for the majority of the staff. Dave made it his personal mission to turn this patient and caregiver around. Day after day, Dave would track the couple down, reminding them about the gift they had been given and the responsibility they had to the donor family to use the gift wisely. After multiple conversations, Dave was victorious in his goal – the couple made a remarkable turn from resentful to grateful.”