When Michael’s longtime friend was going through acute kidney failure, he got tested but unfortunately wasn’t a match. However, a paired exchange program through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) explored potential options and found the most optimal organ donation partners. In March 2022, Michael donated a kidney to a person in Virginia, who in turn had their donor—the other half of the partnership—donate their kidney to Michael’s friend.

This cross-country coordination involved the West Coast, East Coast and Midwest, requiring an electrocardiogram, bloodwork and liver functionality tests.

“It felt a little intimidating, but in the long run, it was worth it,” Michael says. “The feeling you get from potentially saving someone’s life is an incredible reward that overtakes the risk. This is something that has changed my life for the better and I know that it has changed my friend’s life for the better.”

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.