UofL Health says it saw a record-breaking number of living organ donations in 2023

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- UofL Health celebrated a record number of living organ donors in 2023.

The hospital recognizes those donors during its Living Donor Honor Walk, where staff line the halls to clap and cheer for those who gave the gift of life.

So far this year, the hospital has completed 27 successful kidney transplants gifted by living donors.

"It's almost 40% of all the transplants that we've done, and it's always been our goal to do as many as we can so everybody is really happy, and it's really a good reason to celebrate," Dr. Lina Mackelaite, transplant nephrologist.

The "Gift of Life Challenge," a rivalry between UofL and UK hospitals, has also inspired thousands of people to become organ donors.

Nearly 450 people connected with UofL to sign up to be organ donors this year, with 388 people signing up with UK. The trophy will be presented during the UofL/UK rivalry game Thursday at the KFC Yum! Center.

For information about becoming a donor, click here.