Sharon

My name is Sharon Hays, and I have lived in Kentucky my entire life. Four years ago, my health began to decline after a lifetime of challenges. A rare birth defect caused me to lose my pancreas, and while I survived breast cancer, the chemotherapy damaged my liver beyond repair.

Now, at 59, I am one of nearly 9,500 Americans waiting for a liver transplant. My hope could come in two ways: through the generosity of a living donor who gives a portion of their liver, or through the selfless act of someone who registered as an organ donor and gives the gift of life after death.

The waiting is hard. Some days I am able to eat, other days I cannot. I have been hospitalized more times than I can count. Yet I stay positive, leaning on my faith, my family, and the hope that someone’s “yes” – in life or after life – will give me more time.

I want to return to the simple joys of life – traveling, laughing on the back patio with my husband Tom, and filling our home with music. I am ready for a new chapter.

You can help by learning more about living liver donation through the Mayo Clinic, or by making the powerful choice to register as an organ donor so that others like me can have a second chance at life.

📍 Mayo Clinic Living Donor Transplant
📞 507-266-2021

💚 Register as an organ donor today at www.registerme.org.

Every donor can save eight lives and enhance more than 75 others. I am waiting with hope that one day soon, someone’s generosity will give me the gift of life.