fbpx

Honoring Life

brown teddy bear wearing a green Gift of Life logo shirt sitting on an afghan blanket

Gift of Life Foundation launches first annual appeal 

As Gift of Life Michigan battles the ever-present transplant waiting list and strives to add one million names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, resources for critical initiatives and donation community programs have never been more important.   

So, the Gift of Life Foundation has just launched its first annual appeal with a goal of raising $25,000 in the coming weeks and months. If you would like to help, you can give securely online at golm.org/contribute  

“There are budgets that don’t cover some of the important programming and initiatives taking place in the donation community. Without the generosity of individuals who want to help change lives for others, some things simply wouldn’t happen,” said Susan Rink, chief of philanthropy and foundation programs for the Gift of Life Foundation. “We think now – during Donate Life Month – is the time for our first annual appeal as a foundation.”  

The Gift of Life Foundation funds support everything from hospital donor memorials, Donate Life flags, and Gift of Life teddy bears for donor families to grants for transplant recipients struggling to buy anti-rejection medications.   

In 2021, the foundation awarded $96,900 in community grants and supported Gift of Life initiatives totaling $100,460. These were made possible by people who believe it’s important to financially support donor families, initiatives that promote and inspire donation, and more.  

The Foundation has provided more than $1.8 million in grants to help honor life, raise awareness, support hospital initiatives, and change countless lives throughout its history.  

From a $35,000 gift made by a widow whose husband died waiting for a transplant, to $237 raised during Anna’s Facebook Fundraiser to honor her sister’s kidney transplant, support at every level makes a difference.  

In many cases, these gifts lend hope and change lives, especially for transplant recipients who need anti-rejection and other medications to live.  

People like toolmaker Darren Dalton, who spent 27 years working in the automotive industry. After suffering from debilitating kidney failure, Darren was forced to go on disability before he received the gift of a new kidney four years ago.  

A new life also came with a new job, but insurance struggles required him to pay for medical expenses that were simply beyond his reach.  

Generous donors helped Darren catch up.  

His gratitude knows no bounds: “When I was going through all this, I was by myself,” he said. “I can’t say enough. This meant everything.”  

Please consider sharing the contribution link with friends and family: golm.org/contribute  

Read more in the Gift of LifeLINES newsletter

Read More Posts
Guadalupe Alejos, who received a kidney transplant 50 years ago, standing in front of the Kidney Transplant Center sign

Transplant Throwback: Guadalupe Alejos 

Name: Guadalupe Alejos Age: 77 Home: Grand Rapids Transplant: Kidney at Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Center…

Read More
Heart transplant recipient Rachel Kuntzsch

Lansing heart recipient saves lives by telling her story of hope

Life was “exceedingly rich” for Rachel Kuntzsch when it nearly slipped into darkness forever. She…

Read More
Someone holding a pen signing their state income tax form

New law lets residents sign up through tax forms

Michigan residents who haven’t yet added their names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry will…

Read More
Newborn baby wrapped in orange towel with headband

Baby Jade Townsend saves the life of another infant

Case results in protocol change with worldwide implications One of Gift of Life Michigan’s smallest…

Read More
Check Your Heart graphic featuring Aimee Cruz saying "I'm here today because someone checked their heart."

Using digital marketing to save lives

Growing awareness one impression at a time Gift of Life Michigan is working to educate…

Read More
Artelia Griggs, donor mother, receiving an award from Christine Peiter, Gift of Life employee and tissue graft recipient

Gift of Life’s gala generates thousands for critical programs

Popular signature event will grow in 2024 The annual Champions Gala honoring people and organizations…

Read More
Scroll to Top