At just 26 years old, Paige Denney is living proof of the lifesaving impact of organ donation—and the powerful second chances it makes possible.
Paige received a liver transplant at age 20 after a diagnosis that came as a complete shock. What began as severe itching led to a dermatologist visit, where signs of jaundice prompted further testing. Soon after, she learned she had stage 4 liver cirrhosis caused by Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disorder.
“I looked and felt healthy,” Paige said. “There were no major warning signs until everything seemed to happen at once.”
Initially, the diagnosis was difficult for both Paige and her family to process. The reality of needing a transplant didn’t fully set in until a pivotal moment—turning down a donor organ and realizing the urgency of her situation. From that point on, the journey became very real.
Supported by her medical team and surrounded by family, Paige navigated the uncertainty of waiting for a transplant. When the call finally came, it was a moment filled with urgency and hope.
“I was asleep when my dad rushed in to wake me up and told me we needed to go—there was a liver waiting,” she recalled.
Following a successful transplant, Paige’s recovery was swift but not without challenges. She spent just 24 hours in the ICU and was discharged within a week. Through determination, daily walks, and a commitment to her health, she gradually rebuilt her strength—eventually returning to walking two miles a day.
While she celebrates each milestone, Paige also carries a deep awareness of the loss that made her second chance possible.
“Anniversaries can be emotional,” she said. “You’re grateful, but you also remember that someone else lost their life so you could live.”
Today, Paige embraces life fully—spending time with her dogs, enjoying Pilates, movies, and shopping—while honoring the gift she received.
Her message to others is one of hope and perspective.
“Life isn’t over—it’s a second chance,” she said. “There will be hard days, but you have to look at the glass half full. Someone gave you another opportunity at life, and it’s important to honor that by taking care of yourself and embracing your journey. Your scars tell a story—they show your strength.”
LifeShare Oklahoma encourages individuals to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors to help save and heal lives. Stories like Paige’s are a powerful reminder that one decision can create a lasting legacy and impact countless families.
To learn more or register as a donor, visit LifeShareOK.org
