A Queen with a Cause
CKF Ambassador - Andrea Weisman’s Journey as a Living Kidney Donor
It all began on a cold December night in 2015. Andrea found herself at the crossroads of life and death, the victim of a near-fatal car accident that left her questioning the very fabric of her existence. As she lay in the hospital, grappling with the fragility of life, she discovered an unexpected resolve within herself. This experience, though harrowing, became the catalyst for a journey of compassion and advocacy.
Over the years, Andrea has been blessed with opportunities to meet incredible individuals who have entrusted her with their stories. As she delved into their narratives, she began to realize that her own story was also a vital part of this tapestry of human experience. Each person she met taught her something invaluable, and in sharing their stories, Andrea found a deeper purpose—a calling to advocate for those in need.
In the years following her recovery, she became an ambassador for Donate Life and Versiti, organizations dedicated to promoting organ donation. Andrea’s passion and dedication led to her election to the Board of the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin (NKFW) in 2024. This position allowed her to amplify her efforts and reach a broader audience with a message of hope and generosity.
As the USOA Mrs. Waukesha County, Andrea embraced her platform to advocate for life-saving gifts, campaigning tirelessly for friends needing kidney transplants. She proudly witnessed the successful matching of donors with recipients, a testament to the power of community and compassion. Her pageant title became more than a crown; it became a beacon of hope for those waiting for the gift of life.
Understanding the challenges faced by young patients, Andrea began creating cheer kits for the pediatric dialysis clinic at Children's Hospital. These kits were filled with small joys, aiming to bring a sense of normalcy and hope to children enduring dialysis treatments. It was her way of showing them that they were not alone and that brighter days lay ahead.
On December 4, 2024, Andrea took my advocacy one step further by becoming an altruistic kidney donor. This decision was the culmination of her journey—a tangible act of love and hope that reaffirmed my commitment to saving lives. She states, “It was the best decision of my life, a gift that I will cherish forever, and a testament to the power of selfless giving.”
Having been given a second chance at life, she knows the uncertainty of tomorrow all too well. This awareness drives her mission to serve others, offering them the possibility of a second chance. Andrea’s journey is never about her; it is about the lives she can touch and the ripples of change she can create in the vast pool of those waiting for organ transplants.
Andrea is passionate about educating her community and being a beacon of hope for those in need. She aspires to foster a community where compassion knows no bounds and generosity becomes a way of life. She believes that together, we can make a difference, one story, one donation, and one life at a time.
With unwavering determination, She continues her journey, knowing that each step forward brings us closer to a world where everyone has a second chance at life.
