Dottie Donor Dot

07/23/2021

There have been many heroes during this difficult time in the world. Dottie shares a story of this donor hero to honor his life-saving gifts. Dottie is so grateful for Brandon’s decision to register as an organ donor, to his family and to the many healthcare heroes who helped to make Brandon’s legacy possible. Sign up @ https://bit.ly/2SvrNgD if you’re 15 1/2 or older and haven’t registered at a Wisconsin DMV.

Brandon Sheppard was the kind of person who would let a struggling classmate beat him in a race in elementary school—just to give him a win. So, his parents weren’t surprised to learn he had registered to be an organ donor when doctors told them Brandon would never recover from a near-drowning incident.
Brandon saved 5 people’s lives by donating his organs. He was not only an organ donor hero—he also was a catalyst through which his family spread the word about organ donation. His siblings spelled out the words “Room of a Hero” in Post-it notes on his hospital room’s window and many family members and friends registered to be organ donors after hearing his story.

07/07/2021

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a common genetic disorder affecting about 500,000 people in the U.S. Since symptoms typically aren’t evident until adulthood, many are unaware of PKD. Seventy five per cent of those with PKD also have Polycystic Liver Disease. Dottie is thrilled that Ann, a veteran, is living a healthier life after receiving a liver and kidney transplant at UW Health as a patient at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital!

Ann Smitherman can never forget the date September 11, 2001—but not for the same reason as most Americans. That was the day she started experiencing debilitating abdominal pain doctors diagnosed as polycystic kidney disease, an inherited disorder in which cysts form on the kidneys, causing them to lose function. Later, she also developed polycystic liver disease. Because she is a veteran, Ann receives her healthcare at Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals. The only possible cure was a kidney and liver transplant, but her VA in Minnesota wasn't approved to perform transplants. So, her doctors referred her to the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and the UW Health Transplant Center. She received the gift of life and is incredibly grateful for a second chance at life.

Learn more: uwhealth.org/treatments/liver-transplant

07/04/2021

Dottie is so excited to have her “Mini Me” and donation advocates from UW Health as Unit #7 in the Milton, Wisconsin July 4th Parade! Look for more pics later!

07/02/2021

Dottie shares with her fans an inspiring story of one individual receiving the gift of hope this year at UW Health on Easter Sunday. Dottie hopes that Daniel continues to thrive during his recovery and appreciates his dedication to fitness to honor his life-saving gift!

Daniel Wilburn, 24, thought he had asthma. Doctors discovered serious blood clots in his lungs harming his heart.

06/21/2021

Summer is officially here! While we look forward to the glory days of the summer season, keep in mind that over 1,500 of your fellow Wisconsinites are on the national waitlist for an organ transplant. They're hoping that more summers are in their future. Anyone 15 1/2 and older can register as a donor with their driver' license or state ID at https://bit.ly/2SvrNgD. If you're already registered, remember to talk to your family about your decision.

06/20/2021

On this , Dottie offers a wish to all the father's ... Wishing you wellness, goodness and kindness and the very best in life.

06/17/2021

Today is a special day for Dottie! 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 #𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗗𝗮𝘆! Dottie was the very first mascot in the U.S. to promote organ donor registration. It's Dottie's mission to increase the number of Wisconsin residents who are registered donors. Share this post and spread the word to encourage more people to become an everyday hero by registering on Wisconsin’s Donor Registry at https://bit.ly/2SvrNgD 🟠💙💚

06/16/2021

Thanking the donor heroes who gifted a legacy of life, sight and healing to others. Thanking the nearly 3,000,000 Wisconsinites who have registered as an organ, tissue and eye donor at https://bit.ly/2SvrNgD. 💙💚

06/15/2021

Just a reminder ... take a few minutes to sign up online to leave behind the Gift of Life. Pass it on that anyone can register to be a donor at https://bit.ly/2SvrNgD