A Second Chance at Life: Talisha’s Story

In March 2022, I received a lifesaving liver transplant that gave me something beyond measure, a second chance at life. Before my transplant, I had spent eight long years on the national transplant waiting list, suffering through the daily realities of end-stage liver disease. My life was filled with doctor’s visits, hospital stays and the uncertainty of whether I would live to see another season.

Each day was a physical and emotional struggle, but I held on to hope. When I finally got the call that a liver was available, everything changed. That moment was the beginning of a new chapter, one made possible by the incredible generosity of an organ donor I have never met but will honor for the rest of my life.

Fun Fact: Talisha was one of the 235 individuals in Maryland who received a liver transplant in 2022!

Life After My Liver Transplant: The Impact of Organ Donation

Because of that gift, I was able to regain my health, return to school and in May 2025, I proudly graduated from Prince George’s Community College with an associate’s degree in in human services. That milestone meant more than academic achievement, it represented everything I had survived and all the possibilities that now lay ahead.

Organ donation didn’t just save my life, it restored my future. Today, I work for  So Others Might Eat (SOME) in Washington, DC, supporting individuals as they work to rebuild their lives. I also volunteer with Infinite Legacy, sharing my journey and advocating for organ donation in hopes that more people will say “yes” to saving lives.

Did You Know? There are currently more than 600 individuals in the Maryland and Metro DC area who are waiting for their gift of life, a liver.

Thank You to My Donor: A Selfless Decision

I give a special thanks to my donor whose selfless decision gave me this second chance. I don’t know you or your family, but I carry your gift with care, respect and deep gratitude. Organ donation is the greatest act of compassion one person can offer another. It gave me more than just time; it gave me purpose, healing and a life I once feared I wouldn’t get to live. I am living proof that the gift of life changes everything.

To read more about Talisha's story check out our Instagram post!

Register to Save Lives: Learn More About Organ Donation

You can save lives like Talisha’s and others who are awaiting a new gift of life. We encourage everyone to get the facts about organ donation and see how you can help. Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor today!

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