FSU Student Champions Organ Donation
By Kim Gilmore Dunn
Avery Aniskevich has never needed an organ transplant, nor has anyone in her family, but she’s seen their life-changing impact up close. Her father and stepmother have spent their careers saving lives through organ donation. Now, Avery’s stepping up as an ambassador for LifeQuest and Donate Life Florida to help others understand just how powerful the Gift of Life can be.
Avery plans to attend medical school.
Q: Could you share a bit about your background?
A: My name is Avery Aniskevich, and I’m 19 years old. I have two sisters, Morgan, 17, and Jordan, 31. I am currently a second-year dietetics student at Florida State University, with the goal of attending medical school. At FSU, I am a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, where I serve as a small group leader for new members. I’m also on the academic and philanthropy committees. Outside of my sorority, I’m a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Epsilon Delta.
Prior to enrolling at FSU, I attended Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville and graduated summa cum laude in the spring of 2024. I was a member of the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society, and the National English Honor Society.
Avery observed a transplant procedure at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
Q: Who has had the most significant impact on your life, and how did they shape your journey?
A: My father is one of my biggest role models. He attended FSU in the 90’s, and because of him it’s been my dream school for as long as I can remember. He inspired me to want to go into medicine. His journey and his career have both motivated and inspired me as I begin my own journey.
Q: What sparked your interest in organ donation advocacy?
A: While I have not personally received an organ transplant, it is a cause very near to my heart. Both of my parents work at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, with my stepmother being a transplant surgeon and my father a transplant anesthesiologist. Growing up in a household surrounded by individuals who played a role in organ donation every single day has fostered my deep interest.
Avery, her stepmother, Dana Perry MD, and her father Stephen Aniskevich MD.
Q: Would you like to take a moment to acknowledge your father and stepmother for their support and influence?
A: My father is Stephen Aniskevich MD, FASA, Chair of Transplant Anesthesiology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. My stepmother is Dana Perry MD, Surgical Director, Department of Transplantation at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
Q: Growing up with transplant professionals as parents must have been unique. How did their work shape your childhood experiences and perspectives?
A: When I got my learner permit and was asked if I’d like to be an organ donor, it was a no-brainer. If anything, I was excited that I could make the decision myself and knew that if something had happened to me, I would be able to save somebody’s life. I believe this is a result of my upbringing, as I have been incredibly aware of organ donation for as long as I can remember.
Q: With two transplant professionals at the helm, do your family dinners ever turn into impromptu rounds of ‘House’ or ‘Grey’s Anatomy’?
A: Dinner conversations often involve anatomy lessons, stories from the operating room, or warnings about how important it is to take care of our bodies. Hearing stories of how one family’s tragedy was a miracle for another was both heartbreaking and inspiring but led me to develop a deep understanding of the importance of organ donation.
Avery and her mother, Kimberly Bell, a nurse.
Q: Apart from your parents’ professions, what other experiences have sparked your passion to advocate for organ donation?
A: I vividly remember when Donate Life Florida came to my high school in my sophomore year. Despite growing up with an incredible awareness of organ donation, there was still so much information I did not know. Their presentation filled some of these knowledge gaps and fueled my interest in organ donation even more. Afterward, many of my friends told me about the misconceptions they held, like if you are an organ donor emergency responders will take your organs on the side of the road, or that doctors will not save you so that they can take your organs. That’s when I realized that not everyone had the same understanding of organ donation that I was blessed to grow up with.
Additionally, every year we would have a health fair at school. I recall visiting the Donate Life table and hearing personal donation stories. I remember just how impactful and intriguing they were.
FSU Tri Deltas: Avery (L), Caroline (C) and Elena (R).
Since then, I’ve felt a strong desire to get involved in organ donation advocacy and education. I want to help others understand what it means to become an organ donor and debunk common misconceptions that may be preventing them from becoming one. I believe that the more misconceptions I can help eradicate, the more lives that can be saved.
Q: How do you plan to get the word out and make a real impact when it comes to organ donation?
A: I believe that becoming a volunteer will be an incredible opportunity. I would love to table on the FSU campus or at city events, travel to local schools and give presentations, or do anything else that involves being a volunteer for this incredible organization.
Avery and friend, Lara, at a philanthropy event.
Q: Beyond organ donation, are there other causes or issues you’re passionate about advocating for?
A: Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon is a fundraiser that raises money to provide support to pediatric hospitals across America. This mission aligns closely with my sorority’s philanthropy, St. Jude, which is one of the reasons I decided to join Tri Delta. Additionally, I am extremely passionate about mental health and am actively looking for ways to get involved in initiatives where I can make a meaningful impact.
