For years Brad Gohr watched as his mother, Charmaine Neymeiyer, battled Autoimmune Hepatitis, a disease that slowly attacked her liver. After years of her health fluctuating, she was added to the wait list for a liver transplant.
While waiting for a life-saving transplant, Charmaine became very passionate about raising awareness around organ donation, encouraging her family to be advocates as well.
Sadly, after years of health scares and waiting, she never received that life-saving gift. She passed away on February 20, 2018 at the age of 50.
“If there were more people willing to join as an organ donor, who knows, she might still be with us,” Brad said. “I wanted to do something that might inspire people to join and potentially save lives.”
After a few years of searching for the right opportunity, one came along.
He purchased the building at 201 6th Street in Downtown Bay City and commissioned an artist to create a mural honoring his mother while also raising awareness around organ donation.
Visitors can take their picture in the middle of a large set of angel wings. On the lower left side is a copy of Charmaine’s signature, along with a pair of sneakers on the lower right. The sneakers signify her generosity, giving Brad’s tennis shoes to neighborhood kids who couldn’t afford new ones.
And in the center, the blue and green hands and heart from Gift of Life Michigan’s logo.
“My overall goal is to help spread the mission of Gift of Life,” said Brad. “Being a donor is very important to my family. It’s become my mission. Hopefully people will come and be inspired, take photos and use the hashtag #DonateLifeBC to bring awareness.”
The new mural is complete and ready for photos. If you do visit 201 6th Street in Downtown Bay City, we would love to see your photo! Please share your photos by tagging @GiftofLifeMich on Instagram or @GiftofLifeMichigan on Facebook.
You can join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry through the Gift of Life website. If you do decide to register, be sure to share this important decision with your family.
