Wisconsin organ recipient celebrates a second chance at life during National Donor Day

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – As couples exchange valentines today, another form of love is being celebrated – the gift of life through organ donation. Feb. 14 marks National Donor Day, a time to recognize the profound impact of organ and tissue donation.

For Wisconsin State Patrol Lieutenant Phil Witkiewicz, this day holds special significance. Diagnosed with a rare autoimmune liver disease 14 years ago, Witkiewicz received a life-saving liver transplant in December, just months after being placed on the transplant list in July.

“Right now, it’s like he has another life. It’s been a complete 180 degrees,” said Emily Witkiewicz, Phil’s wife.

The Witkiewicz family’s story highlights the critical need for organ donors. Currently, over 103,000 adults and children in the United States are waiting for life-saving transplants, including 1,400 people in Wisconsin.

Samantha Taylor, Donation Support Specialist Supervisor at UW Organ and Tissue Donation, emphasizes the rarity of suitable organ donors.

“Only about 3 percent of us will die in a way that makes us suitable solid organ donors, so the ability to give is very rare and the need is very steep,” Taylor explained.

The impact of organ donation extends beyond the recipient. Donor families often find solace in their loved one’s final act of generosity.

“We wanted to offer a tiny little glimmer of hope in the middle of a tragedy they weren’t expecting,” Taylor said, describing conversations with families of potential donors. “The bad thing has already happened, we can’t change that that happened but we want to be able to sit down with the family during a very vulnerable time and see if organ donation is something that might help them grieve differently.”

For those considering becoming donors, registration is simple. Interested individuals can sign up at heroicdeed.com, which provides information and registration links for Wisconsin residents.

As Phil Witkiewicz recovers and embraces his second chance at life, he and his family are grappling with many emotions. Emily and Phil are going through the process of drafting a letter to his donor.

“I’ve often said their worst day was my best day and I think that’s what makes it hard to write,” Emily reflected. “It’s hard to put into words and appreciate because I know that it’s a sad day for them and our day will be celebrated for years to come… it’s a second life.”

National Donor Day serves as a reminder of the power of organ donation to transform lives and the ongoing need for donors.

As love is celebrated in various forms today, the gift of life remains one of the most profound expressions of compassion.

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