Gift of Life Michigan will bring hundreds of advocates, families, transplant recipients and supporters to the steps of the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday, June 17, for its annual Check Your Heart Rally, urging lawmakers and the public to support new efforts to grow the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
Taking place from 11 am to 1 pm, the rally will feature moving personal stories, informational resources, and a March of Honor — a heartfelt tribute to those whose lives have been touched by donation. Among this year’s featured speakers is Erika Thomas, a donor family member and teen advocate who recently launched a student chapter supporting Gift of Life Michigan at Central Michigan University and 2025 Gift of Life Michigan Educator Champion Heather Willing from Grand Blanc High School.
This year’s theme highlights the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donation education, especially among teens, many of whom are asked about joining the Donor Registry when applying for a driver’s license or state ID – before receiving any information on what it means to be a donor.
“Education is key to saving lives,” said Dorrie Dils, President & CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “We need to ensure that young people are informed and empowered when they make this life-giving decision.”
Gift of Life’s All of Us program is one such effort. This one-hour high school presentation educates students about the donation process through engaging activities and materials to help facilitate family conversations. In 2024 alone, Gift of Life visited more than 500 schools, but more is needed to reach Michigan teens.
The rally will spotlight new legislation recently introduced to expand donation awareness. The Patient Access to Donor Registry Information Bill encourages (but does not require) family doctors and urgent care providers to offer information about organ, eye, tissue, and bone marrow donation. Research shows that healthcare providers are among the most trusted sources of information for individuals hesitant to join the registry.
The High School Organ Donation Education Bill, introduced by Sen. Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe), proposes education on organ, eye and tissue donation for all ninth graders in Michigan public schools. Only 38% of Michigan teen drivers currently register as donors — roughly half the rate seen in neighboring states like Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, which already require donation education in schools. Sen. Bellino will be one of the special speakers at the Capitol Rally.
Transportation from Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Bloomfield Township is available thanks to support from partnering transplant centers. Space is limited. To register and secure your spot, visit: golm.org/rallyRSVP.
More than 4.6 million Michigan residents are already registered organ donors. Approximately 2,600 people across the state are still waiting for a life-saving transplant. The best way to make a difference is by joining the Donor Registry at golm.org/signup.
