Alex-Michael Springer had his future ahead of him, and things were looking good. The 24-year-old Paw Paw resident was expecting a child and had just learned that he was being groomed for advancement at Trout Glass & Mirror in Valparaiso, IN – with the company agreeing to pay for his education. Then tragedy struck. Alex-Michael […]
Su corazón todavía late; está latiendo para alguien más ' Leer más »
William Wayne McGee IV was known by several nicknames, including ‘Ugg,’ and ‘Fat Daddy.’ His mother, and at least one of the people he saved when his life was tragically cut short at the age of 33, have another nickname for him, too: ‘God’s Gift.’ “He had a heart of gold. He wanted everyone to
'Mi hijo vive en los demás y siempre va a vivir en mí' Leer más »
Farmington Hills, MI – Dale Milford has always been a man of strong faith, but he said his transplant journey – or, more accurately, journeys – elevated his calling. After three liver transplants, he said he’s healthier than ever and has dedicated his life to helping others. “I can’t help but think that God wanted
Michigan’s organ and tissue procurement program is taking precautions to protect staff, patients and the community Dorrie Dils, CEO of Gift of Life Michigan, recently announced the organization would require COVID-19 vaccination for all staff, beginning Sept. 10, 2021. The organization took this step for the safety of staff, donor families, and organ and tissue recipients as
Gift of Life Michigan exigirá que el personal reciba la vacuna COVID-19 Leer más »
The Michigan House of Representatives recently brought hope to patients living with HIV with a unanimous approval of the HOPE Act. Now, the bill goes to the Michigan Senate. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) introduced the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act, which will allow organs from potential donors with HIV to be transplanted
Gift of Life Michigan aplaude a la Cámara de Michigan por la aprobación de la Ley HOPE Leer más »
Fathers and daughters often share a unique bond, but for Ralph and Kristen Mutrynowski, that connection is even stronger. Ralph, now 70 and a Rochester Hills resident, donated a kidney to his daughter in 2014. She learned about her kidney issues during a routine trip to her OB/GYN while she was pregnant. Kristen had been
'Él es mi superhéroe' Leer más »
Annual event celebrates organ and tissue recipients, donors and donor families Livonia, MI – The Donate Life Transplant Games of America will be virtual again this year, but the fellowship participants feel continues to make this event very special. About 50 organ and tissue transplant recipients, their family members and volunteers gathered together on a
El evento de firma de banderas lanza Transplant Games of America Leer más »
Jud Lynch knew he would need two things: a haircut and a kidney transplant. The 68-year-old Grand Rapids man just didn’t expect to get them both from the same person. He was diagnosed with IGA nephropathy in his 20s, an autoimmune disease in which antibodies build up in the kidneys and cause scarring. It has
'Ella es como otra hija' Leer más »
Two decades ago, Mark Otto would’ve been happy to gain just one more year of life. Then 34, his liver was failing and he was plagued by chronically itchy skin. He was jaundiced and extremely fatigued, sometimes sleeping 16 hours a day. “It was about as bad as it could get in the end,” said
'Es un milagro, de arriba abajo. No hay duda de eso.' Leer más »
Candice Desjarlais remembers the exact moment she decided to donate a kidney to her sister-in-law, Thelma. Thelma had just finished a five-and-a-half hour dialysis treatment, with Candice sitting with her to keep her company. Candice said she was moved by the overall somber atmosphere in the clinic and the varying ages of the patients there.
Nancy Banks was just finishing up a dialysis treatment when her phone started to ring. She didn’t recognize the number and was going to ignore it because the clinic had a strict no-calls policy. A staff member had a feeling about the 800-number, however, and advised her to answer. When she did, she received some
Sarah Ann Scantamburlo has learned to live life to the fullest and make the most of whatever circumstances fate throws her way. “I feel like so many people wait for tomorrow, what they deem as the perfect opportunity,” said Scantamburlo, a Novi resident. “But how do you know? Once it’s gone, it’s gone. There is
'La vida es genial, pero vivir es mejor' Leer más »
Shane Sena was dedicated to his family and friends and enjoyed working on cars. “He was a big brother and a little brother. He was loved by his siblings. He doted on them,” said his mother, Marie. “He was very protective of them.” His love now lives on in the legacy he left for others;
Hombre del condado de Benzie salva vidas a través de la donación Leer más »
Phil Laske remembers his brother, Joe, as a nice guy and jack of all trades. “He was very mechanically inclined,” said Phil, who works in the mailroom at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. “He fixed everything, and he helped everyone.” Joe’s legacy of helping others continued after he died from a heart condition five years
Heart recipient offers hope to young patients Katy Rozman has a message for young transplant recipients or young people waiting for a new life-saving organ: you are not alone. “Sometimes all we need is someone to relate to and I don’t always think that’s available – especially for transplant kids,” she said. She should know.
