LANSING, MICH. – More than 300 donor families, recipients, living donors, patients waiting and advocates gathered on the steps of the Michigan Capitol for Gift of Life Michigan’s Annual Check Your Heart Rally on Tues., June 17. The inspiring event honored organ, eye and tissue donors, celebrated recipients and urged support for legislation aimed at improving and expanding donation education and awareness.
“Our young people are being asked to make a decision about donation when they get their driver’s license, but most haven’t been taught what that truly means,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “We can’t expect them to make an informed decision without giving them the facts first. Education saves lives—just like donation does.”
This year’s rally spotlighted renewed efforts to pass education-focused legislation, including the High School Organ Donor Bill introduced by Sen. Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe). The bill encourages Michigan public schools to provide organ, eye and tissue donation to ninth-grade students. Sen. Bellino, a living kidney donor, spoke passionately about sharing his own experience to drive meaningful change.
Central Michigan University student Erika Thomas also shared a moving tribute to her late father, Erik Thomas, who saved lives through donation after passing away while waiting for a heart transplant. Her advocacy is helping shift the conversation among young adults and motivate a new generation of donors.
As the rally concluded, Dils encouraged attendees to register as donors, share their stories, and engage their communities in supporting organ, eye, and tissue donation.
More than 4.6 million Michigan residents are on the Donor Registry. Approximately 2,600 Michigan residents are waiting for a life-saving organ. The best way to save lives is by joining the Donor Registry. To register, visit golm.org/signup.
