Over the years, Megan Dolan has had seven knee surgeries to repair sports-related injuries that left her in near-constant pain and unable to crouch down or bend her knees normally. Thanks to the generosity of a tissue donor, Megan received a bone and cartilage tissue transplant that restored her mobility. “It’s been surprisingly life changing,” she says. “It was an opportunity I didn’t really realize was possible.”

But it almost didn’t happen. Behind the scenes, while Megan prepped for surgery, the hospital found out that her bone and tissue were sitting at an airport in a container that hadn’t been delivered. “My chance at getting that surgery was almost lost, because it wasn’t going to be delivered on time,” she says.

A dedicated nurse went above and beyond the call of duty, driving to the airport and sorting through boxes until she found the tissues for Megan’s transplant. “It was a moment that I was extremely grateful for,” she says. “I couldn’t believe that somebody would actually do that.”

After a year of rehab, Megan’s knees are as good as new. “I can kneel again! I couldn’t even squat down because it hurt so bad on my knees,” she says. “I’m normal again—it feels great.”

Now, she encourages others to register as organ and tissue donors to help heal the lives of people like her. “It’s an opportunity to share something really special,” she says. “When you think about it, why wouldn’t you give this gift?”

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.