Caitlin Cuevas received a liver transplant in 2025. Now she shares her story to increase awareness about donation and will be participating in NEDS’ MA Blue & Green Walk this September!

“Last April, I went to the doctor because I wasn't feeling great. She did lab work but couldn't fully figure out what was going on, so she sent me to the hospital. I was told that I had 3 months to live and needed a liver transplant immediately. I was much more sick than I had realized.”

“I was moved to the ICU because my blood pressure was too low, and none of the meds they tried were working. They had to take me off the transplant list because I was too sick to undergo surgery. At one point, my nurse came in and explained that they had started me on one last med, but it was not working yet. She told us that if this med didn't start working soon, there was nothing else they could try.”

“I'm not sure how, but magically that med started working, and 4 days later, on May 20th, I finally got my new liver. It was the weirdest time; waiting, hoping, dying for a liver but knowing someone would have to die in order for me to live. I am so eternally grateful to this woman and her family, and we have started making some contact.”

“Since then, I have been seeing my surgeons and doctors regularly. I have "graduated" from having to see the surgeons to meeting with a liver doctor every few months. I have been told that I am one of their biggest success stories, and at my last appointment, they said that my numbers looked perfect.”

“While all of this was not exactly what I had planned for 2025, I also ended up being so incredibly lucky when I could have so easily been gone. My surgeons, doctors, nurses, and all the staff are some of my favorite people in the world. This was by far the most traumatic experience of my life, but the amount of people who rallied around me was incredible. I really am one lucky girl.”

“All of that is really to say that something like this can come out of nowhere and happen to anyone. Without New England Donor Services, who knows what would have happened to me.”

Thank you Caitlin for sharing your story and for joining us in September for the MA B&G Walk. You can join us at the MA Blue & Green Walk on September 19th too! Register today at https://give.gofundme.com/2026MABG! #bluegreenwalk #DonateLife #LiverRecipient #WomensHealthWeek

NEDS volunteer Shannon Boule and her wife celebrated their first Mother’s Day at home since their 19-month-old son Spencer received a heart transplant. Shannon shared, “Just to be able to be having a normal Mother’s Day experience is just, like, it’s crazy and surreal and just feels a little more special, I think, given what we just went through.”

Hear more of Spencer and his family’s story with WCAX-TV below.

In 2024, Heidi received the Gift of Life with a double lung transplant after being diagnosed with obliterative bronchiolitis. Now Heidi volunteers with NEDS to share her story in honor of her donor.

“My transplant journey came as a complete surprise. I never anticipated that I would face such a significant health challenge, and everything unfolded in ways I could not have imagined. My symptoms began with overwhelming fatigue. Eating became hard, and I continued to lose weight. Eventually, I was diagnosed with obliterative bronchiolitis. The cause remained unclear—perhaps exposure to a toxin or an undetected infection had damaged my lungs—but what was certain was that both lungs were irreparably affected.”

“The day I learned I would need a transplant was overwhelming, filled with a mix of emotions. Denial was my first reaction, soon followed by fear and uncertainty. Yet, through it all, I felt a sense of hope. My medical team at Brigham and Women's Hospital took the time to explain the transplant process in detail, assuring me that I would not be alone at any stage.”

“Waiting for news about a potential donor was an anxious time. Every phone call sparked both anticipation and anxiety. On January 11, 2024, I got the call that it was truly happening. I was filled with gratitude and relief. The surgery and the recovery were difficult, but the unwavering support from my amazing family, friends, and healthcare professionals helped me through. Each milestone after surgery, from taking my first steps to slowly regaining my strength, became a moment to celebrate, and my recovery continues to this day.”

“Reflecting on the experience, I realize how much the transplant has transformed my life. I am endlessly grateful for this gift and strive every day to honor my donor. His lungs are right next to my heart, and we will comfort and support each other forever. This journey has taught me the true meaning of resilience and hope, proving that even in the darkest moments, renewal is possible.”

Thank you, Heidi, for sharing your story! #DonateLife #LungRecipient #WomensHealthWeek

Colleen O’Donnell is a kidney and pancreas recipient. During Mother’s Day, Colleen thinks of her mom, who helped her through tough times.

“I am a double recipient of a kidney and pancreas, which I received on May 7th, 2017, from my twenty-six-year-old male donor.”

“This Mother's Day, as every Mother's Day, I think of my mom, who was fighting stage 4 while I was fighting stage 4, mine was kidney and hers was stage 4 breast cancer. She left me a note that said how much she loved me, but also to go get that transplant.”

“Well, I got it, and it has shown me that I can live my life even better than I did before. Life has changed in such a unique way. I find myself not drinking soda. I drank soda every day before I got my transplant!”

“I have so many blessings including my donor who made it possible for me to have my children. I am going on my ninth year of receiving my kidney and pancreas. My donor was the biggest blessing in my life. Because without my donor, I would not have these beautiful 9 years that are full of positivity and energy and fun and laughter I get to live, and I live every day! I have the same positive attitude as my mom!”

Thank you, Colleen, for sharing your story! #MothersDay #DonateLife #KidneyRecipient #PancreasRecipient