Chadapron ‘Guy’

Chadapron "Guy" Haney

Chadapron ‘Guy’ Haney was a connector. She had an easy way of making friends and uniting people together. Her presence commanded the room, as did her sense of style.  

Originally from Thailand, Guy had moved to Michigan when she was child. After getting married, she moved to Florida where she lived for over 20 years.  

In 2019, while preparing her home for a visit with her best friend, she had an accident. She fell from her attic and hit her head. Doctors did all they could, but Guy wasn’t improving.  

Palee Haney

Her family, including her sister Palee from Kalamazoo, quickly jumped into action and made it to Florida. Guy’s medical team informed them that she likely wouldn’t wake up. At the time, they weren’t sure if she was registered to donate, but knew she would want to.  

After finding her license, they saw that important heart indicating she was registered to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.  Guy was able to donate her liver and her kidney to save two lives.   

Following Guy’s donation, her younger sister Palee returned to Michigan and wanted to find a way to honor her sister’s generous spirit in her own community.  

Art Bayou

In 2022, Palee hosted a fundraiser for Gift of Life Michigan at her paint your own pottery and glass fusing studio, Art Bayou, located in Portage.  She also included a table sharing a bit of who her sister was, including photos, her favorite snack, sour cream and onion chips for guests to take and sunflowers.  

Following the fundraiser, Palee continued to find ways to bring awareness to organ, eye and tissue donation. Customers can paint a butterfly magnet any time of year and half the proceeds are donated to Gift of Life.   

She also proudly wears her Donate Life pin which has inspired her customers and colleagues to share their own stories of connection with her.  

Palee continues to find ways to honor her sister’s memory, including hosting a Gift of Life Painting Party at Art Bayou on April 25.