Animal Refuge Operator Gives Kidney to Local Austin Father

A Story of Compassion, Courage, and Community

Margaret Ransom has spent her life saving animals in need. As the founder of The Bridge Sanctuary in Robinson, Texas, Margaret has provided a forever home for horses and other animamls who had nowhere else to turn. But now, she is stepping up in an even greater way—by donating her kidney to save a father’s life.

On March 25, Margaret will undergo surgery to donate her kidney to Tal Raichman, a devoted father of two young children and a longtime sufferer of genetic kidney disease. For the past four years, Tal has been tethered to his home, dependent on dialysis while waiting for a match. After numerous disappointments, Margaret has stepped forward to give him a second chance at life.

This journey began with a horse named Willow, a beautiful, chubby warmblood with a career-ending bone condition. Through a mutual connection, Margaret took Willow in, ensuring she would have a loving forever home. As she grew close to Willow’s former family, she learned of their ongoing struggle—Tal’s deteriorating health, the years spent searching for a donor, and the uncertainty his wife and children faced every day. Margaret felt their pain and made a decision: if she matched, she would donate her kidney. And she did.

Why We Need Your Help

While Margaret recovers from this selfless act, The Bridge Sanctuary still needs support. The animals she has dedicated her life to caring for still need food, shelter, and medical attention. As she steps away to heal, we need to step up to keep her mission alive.

Your donation will help cover: ✅ Daily care for the rescued horses and the other forever-homed animals ✅ Temporary staff and volunteers to care for the animals ✅ Operational costs to keep The Bridge Sanctuary running ✅ Ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need

A True Bridge Between Lives

Margaret has always believed in bridging the gap—between neglect and care, suffering and hope, despair and rescue. Now, she is literally bridging the gap between life and death for Tal, just as she has done for so many animals in need.

Her story is one of pure selflessness, and we want to honor it in the best way possible: by ensuring The Bridge Sanctuary continues to thrive while she recovers.

How You Can Help

Donate: Every contribution makes a difference and is tax-deductible. Share: Spread the word to help us reach more people. Support Live Kidney Donation: Register to be a donor at National Kidney Registry.

Margaret didn’t hesitate to save a life. Let’s come together to support her and her incredible Sanctuary during this time.

Donate Today to The Bridge Sanctuary and be part of this incredible journey of kindness, courage, and second chances.

Find out more about The Bridge Sanctuary

Follow Margaret and the Bridge Santuary on Instagram!

GoFundMe Page started in honor of The Bridge Sanctuary by Tal Raichman's Family: his wife, Jennifer Raichman and his sister-in-law, Wendy Hahn. We are in awe of the selflessness of Margaret and hope to ensure that the Sanctuary thrives while Margaret heals.