For two years, Madison Shinaberry fought to live with pulmonary hypertension, a life-threatening disease of the lungs. Most devastatingly, she was forced to give up dancing ballet, something she had done her entire life. On January 13, 2009, 13-year-old Madison received a life-saving double-lung transplant that gave back to her all that the disease had taken from her young life. Currently, she is studying Politics at Washington and Lee University as a Johnson Scholar. She dances almost every day, and teaches ballet at a local studio. "Working to educate people about organ donation has become a passion of mine," affirmed Madison. "I am grateful that my transplant has given me these opportunities, along with a healthy life."

Madison's Story

For two years, Madison Shinaberry fought to live with pulmonary hypertension, a life-threatening disease of the lungs. The disease caused simple things, like walking upstairs or getting dressed, to be a struggle. Most devastatingly, she was forced to give up dancing ballet, something she had done her entire life. At just eleven years old, she was already training with the American Ballet Theatre, but the disease took her away from her passion and focused her on the reality that a lung transplant offered the only hope for her long-term survival.

Two years later, on January 13, 2009, Madison received a life-saving double-lung transplant that gave back to her all that the disease had taken from her young life. A month after her transplant, she took a dance class with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, then four weeks later returned to her training regimen with Rockingham Ballet Theatre. That Christmas she danced the role of the Snow Queen in "The Nutcracker" and in February was chosen to once again train with the American Ballet Theater.

Currently, she is studying Politics at Washington and Lee University as a Johnson Scholar. She dances almost every day, and teaches ballet at a local studio.

"Given a second chance at life, I am eager to use my experiences to positively impact the lives of others," said Madison. She frequently speaks to organizations, medical professionals, students, and educators about the importance of organ donation. She has spoken at several events held by LifeNet Health, thanking donor families for their gifts. She is also working to increase education on organ donation in Virginia high schools.

"Working to educate people about organ donation and increasing the donor base has become a passion of mine," affirmed Madison. "I am grateful that my transplant has given me these opportunities, along with a healthy life.

"If not for the generous gift of life from my donor, I wouldn’t be here today." Madison urges people to answer 'yes' when asked whether to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. "I know it saved my life."