Nurse Will Donate Liver to Colleague This Thursday
A registered nurse will undergo surgery this Thursday at UVA Health to donate a portion of her liver to a fellow nurse.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy
Meaghan Koehler is scheduled to undergo surgery this Thursday at UVA Health in Charlottesville to donate a portion of her liver to Tiffany Taylor. Taylor, an adjunct instructor at Rappahannock Community College, has been battling primary sclerosing cholangitis since 2013.
Why it matters
The donation follows a public appeal made by Taylor in March 2026, which prompted Koehler to apply as a donor after recognizing their shared experiences as nurses. This act of altruism offers Taylor a necessary life-saving transplant to address the progression of her chronic liver condition.
An online fundraiser has currently collected over $10,000 to assist the women with their recovery process. The total cost of the surgery and related medical care was not disclosed.
The players
Meaghan Koehler
She is a registered nurse who volunteered to donate a portion of her liver after seeing a social media post.
Tiffany Taylor
She is a registered nurse and an adjunct instructor at Rappahannock Community College who was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
UVA Health
This is a health system based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that is serving as the medical facility for the upcoming transplant surgery.
The details
Koehler identified Taylor as a candidate for donation after seeing her story on Facebook, leading to a successful screening process that confirmed Koehler as a perfect match. The two women, both registered nurses, have built a connection through their professional background and shared life experiences.
Timeline
Tiffany Taylor was diagnosed with liver disease in 2013.
Taylor shared her story publicly in March 2026.
Meaghan Koehler applied to become a donor in April 2026.
The liver donation surgery is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Market Landscape
This surgery reflects the clinical standards established by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's living donor registry protocols. It highlights how private altruism continues to supplement the broader medical system's capacity to address organ shortages.
The fundraising campaign demonstrates how community members can provide direct financial relief for out-of-pocket recovery costs not covered by insurance. Readers can contribute to such initiatives to help alleviate the economic burden often placed on organ donors and recipients.
The takeaway
This case highlights the life-saving impact of living organ donation and the effectiveness of social media in connecting donors with those in need. It serves as a reminder of the significant role community financial support plays in facilitating the recovery process for medical patients.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support medical needs in the Philanthropy section.
