Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband recently received a kidney transplant from one of his daughters, a testament to the life-saving power of organ donation. His story highlights the impact of living donors and the critical role they play in giving others a second chance at life.
Cindy Zabin, another organ donor, shared her own experience of stepping up for her husband, Dave, who was in desperate need of a liver transplant. She initially volunteered to donate a portion of her liver, but doctors determined that Dave required a larger organ to survive. Fortunately, UCSF was able to match him with a deceased donor, allowing him to receive the life-saving transplant. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Cindy made a selfless decision—to still go through with the donation and give part of her liver to a stranger in need.
Despite being 61 and a grandmother, Cindy was determined to make a difference. She recalled the emotions of watching her husband wait for a transplant and knew that another family was experiencing the same uncertainty. Though she does not know the recipient, she felt immense joy knowing her donation changed their life. Cindy’s story emphasizes the importance of living organ donors and registered donors alike, as thousands of people remain on transplant waiting lists, hoping for a second chance at life.
