Leaving a Legacy of Life With Organ Donation

When Sylvia Langhammer got the call that her son Christopher — a Kansas City Police Department undercover officer — had been found after an attempt to take his own life, she rushed to Liberty Hospital in the freezing February weather. She didn't know then how those next few days would forever transform her family's life.

"They told us right away the injury was not survivable," Sylvia recalls. "We were in shock. But quickly, the conversation turned into something we hadn't even realized about Christopher. That he was a registered organ donor."

That moment of discovery sparked a new chapter for Sylvia’s family, turning unimaginable tragedy into a lasting legacy.

"He had made that decision on his driver's license. We'd never even talked about it," Sylvia says. "But it meant we could say yes without hesitation."

Christopher Garcia's legacy: life for others

Christopher Langhammer's legacy: life for others

A Compassionate Process

Organ donation is a careful, compassionate and sometimes dayslong process for the donor and loved ones. For Sylvia and her family, it meant three days in the hospital with Christopher.

"They kept us informed every step of the way," Sylvia says. "Midwest Transplant Network staff and the team at Liberty Hospital explained what would happen. They prepared us for every outcome and treated him and us with such respect."

"The staff told us our son was a hero," Sylvia says. "That meant so much. Even though he was losing his life, he was saving others."

Lives Changed

Christopher's gifts went far and wide, with more than 60 people receiving life-improving care thanks to his donation.

Sylvia's family has even met several of the recipients in person. "Meeting them was so emotional," she says. "One traveled for two days to meet us. Seeing them healthy and living their lives because of him. We rejoice for the lives they now have," she says. "Going back to school. Meeting grandchildren. Living pain-free. That's his legacy."

Christopher Garcia and son

Christopher Garcia and son

Sylvia Langhammer (second from the right) and family at the Legacy Walk, honoring and celebrating Christopher’s life.

Sylvia Langhammer (in blue) and family at the Legacy Walk, honoring and celebrating Christopher’s life.

Finding Purpose in Grief

Sylvia’s story doesn't end with the hospital. They've become passionate advocates for organ donation and mental health. She and her daughter are Midwest Transplant Network ambassadors, sharing their story at schools and community events.

"Honestly, it's part of our healing," Sylvia explains. "Talking about Christopher. Knowing he's not forgotten. Helping others understand what donation means."

They also wear donor-family pins at work, sparking unexpected, heartfelt conversations with recipients and fellow donor families.

"You're not alone," Sylvia wants other families to know. "Everyone — from the doctors at Liberty Hospital to the Midwest Transplant team — was so patient, explaining things again and again when we were in shock. They held our hands."

Honoring More Than One Cause

Christopher's family also honors his memory by addressing another silent crisis: mental health among law enforcement officers.

Each year, on September 26, they host a remembrance and awareness day for Kansas City's East Patrol division. It's a day of food, fellowship and importantly, information about mental health support.

"We don't want how he died to be what people remember most," Sylvia says. "He was a good officer. He made people laugh. He was the one who'd tell you it would be okay."

Christopher Garcia, forever smiling

Christopher Langhammer, forever smiling

Interested in becoming an organ donor? Visit donatelifemissouri.com to register or check your donor status. Or visit mwtn.org to learn more about organ donation.

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A Community of Heroes

Christopher is one of many donors who've passed through Liberty Hospital. In just the beginning of 2025, Liberty Hospital has helped facilitate donations from 6 organ donors and 21 tissue and cornea donors, impacting potentially 2,100 lives.

Every one of those gifts represents a family's loss transformed into hope.

Sylvia hopes Christopher’s story encourages others to consider registering as donors — and to talk about it with their loved ones.

"It's scary to think about," she admits. "But you're giving someone else the chance to live. And in your greatest grief, you're also receiving something, knowing your loved one is a hero."