“We called him ‘grandpa.’”

Juan Rodriguez was the closest Alberto Uscanga’s family ever had to a grandfather. Juan was riding his beloved Harley to Alberto’s house the day he suffered a severe stroke that left him brain dead. However, as a registered organ donor, Juan donated his liver to someone in need.

“It was a blessing,” says Alberto, who now proudly rides Juan’s Harley. “He was able to save someone else’s life.”

Now, Alberto is on a mission to improve health outcomes for people in urban communities. “One thing that Grandpa feared most before he passed was not being able to get quality health screening when he had health problems,” Alberto says. 

“As a firefighter/paramedic and mobile integrated health practitioner, I tackle health disparities, including the opioid crisis and high 911 utilization. My current role allows me to be at the forefront of modern urban health care, helping to save lives.”

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.