Yes, I Did!
Why register your intent to become an organ donor in the new Wisconsin Donor Registry? Organ, tissue and eye donation holds the promise of life for thousands of patients with life-threatening conditions and diseases. You can provide hope and meaning by simply stating, "Yes, I Will" be an organ, tissue and eye donor.
Here's why...
Share Your Story
Tell us why you're signing up for the organ donor registry. Share Your Story
Jess Hammond, RN
UW Hospital and Clinics Neuro ICU
"I view my decision to join the Donor Registry as the giving of two gifts.
If I sustained a devastating injury, I would be giving the gift of life to people whose lives have been put on hold while they wait for a transplant. This one decision could possibly save the lives of eight people.
The second gift would be for my family. As a nurse in the Neuro ICU, I see families struggle with the decision regarding donation. By joining the Donor Registry and talking to my family about my decision, I am able to make my wishes known and prevent them from having to make that choice for me. They would be able to take some comfort in knowing that something positive was coming from our tragedy, and to hopefully help them start the healing process."
Jay Deppe
Organ Procurement Coordinator
UW Health Organ Procurement Organization
"When I was 11 years old I was diagnosed as an insulin dependent diabetic. For the next 24 years, I lived a life of painful insulin injections, worries of my blood sugar levels, and being excluded from many things I wanted to do. As an adult, I was forced to leave a career that was my passion - and worst of all, I had a difficult time helping out with my three children when they were young due to erratic blood sugar levels that at times became dangerously low.
It is difficult to fully describe what it is like to live a life like that and have the feeling that there is no alternative, no chance to ever be "normal."
On June 23, 2003, I received my pancreas transplant. My life couldn't have changed any more dramatically. No more worrying, no more restrictions, no more uncertainty of what my future holds. I was literally given a new life.
One year and one day after my transplant, I won a silver medal in the Men's 20K bicycle race at the U.S. Transplant Games held in Minneapolis/St. Paul. That medal wasn't won because of my effort - it was won thanks to the effort of the people at the University of Wisconsin Organ Procurement Organization, the medical and nursing staff, and most importantly, because my donor and his family said, "Yes, I will" to organ, tissue, and eye donation."
Kurt Unterholzner
Organ Procurement Coordinator
UW Health Organ Procurement Organization
"As a kidney transplant recipient of 28 years and an organ procurement coordinator for UW Hospital and Clinics, 2010 is literally a dream come true. Having the rollout for the Wisconsin Organ Donation Registry and the Transplant Games in Madison occur in the same year is simply amazing.
When I received a kidney from my brother in 1981, it gave me a second chance of life. A life free of dialysis and one in which I could pursue my dreams with a motivation based on a greater understanding of the fragility of life. As an organ procurement coordinator, I feel privileged to be able to help others like me receive the gift of life.
I would encourage everyone to sign up for the donor registry and to also encourage others to do so. I will be doing so on day one. Not everyone is as lucky as I've been. They are dependant on the generosity of people they will never meet. That is why organ donors are the true heroes to all recipients.
My participation in seven national and three international Transplant Games has been one of the most uplifting experiences of my life. I have met people who have suffered health problems much greater than mine, and their attitude in the face of such difficulties has been truly inspirational.
I would encourage anyone who works in the transplant world, or is a supporter of organ donation, to attend the Games this summer. You will not meet a group of more grateful people. You will return to your work or your efforts to promote organ donation with a renewed sense of purpose. I know I do."
Miline Linder
UW Medical Foundation Medical Transcription Service
"Seven months ago, I received a pancreas transplant at UW Hospital that has made such a positive change in the quality of my life. I am definitely going to sign up for the "Yes I Will Registry" to be an organ donor. I'm a strong believer that organ donation saves and improves lives, and I want to pass along that message.
My husband and I have had many opportunities to share my experience with family and friends since my transplant, and I've received many "it's a miracle" comments - and indeed, I agree. But it's only possible through the generous and selfless organ donations of others."
Mary Baliker
Assistant Director, Cancer Control and Outreach
"I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was 9 years old. My kidneys failed a few years later and I went on dialysis before I was fortunate enough to receive a kidney transplant at UW Hospital and Clinics.
Many people do not realize just how precious life is until tragedy or illness hits. My transplant has allowed me to live a healthy, normal, good quality of life for the past 30 years.
I believe my transplant has also made me realize that each day is a gift. I hope I can make a difference in the life of someone else, just as someone has for me. Becoming an organ and tissue donor is truly a selfless gift. Say "Yes, I Will" to organ and tissue donation and sign up for the donor registry. I know I will be registering.
You can also join me this summer at the U.S. Transplant Games in Madison, July 30-August 4. I have participated in the national and international games and it's been one of the most amazing experiences of my life - to see so many people who have been given the gift of life through receiving a transplant.
We feel like the luckiest people in the world and cannot express the amount of gratitude we have for our donors, donor families and the transplant staff."
