Milwaukee mother thankful for a second chance at life after lung transplant

Wanda Welch fell seriously ill after her third COVID-19 infection in December 2023, leading to severe lung damage that required ECMO support and eventually a double-lung transplant. She was transferred to University Hospital in Madison, where she underwent a successful transplant in April 2024, becoming one of a record 58 patients to receive a lung transplant there that year. Throughout her journey, Welch leaned heavily on her faith, family and dedicated medical team to stay strong and hopeful. Now back home in Milwaukee, she has resumed her active lifestyle, continued her theology studies and become a motivational speaker promoting faith and organ donation.