Andrah “Andy” Grothey’s life has been impacted by Versiti’s mission in more ways than one. Nearly 27 years ago, her sister was diagnosed with leukemia and needed a bone marrow or stem cell transplant to survive. At the time, researchers were still experimenting with stem cells, but Andy and her sisters got tested to see if they were matches. “There are five girls in our family and two of us matched, but I matched better,” she says. Andy gladly donated her stem cells to her sister, saving her life.

“It worked great. I was able to give her stem cells with very little discomfort at all,” she says. “Through a donation, my sister was cured. It’s really important to know that, and I think if more people did, they’d be more likely to donate.”

But this wouldn’t be the last time Andy’s life would be impacted by a lifesaving gift. In April 2024, her husband James, who struggled with mental illness, took his own life. “He was already signed up to be an organ donor,” Andy says. “We had both put it on our driver’s licenses and put it in our wills that we wanted to be organ donors.” Unfortunately, James was unable to donate his organs, but donated his tissues to heal others’ lives. 

“One of his corneas was given to a gentleman in Milwaukee for a cornea transplant. That’s so exciting!” Andy says. “Having experienced it and knowing that something from my husband was able to carry on was a really good feeling for me.”

Now, Andy volunteers with Versiti Organ and Tissue, sharing her story with other people whose lives are impacted by organ, tissue and eye donation. “You get a sense of comfort that you may not even realize,” she says. “Even though you’re devastated at the time, it’s comforting knowing that your loved one lives on.”

She encourages others to share their stories and consider volunteering as a way to manage their grief. “If you have lost a loved one, volunteering and telling your story helps with the healing process,” she says. “As you’re healing, it’s hard to see down the road. But it’s a really important, impactful gift and your loved one does live on.”

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.