The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Comprehensive Transplant Center will host its 18th annual Buckeye Pinwheel Planting and Transplant Reunion on April 12th at 10:00 a.m. The event honors organ donors and recipients and celebrates the life-saving impact of transplantation.

Buckeye Pinwheel Planting & Transplant Reunion

Honoring Donors and Recipients

This year’s reunion commemorates the selfless contributions of organ donors and their families. The event serves as a reminder of the lives saved through organ donation and the resilience of those involved.

A Symbol of Life

The event will be held at the Phyllis A. Jones Legacy Park, in front of the University Hospital. Attendees will participate in a pinwheel dedication ceremony and plant 13,800 red and silver pinwheels. Each pinwheel represents a successful organ transplant performed at the center since 1967.

National Donate Life Month

The pinwheels will remain on display throughout April, which is National Donate Life Month. Currently, approximately 108,800 Americans are awaiting a life-saving transplant. In 2025, the Ohio State Comprehensive Transplant Center performed 617 transplants and managed 17,276 patient visits, ranking 14th nationally for organ volume.

Tragic House Fire in Upper Arlington

A house fire in Upper Arlington early Sunday resulted in one fatality. The individual has been identified as Matt Schmidt of Schmidt's Sausage Haus.

Community Mourns

The community is mourning the loss and offering condolences to the Schmidt family and friends. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Buc-ee's Opens in Ohio

Ohio welcomed its first Buc-ee's gas station on Monday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by Governor Mike DeWine. The opening generated significant excitement, with long lines forming as residents eager to experience the travel center.

A New Travel Destination

The Buc-ee's location is expected to become a popular attraction, offering a wide range of food, merchandise, and fuel options.