Debra Wyant, the mother of Michigan’s first and only hand donor, has exemplified what it means to honor life through donation since 21-year-old Shayna Sturtevant became a donor nine years ago in Muskegon.
Debra will be recognized during Gift of Life Michigan’s Annual Champions Gala on May 2 at The Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit.
Debra’s first and truest example was giving special permission to donate the unique gift of hands. “Shayna would love to help someone else hold their loved ones,” Debra told Gift of Life. Shayna’s gift cleared the way for a Tennessee grandmother to regain her independence after an infection led to a devastating amputation.
Shayna was a registered donor and also saved the lives of three recipients with six organs. She also donated tissue. She died after an ear infection abscessed to her brain.
Debra has spent nearly a decade celebrating her daughter’s incredible gifts, hoping to inspire others to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
She is driven to tell her story to anyone who will listen, including several media outlets over the years. Last year she spoke to nurses, social workers and respiratory therapists at Gift of Life’s Inspiring Champions conference, moving many to tears.
In 2023, Debra told Shayna’s story to 400 people at Gift of Life’s annual Check Your Heart Rally in Lansing. Weeks earlier she hosted a fundraiser and helped pay for buses to transport donor families, recipients and others to the Capitol so they could attend.
“Debra’s strength in sharing her story of hope is an important reminder to all of us at Gift of Life of our connection to our purpose,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO, Gift of Life Michigan. “We must always honor life through donation and she does that every day.”
The annual Champions Gala has recognized more than 140 individuals and organizations supporting organ, eye and tissue donation at the highest level in Michigan since the event began in 2019. The awards represent every aspect of the donation process from efforts to grow the Michigan Organ Donor Registry to incredible work in schools, communities, the legislature, hospitals, transplant centers and more.
For the full list of award winners, buy tickets or to learn more about Gift of Life Michigan, visit the Gala Champions webpage.
