At The Agency Seattle, we’re constantly inspired by the people we work alongside — not just for their dedication to clients, but for who they are at their core. And no story captures the power of selflessness and humanity quite like that of Leilani Aktepy.
Leilani, a devoted real estate agent and mother of two young children, recently fulfilled a lifelong dream: to donate a portion of her liver to someone in critical need. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision — it was a calling she’d carried in her heart for years.
Driven by the hope of one day donating to a child, Leilani began the extensive and rigorous process required to become a living liver donor. She underwent rounds of testing, consultations, and emotional preparation, always holding onto the possibility of saving a life. When the call came that she was a match — not for a child, but for an adult in desperate need — she didn’t hesitate.
Despite the risks, the time away from her business, and the sacrifice of being separated from her young family during recovery, Leilani stepped forward without question. Her recovery wasn’t without complications, but her spirit remained strong and unwavering.
Leilani, a devoted real estate agent and mother of two young children, recently fulfilled a lifelong dream: to donate a portion of her liver to someone in critical need. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision — it was a calling she’d carried in her heart for years.
Driven by the hope of one day donating to a child, Leilani began the extensive and rigorous process required to become a living liver donor. She underwent rounds of testing, consultations, and emotional preparation, always holding onto the possibility of saving a life. When the call came that she was a match — not for a child, but for an adult in desperate need — she didn’t hesitate.
Despite the risks, the time away from her business, and the sacrifice of being separated from her young family during recovery, Leilani stepped forward without question. Her recovery wasn’t without complications, but her spirit remained strong and unwavering.
“Even with the challenges, I would do it all again. Knowing that I gave someone the chance to live… there’s no greater gift,” Leilani shared.
Her bravery and selflessness are a powerful reminder that we’re all capable of changing someone’s life — sometimes quite literally — with a single decision.
Seattle: Leading the Nation in Living Organ Transplants
It’s no coincidence that Leilani’s journey unfolded in Seattle — the #1 city in the U.S. for live organ transplants. The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most advanced and compassionate transplant programs in the country, with cutting-edge medical teams and a strong culture of living donation.
Here are just a few impressive facts:
Here are just a few impressive facts:
- Seattle’s UW Medicine Transplant Institute is a nationally recognized leader in living donor liver and kidney transplants.
- Over 6,000 living donations are performed each year across the country — and Seattle continues to lead with innovation and donor support.
- Living donors can go on to live full, healthy lives — and most recipients experience far better outcomes with living donations than with traditional organ waiting lists.
In 2023, the United States recorded 91 unrelated anonymous liver donations, marking the highest annual number since 2009. At UW Medicine, approximately five altruistic or anonymous living liver donations occur each year.
How You Can Learn More
If Leilani’s story has inspired you, there are many ways to explore what it means to be a living donor. Whether you’re curious about the process or feel a similar calling, we encourage you to learn more through these trusted resources:
- UW Medicine Transplant Institute – https://www.uwmedicine.org
- Donate Life America – https://www.donatelife.net
- American Transplant Foundation – https://www.americantransplantfoundation.org
Leilani’s courageous act is not only a testament to her character but also a shining example of the heart that drives our team at The Agency Seattle. We’re endlessly proud to stand beside her — and to share her story in hopes that it may spark another life-saving choice.
