Five years ago, TJ Hoover showed signs of life while being prepared for organ donation in Kentucky. His family was told his survival was a miracle. It wasn't until a whistleblower came forward that TJ's family learned what actually happened. The organization responsible for organ donation had tried to kill TJ for his organs. TJ's story helped expose serious patient safety concerns involving Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA), now part of Network for Hope. A subsequent federal review of 351 cases identified 103 with concerning features, including 73 patients who showed neurological signs incompatible with proceeding toward organ donation. TJ's experience was not an isolated incident; other families have since come forward with troubling accounts of their experiences.
On August 5, 2026, Secretary Kennedy announced the federal government's decision to decertify Network for Hope because of serious patient safety failures. Yet nearly three months later, Network for Hope continues to operate while it appeals that decision. With no definitive timeline for completing the appeals process, our community is still in danger. Organ donation is a lifesaving gift, and patients, donors, recipients, and their families deserve a system they can trust. This petition calls on President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Dr. Oz to take immediate action to replace Network for Hope through every available legal means and ensure that patient safety comes first.
Our Demand
We call on the federal government to:
- Move immediately to replace Network for Hope with a qualified organ procurement organization that meets federal patient safety standards.
- Expedite the appeals and replacement process to the fullest extent permitted by law, rather than allowing the transition to remain unresolved indefinitely.
- Establish independent oversight and enforceable patient safety protections while Network for Hope continues operating.
- Provide a clear public timeline for the replacement process and ensure that lifesaving organ donation and transplant services continue without interruption.
TJ Hoover still wants to be an organ donor, despite everything he and his family have experienced. His commitment is a reminder of why protecting the integrity of organ donation matters. Families should never have to question whether their loved ones will be protected, and people waiting for transplants should be able to trust the system responsible for saving their lives.
The federal government has already determined that Network for Hope failed to meet required standards. Now it must follow through. We call for a safe, accountable replacement without unnecessary delay.
Replace Network for Hope. Protect patients. Restore trust in organ donation.
