As a young wife enjoying an exciting life with two toddlers, Julia Rejer began losing weight and was not feeling well. She was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a disease of the bile ducts.  In the face of an illness that could likely kill her in 10 years without a transplant, she decided to do her best to manage her condition.  But she became sicker and in 1996, she was waitlisted for a liver transplant. On January 10, 1997, a year later, she received a new liver. Years passed, and Julia's PSC returned; she became gravely ill. Once again, she was listed for a liver and a kidney transplant. Julia was blessed with the precious gift of organ donation on February 28, 2008. Although Julia's illness has been devastating, she also feels that she has been extraordinarily lucky - because two people each made a choice one day to save lives. Now 59, Julia is a dedicated volunteer with the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization.

Julia's Story

As a young wife enjoying an exciting life with two toddlers, Julia Rejer began losing weight and was not feeling well. After a year of testing, she was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a disease of the bile ducts.  In the face of an illness that could likely kill her in 10 years without a transplant, she decided to do her best to manage her condition.

As Julia became sicker, she wondered if she would see her children graduate from high school.  In 1996, she was waitlisted for a liver transplant. On January 10, 1997, exactly one year later, she received her call of hope - a new liver. On her way to the hospital, she prayed for the grieving family that was so incredibly gracious to share the gift of life with her.  Her donor had made a decision to be a person who would save lives. 

Years passed, and Julia's PSC returned. She was determined to fight to keep the precious gift that had given her another 10 years of life and enabled to see her children graduate from college. Once again, she became gravely ill and was listed for another liver and a kidney transplant. Julia was blessed with the precious gift of organ donation on February 28, 2008.

Although Julia's illness has been devastating, she also feels that she has been extraordinarily lucky - because two people each made a choice one day to save lives.

Now 59, Julia has danced at both of her children's weddings, celebrated 36 years of marriage, and is a grandmother of three. She is also a dedicated volunteer with the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization and gives her time generously several days each week.