More than 10,000 people in Texas are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

Rachel Quigley knows firsthand what organ donation can mean for a family. She donated one of her kidneys to her father.

"Organ donation saves lives; it is very safe for living donors, and it is a really important decision that many people make," Quigley said.

Quigley's father, 64-year-old Brian Quigley, spent more than 25 years living with high blood pressure and diabetes.

"Because of that, it leads to kidney failure," Quigley said.

Brian had his first kidney transplant in 2010. The family learned in 2024 that he would need another one.

That's when Rachel decided to donate part of herself for the person who helped give her life.

More than a year and a half later, Brian is back to doing what he loves.

"He does not have to go on dialysis anymore; he is back to grilling and golfing and being himself," Quigley said. "He has gotten this energy back and really this spark for life."

Rachel says donating her kidney has not affected her health.

"I feel the exact same as I did before I donated, even better," Quigley said. "There have been no negative changes to my life at all only positive."

She says her dad's second chance at life is a reminder of what organ donation can do for those in need.

"I was excited for him to have his life back; I was excited for him to feel better again," Quigley said.

Quigley also works with the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. She shared some of the common myths people have about organ donation.

She says some people fear they cannot have an open casket after donating their organs. But she says the surgical procedure leaves very minimal scarring.

Another myth is that doctors won't try to save a patient who is an organ donor.

"It's totally not true. Doctors take an oath to save your life; they will do that first," Quigley said.

Quigley also says many religions support organ donation.

Channel 5 News is teaming up with the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance for an organ donation registration drive on Friday, June 19, at our Weslaco location to sign up more people to become organ donors.

You can also sign up to be an organ donor online.

Watch the video above for the full story.