Megan Dolan embraces her role as a mother of 13-year-old twins, Vienna and William.
“I love being my kids’ mom,” shares the 47-year-old Rotterdam woman. “I think it was what I was put on this earth to do.”
However, a genetic disorder inherited from her late mother’s side of the family threatens her own family’s future. Diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) at the young age of six, Megan struggles with the same devastating disorder that has already affected six other relatives, including her own mother.
The threat became imminent two years ago when Megan received the heart-wrenching diagnosis of end-stage renal disease. Commencing peritoneal dialysis at home every night in July 2022, she faced a daunting reality. Having witnessed her own mother’s two decades on dialysis, Megan sank into a dark depression, thinking, “Well, my life is over now.”
Juggling the challenges of her work responsibilities and raising two active adolescents while on dialysis has been difficult. “I could just never get ahead,” she reflects, “but my main priority was just being there for my kids.” Yet, Megan perseveres.
Following a six-month work leave, Megan has emerged with renewed strength and purpose. Now, she is actively engaged as a peer advocate counseling other newly-diagnosed patients, turning her personal struggle into a source of inspiration.
Listed on the national organ transplant list, Megan implores her fellow New Yorkers to consider enrolling as organ, eye, and tissue donors on the New York State Donate Life Registry. In her plea, she asks, “What do you have to lose? Look at what you have to gain. You could save so many lives with organs you don’t need anymore.”
What do you have to lose? Look at what you have to gain. You could save so many lives with organs you don’t need anymore.
Megan Dolan
Above all, a transplant holds the promise of allowing Megan to continue savoring the joys of motherhood. “I want to have experiences with my kids before it’s too late,” she said. “I want to stick around for my kids, my family, and my husband.” Megan’s journey is not just a personal struggle; it’s a testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Through her story, Megan invites others to be the bearers of hope for the thousands of NYS patients need of lifesaving organ transplants.