Kidney exchange saves three lives after plea from West Allis woman

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A call for help and someone stepping up leads to three lives being saved. 

Earlier in 2018, West Allis resident Jessica Wickersheimer put up billboards around the Milwaukee area asking for a stranger to donate a kidney. 

Milwaukee resident Jennifer, who didn't know Jessica, responded to the billboard. She wasn't an exact match but helped spur a kidney exchange between six people and gave Jessica a new chance at life. 

"I wouldn't have been able to do it without Froedtert, the doctors, the nurses, my family, my friends, now Jennifer, it's just amazing," Wickerschiemer said.

"I would do it all over again to help save somebody's life," kidney donor Jennifer said. 

On average, 20 people die waiting for a transplant every day. About 6,000 living donations like Jessica's happen every year. 

Doctors say Jessica's case is a perfect example of the power of kidney donations in saving lives. 

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