Gift of Life Michigan

We Honor Life
Through Donation

Choosing to become an organ and tissue donor can make an impact on many lives. Read the stories of donors and recipients, and find out how you can make a difference!

Learn About Donation
Amanda hugs Becky from behind while standing on a windy beach

Read the digital LifeLINES magazine

LifeLINES is available as a digital magazine flipbook. Check it out!

Robin Miner-Swartz has a scar on her neck and a smile on her face.

Gift of bone from strangers heals grateful recipient

"Since the day after surgery, the numbness and spasms virtually vanished." Read about the gifts from two donors that changed Robin's life.

Christine Peiter sits at her desk in the laboratory

Staff Spotlight: The lab’s Christine Peiter lends light to heavy work

“When I look up a patient’s name and see they’ve finally had a transplant, I get so excited. I get such joy from that.”

Mark Johnson sits on his couch at home

Waiting to Live: Mark Johnson waits for a new heart

A mechanical pump keeps Mark's heart beating. It’s powered by batteries in a vest he wears day and night — even while it’s plugged in and charging as he sleeps. 

Spencer Powell wearing a Donate Life pin

Transplant Throwback: Spencer Powell

"I have three nephews, and I am very blessed to watch them grow up, thanks to my organ donor."

Upcoming Events

Behind the Scenes of “The Final Gift”

CBS News Spotlights Gift of Life Michigan’s Lifesaving Work

The family of Mitch Potter says their goodbyes at the hospital before he is moved to Gift of Life Michigan to give his final gifts.

Gift of Life Michigan welcomed CBS News inside its Ann Arbor facility, giving viewers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the organ donation process as part of a national spotlight on this lifesaving work. The segment aired on the CBS Evening News and was accompanied by a powerful documentary, A Final Gift, now available online.

Learn more and watch the story

Connections. Stories. Impact.

Mustafa

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Antoine

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Robert

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Donation in Multicultural Communities

Since 1971, Gift of Life Michigan has honored life by connecting people who need vital organ and tissue transplants with donors.

Leslie Palacios and her family at the 2025 Champions Gala, where she received an award for Multicultural Outreach.

Hispanic Experience

The decision to donate is an important decision. We know that faith and family informs this decision.

It wasn’t until Mary Taylor’s son, Charles, died of an aneurysm at age 32 that she learned he had joined the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. Charles’ generosity inspired others in his family to register, too. Mary is pictured here with three of her children.

African American Experience

Despite a history of mistrust and misinformation, doctors will work just as hard to save your life.

Arab American man in red Polo shirt in front of a tree

Arab American Experience

We are partnering with healthcare professionals and community leaders to ensure information about organ donation is culturally sensitive and consistent with faith beliefs.

Making a Difference

Who We Serve

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Donor Families

We help you and the rest of your family cope, grieve, understand and – if you wish – become an advocate of donation.

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Recipients

While GOL doesn't work directly with/assign organs to recipients, transplant recipients are why we do what we do.

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Volunteers

Want to get involved? Find out how you can make a difference through volunteering with Gift of Life Michigan!

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By the Numbers
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Number of Michigan patients who have received a life-saving organ transplant in the past 10 years.
Number of lives saved each day by an organ transplant in the United States.
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Number of people on the national organ transplant waiting list.
Learn About Donation
Recent Posts

Gift of Life Blog

Doctors observing moment of silence
Facts | February 27, 2026

Understanding Organ Donation

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Map of country with two human icons in the middle, one giving a heart to the other.
Facts | February 23, 2026

Why some transplant waits are shorter than others 

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Brad Thorsby on left in orange shirt and tan pants stands with his family in front of the Christmas tree in their home with their dog
Blog | February 16, 2026

A foundation built on legacy honors tissue donor

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News | February 11, 2026

City of Flint and Gift of Life Michigan announce partnership

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Devin smiles outside on a porch in a bright red chair wearing a Buccees t-shirt
Stories of Hope | February 10, 2026

A heart for Valentine’s Day

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Perazza family with three boys and a mom and dad stand in a grassy field outside of a lake for a family photo
Blog | February 10, 2026

The heart of Niko Perazza

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Andrea Graham holds a photo of herself with her brother, standing in front of the Chippewa River District Library
LifeLINES | January 22, 2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Beyond the books, Andrea Graham brings passion for donation to the library

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News | January 22, 2026

Gift of Life Michigan Announces the Retirement of Bruce Nicely After 35 Years of Transformational Leadership

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