Hundreds gather in support of organ, eye and tissue donation
More than 400 people from across Michigan gathered outside the state Capitol building in Lansing on Wednesday, June 12 in support of organ, eye and tissue donation. Hosted by Gift of Life Michigan, the annual event brings together families of donors, transplant recipients and their families, living donors and those still waiting for a lifesaving gift.
The ultimate goal is to raise awareness for the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. The focus of this year’s rally was the need to educate teens about organ, eye and tissue donation before they get their driver’s license.
“Michigan is significantly lagging other states in the number of teens who check the donor registration box when they get their driver’s license or state ID,” Dorrie Dils, president and CEO, Gift of Life Michigan, told the crowd “Unless Gift of Life’s team of exceptional educators can reach them through our award-winning All of Us learning experiences, our state’s students know virtually nothing about donation when they’re asked to decide.”
All of Us is a one-hour experience that offers information about the donation process, demonstrations about what it’s like to need a transplant, and literature to aid in family discussion about donation. In 2023, Gift of Life visited more than 360 of the state’s 1,800 public schools.
From the steps of the capitol building, Rep. Felicia Brabec (Pittsfield Twp.) talked about how the High School Organ Education Bill (HB5174) would take a crucial step in bringing education to teens. The bill would encourage public schools to offer all Michigan ninth-graders one hour of education on organ and tissue donation. Ohio, Indiana and Illinois all have similar education.
The rally featured guest speakers who shared their personal connection to organ donation, including Jill Soave and Clay Schilling, the mother and brother of Justin Schilling. Justin lost his life in the 2021 Oxford High School Shooting. Soave shared how Justin’s decision to become a registered organ donor saved six lives, and why registering was so important to him.
“His soul and presence are forever with us,” Soave shared with the crowd. “I would encourage any young people moved by Justin’s story to become a donor. Talk to your parents. Make your opinions known. Ask questions. Be brave like Justin.”
Other speakers included educator and tissue recipient Lyniece McNair-Levi who shared her experience bringing the All of Us program into her classroom and state Senator Kevin Daley (26th District) whose son, Thomas Daley, was an organ donor.
More than 4.5 million Michigan residents are on the Donor Registry. About 2,500 Michigan residents are waiting for a life-saving organ. The best way to save lives is by joining the Donor Registry. To register or learn more about the donation process, visit giftoflifemichigan.org.
