Anatomy of a Yes
Field Notes from an Organ Donation Advocate in Appalachia
by Brent Whetstone
Anatomy of a Yes offers an intimate, unflinching look into the world of organ donation through the eyes of someone who has stood at the bedside, navigated the silence of waiting rooms, and helped families make impossible decisions in the wake of tragedy. Set against the backdrop of rural Appalachia, this book blends personal narrative, clinical insight, and spiritual reflection to illuminate the sacred, often misunderstood moments that define the donation experience. It is both a field guide and a memoir—a collection of true stories shaped by grief, grace, and the enduring power of legacy.
Written by Brent Whetstone, a chaplain and former Family Services leader in the OPO world, Anatomy of a Yes explores the emotional, cultural, and ethical complexity of end-of-life conversations. What began as scribbled notes to process the weight of the work evolved into a moving testament to the courage of families who say “yes” in their darkest hour. With honesty and reverence, Whetstone invites readers behind the curtain of clinical detachment to reveal the deeply human, sacred work of those who walk with families through grief and into hope.
The Beginnings
Anatomy of a Yes began as handwritten notes—a private form of processing the emotional weight of a job most people don’t know exists. But over time, those reflections revealed something deeper: a behind-the-scenes look into the humanity, heartbreak, and hope that unfolds in hospital rooms across Appalachia.
Standing in Grace
This book is not just about organ donation. It’s about what it means to stand with families in their hardest hour. It’s about rural hospitals, midnight calls, and the sacred moment when grief and generosity meet.
The Legacy of Yes
Whether you’re a healthcare worker, a transplant recipient, or simply someone who wants to understand what happens after the unthinkable, this book will change the way you see life, death, and the legacy of a yes.
About the Author
Brent Whetstone is a nationally recognized leader in organ procurement, specializing in the education, training, and management of Family Services Coordinators. With a background that blends frontline experience, chaplaincy, and operational leadership, Brent is dedicated to ensuring that donor families receive compassionate, culturally competent care during the most critical moments of their lives.
Brent’s expertise spans from bedside care to system-level leadership. He is passionate about equipping Family Services teams with the tools they need to navigate complex conversations, foster informed authorization, and honor the legacy of every donor. His background in trauma-focused healthcare chaplaincy and caregiver support strengthens his approach to leading interdisciplinary teams through emotionally charged environments.
He is the author of the forthcoming book, Anatomy of a Yes: Field Notes from an Organ Donation Advocate in Appalachia, which offers a rare, intimate look into the sacred space where grief, culture, and generosity meet. Through narrative and reflection, the book elevates the unseen work of donation professionals and the profound courage of families who say yes.
What Early Readers Are Saying
“Tears filled my eyes reading just the first chapter.”
LH- OPO Professional
“Finally, someone is telling the truth about what this work really is—and what it really costs.”
KM-OPO Professional
“This book is a gift to the entire donation and transplant community.”
HF- Donor Family
