In 2018, Nykia Julien’s heart was beginning to fail.

“I was really sick. I was at work and couldn’t breathe,” she said. “I couldn’t sleep. I just kept feeling my heart stop.”

She was struggling to maintain a normal life and could not walk up stairs without getting winded. Eventually, doctors told her she would not have much longer to live without a new heart.

Thanks to Dylan St. George, Nykia was given a second shot at life.

Dylan’s mother, Racheal Taylor, said her son had a huge heart and that when he loved, he loved hard. At 24 , Dylan died unexpectedly. Racheal and her family were devastated by his passing but there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Dylan was registered as an organ donor. Five of his organs were donated to people who needed them, including Nykia, who was able to receive her heart transplant. Since, her life has completely changed.

“I’m able to do a lot that I wasn’t able to do before. I’m able to travel, walk upstairs and walk further,” Nykia said.

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.