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!

Gift of Life and CMU leadership gather for a photo

Historic partnership with CMU

Through a first-of-its-kind partnership with Gift of Life Michigan, CMU employees can now register as organ, eye and tissue donors through the university’s annual April employee benefits enrollment process. 

Jay Waller playing his saxophone

Heart recipient back on stage

Saxophonist Jay “Mocha” Waller stepped to the mic and said, “Tonight’s performance is brought to you by my organ donor."

Savannah LeGault

Staff Spotlight: Savannah LeGault helps match organs with waiting patients

For Savannah, an organ allocation specialist at Gift of Life Michigan, her job is incredibly personal. “That feeling when you know a transplant has gone through is incredible.” 

Melanie Knoll secondary photo lifelines spring 2026

Waiting to Live: Melanie Knoll’s kidney failure puts life on hold

Melanie needs a kidney to thrive. She endures dialysis three times a week to stay alive. 

Sherry Johnson in a fishing boat, smiling about the fish that she caught.

Transplant Throwback: Sherry Johnson

Both my 2006 and 2023 donors have given me so much strength that I am unstoppable when it comes to living life to its fullest. 

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.

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!

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.
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