Versiti - Richard Lewis | Impact Stories
 

Richard Lewis

“It’s a blessing. I hope to continue to give my organ donor’s life purpose.”

Richard Lewis

Richard Lewis has received the gift of life not once, but twice.

In 2004, doctors diagnosed Richard with kidney disease and told him that he needed a transplant to survive. His sister, Keyia, got tested and was found to be a perfect match. In February 2005, Richard received his new kidney from his life-saving sister.

Richard returned to full health until 2014, when the kidney he got from his sister began to fail. He began four-hour dialysis treatments three times a week, while once again adding his name to the organ transplant waiting list.

In July 2017, a local mother who tragically lost her son made the selfless decision to donate his organs. Her son was the match Richard was looking for. Richard underwent his second successful kidney transplant, as he and the spirit of his donor live on through the miracle of organ donation.

“It’s a blessing. I hope to continue to give my donor’s life purpose,” says Richard. “I think that everybody should be an organ donor. You can definitely make a difference in somebody’s life.”


Every 10 minutes, someone is added to the organ transplant waiting list.

Approximately 113,000 men, women, and children are waiting for life-saving organ transplants. One organ donor has the power to save up to eight lives and change the outcomes of someone’s world forever by giving them a second chance. Additionally, tissue donation can save and improve the lives of up to 75 people with their gifts. You can make a huge impact by registering as an organ and tissue donor.

Learn more about organ and tissue donation, or register as a donor at https://donatelifewisconsin.org.

Impact Stories | Organ & Tissue Donation

 
Nykia Julian
In 2018, Nykia Julien’s heart was beginning to fail.  Eventually, doctors told her she would not have much longer to live without a new heart.
 
Jesse Pagels
Jesse was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2003. Unfortunately, the treatment damaged his lungs. In 2013, a match was found and Jesse underwent a life-saving double lung transplant. 
 
Jessica Kidd
Due to a surgery to remove uterine fibroids, Jessica Kidd knew a C-section would be part of her son’s birth story. 
 
Become an Organ and Tissue Donor
Learn more about how to sign up as an organ, tissue and eye donor and how organ donation saves and enhances lives in our communities.
 
Impact Stories
Your blood, organ and tissue, and other donations directly impact lives in your community. Read a few of the examples of some of the lives that have been changed for the better.
 
Ways to Give
You can support Versiti’s mission in several ways, including donating blood, hosting a blood drive, joining the organ and tissue donor registry, and more.