text: When Facebook is a Life-Saver: 8-Year-Old Finds Living Kidney Donor | UW Health | Madison, WI
  When Facebook is a Life-Saver: 8-Year-Old Finds Living Kidney Donor
  "Social media has the ability to go a long ways, and Jackson's transplant social worker reassured me of this. Please help me get the word out."
  1,500 shares and 333 comments later, her post caught the attention of an old friend who works in television, and a story on a Madison news outlet followed. It was that story, shared on Facebook, that caught Lindsey Bittorf's attention.
  "It said Jackson needed an O+ blood type donor who is healthy," said Lindsey. "I thought, that's me! I can do this."
  Even though Lindsey had never met Jackson or his family, she went ahead and contacted the UW Health Transplant Program in Madison, Wisconsin, to initiate the process - but it turned out Lindsey was in a long line of willing donors who had also read about Jackson on Facebook.
  "We had more than 50 people contact us, stating they were interested in learning about being a living donor for Jackson," says Beth Gerndt Spaith, a transplant nurse coordinator at UW Health. "When these stories happen, it gets a little crazy for us, but we welcome the interest. It often results in more happy stories like Jackson's."
  With more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a kidney transplant, living donors are in high demand. People who are considering living donation can complete a form on the UW Health website, or contact a transplant center near them.
  "I wanted to be Jackson's donor," says Lindsey. "It was an awesome day when Beth confirmed we were a good match."
  "All along, I thought this was fate," says Lindsey.
  "Mom, I think there's a Boy Scout at the door," said Jackson.
  "I'm so happy just thinking about Jackson's future, and all the things he'll be able to experience after his
  transplant," says Kristi. "Lindsey is a beautiful person for giving him his future."
  Lindsey presented Jackson with a plaque featuring two hands holding a kidney, which says: Jackson, I took an oath to serve and protect my community. My kidney will now be able to serve and protect you! I am your kidney donor.