Carla Bussell
Carla Bussell from Flat Rock, Mich., was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and lupus, shortly after the birth of her youngest son. She spent five years struggling as both diseases attacked her lungs. During this time, her family was impacted greatly by her illness. Everyone stepped up to help take her to appointments, assist with childcare and make sure she had her medications.
Carla was sick for five years before being added to the waiting list for a double lung transplant. She waited another six years before finally receiving her gifts on Aug. 10, 2020 at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor. Her generous donor was Suzanne Karrer, a wife and mother from Illinois.
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Suzanne Karrer
Suzanne saved four lives that day, including Gloria Kirshman, from Linden, Mich., who received her heart transplant that same day and at the same hospital as Carla. Thanks to Suzanne, Gloria has been able to watch the birth of her grandchildren and see her family grow.
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Gloria Kirshman
In July of 2024, the two recipients, along with their families, gathered at Gloria’s home to meet with Suzanne’s husband Hans and daughter Serena for the first time. Carla’s son Dain Mendoza, a warehouse technician at Gift of Life Michigan, was also there to meet the family of the woman who saved his mother’s life.
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Dain Mendoza
Dain knows the impact donors can have on a recipient’s life both from a professional and personal perspective. Working at Gift of Life was a decision he made after his mother’s surgery, and is something he’s very proud of.
Prior to his mom receiving her double lung transplant, Dain only knew of one other transplant recipient, his coworker Mike Love.
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Mike Love
Mike is also a double lung recipient who received his transplant at Henry Ford Hospital.
Since his transplant, Mike has become a passionate advocate for donation, volunteering for both Henry Ford Health and Gift of Life Michigan. He shares his story to inspire others to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
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