MADISON, Wis. — Honoring the Gift of Life through Organ Donation
In Madison, the team at UW Health’s Organ and Tissue Donation program is showcasing the enduring impact of organ donors who continue to save lives long after passing.
Along the corridors of UW Organ and Tissue Donation, shining display cases highlight the stories of individual organ donor heroes. One poignant tribute belongs to Emily C. Lyons, a spirited 19-year-old student and athlete from UW-La Crosse, whose life tragically ended in an accident. Despite her short time, Emily’s legacy carries on by transforming lives.
“Being aware that Emily chose to be an organ donor shifted my focus from my own sorrow to celebrating her life. I’ve always been proud of her, but this has amplified that pride beyond what I expected. Now, I dedicate myself to sharing her story as a hero and spreading the message about the importance of organ donation,” expressed Dawn Lyons-Wood, Emily’s mother.
Through her gifts of kidneys, pancreas, and liver, Emily has offered others a second chance at life and has welcomed her mother into a supportive community of fellow donor families and grateful recipients who have become like family.
Each display case, lovingly crafted by those who knew the donors best, holds cherished items that reflect the essence of their lives. These stories serve as daily reminders for staff of the profound impact these individuals have made.
