In August 1996, Debbie Morgan was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease from alcohol-induced cirrhosis. She joined AA, her liver stabilized, and her doctors didn't think she would need a transplant. The experience inspired Debbie to join the United Organ Transplant Association (UOTA) to educate the community about organ donation and support people in need of and living with liver transplants. In 2007, a cancerous tumor developed on her liver, accelerating her need of a transplant; she received a donated liver on March 6, 2008. "Every day I am thankful to my donor and his family for giving me a second chance and a brand new life," she said. She now serves as President of UOTA and is a Regional Lead for OneLegacy's Donate Life Ambassadors volunteer program.

Debbie's Story

In August 1996, Debbie Morgan had just turned 40 when she was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. The disease was cirrhosis; the cause was alcohol. "I had promised myself that when I turned 40 years old I would quit drinking," Debbie recalled. "One week after my 40th birthday bash, God gave me a little help. I ended up in the emergency room, very close to death." Debbie had suffered an esophageal bleed that nearly took her life.

She was released from the hospital on Sunday and returned to work on Monday. At a doctor's visit that Friday, her doctor took one look at her and immediately had her readmitted to the hospital. It was nearly a year later before she was able to work a full 40-hour week.

"It took more than a year before my doctor would refer me to a transplant center. I had to attend a certain number of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings; I had to prove myself," she stated. "Organs are precious, and they certainly didn't want to give one to someone that would abuse it."

Once Debbie was in recovery, her liver stabilized and her doctors didn't think she would need a transplant, although she remained on the waiting list as a precaution. The experience inspired Debbie to join the United Organ Transplant Association (UOTA).

"I started looking for a way to spread the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation," Debbie said. "I joined UOTA because its members were out in the community educating the public about organ donation." A couple of years later, she joined OneLegacy's Donate Life Ambassadors volunteer program.

In 2007, the cirrhosis caused a cancerous tumor to develop on her liver, and suddenly her need for a transplant became critical. On March 6, 2008, Debbie received her new liver. The donor was a large 21-year-old male; the liver was split, with Debbie receiving the larger portion and an infant receiving the smaller one.

"Once I was free of the alcohol I knew I would never go back," she affirmed. "My whole life was transformed. I tell people that no matter how bad things got, I considered what I went through a blessing. Every day I am thankful to my donor and his family for giving me a second chance at a brand new life.

She now works full-time and serves as President of UOTA, which focuses on helping people who are waiting for a transplant or have received one and need help coping with all the changes they are going through. Debbie was selected as a rider to represent more than 700 active Donate Life Ambassadors in appreciation for her longtime service as a volunteer and as a Regional Lead for the Inland Empire.

"Being an Ambassador has absolutely transformed my life," affirmed Debbie. "It has given it meaning and purpose. For those I have lost, I hope I have given comfort and companionship in their last days. For those who have been lucky enough to receive a transplant and those who are waiting, I hope I am giving them hope and helping them through a very difficult time. To the donor families, I hope I have shown them my most sincere gratitude and admiration for their compassionate gift of life."