Every April, National Donate Life Month shines a spotlight on the incredible impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Through a variety of local and national events, the month is dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging Americans to register as donors, and celebrating the selfless individuals who have given others a second chance at life through donation.

Today, more than 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. While the need is great, the good news is that over 170 million people have already registered as donors, offering hope and healing to those in need.

While many organ donations happen after death, living donation offers another powerful way to save lives right now. Through living donation, individuals can donate a kidney or part of their liver to someone in need, often a family member, friend, or even a stranger

The most commonly transplanted organ from a living donor is the kidney. Because we have two kidneys and only need one to live a healthy life, donating one can dramatically change someone else’s. Living donors can also give part of their liver, which has the unique ability to regenerate in both the donor and recipient after surgery.

Living donation can help reduce the wait time for people on the national transplant list, improve outcomes, and offer hope to patients who may not survive the wait for a deceased donor.

Becoming a living donor is a deeply personal decision, and it’s one that comes with a thorough medical evaluation to ensure the health and safety of both donor and recipient. Many donors say the experience is one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done.

One such donor is Quade Wiegel a Physician Assistant student whose journey highlights just how powerful one decision can be. When Quade learned about the National Marrow Donor Program, he didn’t hesitate to join the registry. With a deep passion for medicine, the opportunity to make a difference was an easy “yes.”

When the call came, Quade didn’t hesitate—his donation became a life-changing gift. Not only did it save the recipient, but it also deeply impacted Quade’s own life, reinforcing his dedication to helping others. Today, Quade is a PA student completing rotations in Family Medicine at Southwest Health with Michelle Hauser, PA-C. After graduation, he hopes to return to his hometown communities in southwest Wisconsin to continue serving.

Signing up to be a marrow donor is simple—a quick cheek swab through the mail is all it takes. Every new addition to the registry increases the chances for patients battling blood cancers and disorders to find their perfect match. These donations also help fuel vital research for future treatments

You could be the match that saves a life, just like Quade.

If you’re interested in becoming a donor or want to know more, here’s how you can make a difference during Donate Life Month:

• Register your decision to be a donor at RegisterMe.org.
• Talk to your family and community about your decision to donate
• Visit DonateLife.net to discover ways you can champion the cause
• Encourage others to learn more and register at DonateLife.net.

Together, you can help save lives, one decision, one donor, one story at a time.