Life-saving surgery connects two Wisconsin women forever [Video]

MADISON, Wis. (WSAW) – A Stevens Point woman returned to her home state to make a life-saving gift and in return, she got a rare lifelong bond.

Shelley Hawbecker of Stevens Point saw a billboard for the National Kidney Registry while driving home from her job as a teacher in Portland, Oregon. In June of last year, she decided to make a living donation at the UW Health Transplant Center in Madison.

At the same time, Liz Schumacher, originally from Chilton, needed another kidney transplant. She received one from Shelley. Recently, they met for the first time, one year after the life-saving surgery.

“I walked out of my room and I saw Shelley and I knew, I didn’t know her, but I saw her walking the halls. I knew she was the donor — I just knew,” Liz said.

“Being able to impact someone’s life is pretty incredible so I …