PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Gift of Life had the most organ transplants in United States history in 2025. In the 52 years of existence the organization has changed the lives of more than 43,000 people who have received organ donations.
Registering as an organ donor does not take long and one organ donor can save the lives of up to 8 people and a tissue donor can improve the lives of 100 others. There are 100,000 people waiting for an organ in the United States.
Ted Dawson couldn’t help his wife carry groceries. He couldn’t play with his grandkids. HE had to move out of his house to a one-story apartment to manage his COPD.
After a decade of deteriorating health, the Gift of Life helped Ted get his life back. They coordinated a lung transplant in July of 2026. Ted is now back on his feet, back in a house and back in the lives of his grandchildren.
Ted and his wife Lisa are frequent travelers. His new lung has opened the door for a special trip to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
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