Lisa M. Shaw – A Life of Service, Dedication, and Hope 
I enlisted in the United States Navy in 1988, proudly serving for six years as an Engineman Third Class (EN3). During my time in the military, I was stationed in Hawaii and aboard the USS Frank Cable in South Carolina. My service was cut short due to a medical discharge, but my commitment to making a difference didn’t end there. I transitioned into education, earning my degree and dedicating 20 years to teaching.
Teaching was more than a job—it was my calling. I invested in my students beyond the classroom and made it my mission to attend after-school activities and sporting events to ensure they felt seen and valued. I loved Mondays and dreaded Fridays, because I never wanted to be away from my students for long. My passion for their success and well-being was unwavering, but over time, my own health began to decline.
Even in retirement, my desire to uplift and inspire never faded. I fully support my mother, who has Alzheimer’s, and I now live with my son, who assists in my care. My son has followed in my footsteps, pursuing a career in education and working toward becoming an administrator—something that fills me with immense pride.
Though my health has limited my physical activity, my passion for empowerment remains strong. I founded Loving Your You, an initiative focused on building self-esteem and teaching the power of positive self-talk. I firmly believe that self-worth is essential, and I am committed to helping individuals recognize their value and potential.
For 20 years, I have battled chronic health conditions, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and high blood pressure. Despite these challenges, I have never regretted a single day of serving others. Since retiring, I have worked hard to regain control of my health—losing 30 pounds, changing my eating habits, stabilizing my diabetes, and even overcoming my heart condition. However, my kidney function continues to decline.
I am not currently on dialysis, and my goal is to avoid it altogether. My prayer is to receive a life-saving kidney transplant from a living donor before that becomes my reality. While I have spent my life giving to others, I now find myself in need of generosity.
I love life, I love God, and I believe in the power of kindness and community. Today, I humbly seek a life-saving gift—a kidney donation. This transplant would allow me to continue my mission of service, love, and encouragement. I am incredibly grateful for any support, prayers, and awareness that can be raised on my behalf. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Lisa’s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on her life and the life of her family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611.