Dain Mendoza says he’s fortunate to work for an organization that’s part of his own mother’s story.
As a materials supply technician at Gift of Life Michigan, Dain receives, processes and stocks supplies and equipment needed to recover organs and tissue from the state’s donor heroes.
He takes his role in saving and healing lives seriously because he personally experienced the work Gift of Life does to save and heal lives. His mom, Carla, was diagnosed in 2009 with severe pulmonary hypertension, a rare and chronic condition that affects arteries, the heart and lungs.
Carla endured years of debilitating and frightening side effects as she waited for a lung transplant that finally came after six years, nine months and 13 days on the waiting list.
“At least once a week, I walk these hallways and I can’t believe I get to work here,” Dain said. “Even on those hard days, you think about someone who is going to get more time with their mom, dad or child because of our donors. That’s so powerful, and I don’t take it for granted.”
Since receiving her gifts in 2020, Carla has traveled to Hawaii and Ireland, bought a new home, and witnessed the birth of her grandchildren. When asked what she thinks about Dain working for Gift of Life, she said, “Even if I didn’t have a transplant, I would be proud. Going through what we went through adds an extra layer of gratefulness.”
Dain was a presenter at the Champions Gala in April where he said he was “humbled and honored” to share his story. Carla was there to listen, watch and be proud.
So was Jamee Zielke, Dain’s supervisor and director of administration at Gift of Life.
“Dain lives and breathes the mission,” she said. “The warehouse is an entry-level position for most people, but it goes beyond that for Dain. The second day he was here, he said this was where he would retire.”
Dain said he does more in the warehouse than most people might imagine.
“We make kits for tissue cases, we’re on call for temperature monitoring and helping departments locate what they need. Our job is to be in the background and make sure there are no hiccups.”
Dain joined the organization in 2022, after working in the manufacturing and automotive industries. While he didn’t have any medical background, he knew he wanted to work for an organization with a larger purpose.
“I don’t think I ever wanted to work for a place as badly as I wanted to work here,” he said. “Not only the appeal of working for an organization where our job is to make the world better, but this is one that I have to thank for giving my mom extra life.
