Katina Shaw’s brother was only 12 years old when he tragically passed away. On what she calls the worst day of her family’s life, her mother made the selfless decision to donate her son’s organs so that he might live on. “He was young and still had a lot of life to live,” Katina says. “It gave my mother and I solace that he lived on and that he gave the gift of life to others. He gave them the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.”

A couple months after her brother’s passing, Katina’s family received a letter from the man who received her brother’s heart. He described not being able to play with his nieces or nephews before his transplant, and that receiving a new heart made him feel like a kid again. “That warmed our hearts,” Katina says. “It’s important to me to know that my brother changed a life and gave an individual the opportunity to play and hug his nieces and nephews.”

When she turned 16 and got her driver’s license, Katina made the decision to register as an organ and tissue donor. Now, she encourages others to educate themselves and learn what it means to become a registered donor. “I know firsthand the importance of giving the gift of life,” she says. “Do your research; start the conversation. It will not just change your life, but those who receive the gift of 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.