MADISON, Wis. — Michael Crowley made a life-changing decision when he became an altruistic living kidney donor.

Now, his name is etched on the UW Health Living Donor Wall, recognizing his act of giving the gift of life.

A month after the procedure, Crowley reunited with UW Health physician assistant Alexys Hoppman for a follow-up visit. As she examined his healing scars, she praised his recovery.

“Oh, look at how beautiful these look. Yes, fantastic,” Hoppman said.

For Crowley, the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin CEO, the decision to donate was about making a lasting impact.

“You feel like you’ve really made an impact on humanity,” Crowley said. “That gift of life is something that no one can ever take away from me. And it’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life — to save someone’s life.”

Crowley’s left kidney was successfully transplanted into an anonymous Wisconsin-based recipient, changing a stranger’s life forever.

“He was brave at every step,” said Dr. Fahad Aziz, a UW Health transplant nephrologist and fellow kidney board member. “Giving part of your body to someone you don’t know is a huge deal. And Mike has done it.”

Aziz emphasized the critical need for living donors.

“More than 100,000 people are waiting for a transplant, and over 87% of them need a kidney,” Aziz said. “Fourteen to 15 people die each day waiting. People like Mike give them hope, and that’s a big thing.”

At 60 years old, Crowley proved that age is not a barrier to saving a life.

“You don’t need to be a particular age. There’s no limit. It’s about the health that you’re in,” he said.

His name is now on the UW Health Living Donor Wall as a testament to his generosity — one kidney lighter, but with a legacy that will last a lifetime.

Learn more about how you can donate, here.