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 […]
‘His heart is still beating; it’s beating for someone else’ Read More »
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
‘My son lives on in others and he’s always going to live in me’ Read More »
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
A journey of faith Read More »
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 to require staff to get COVID-19 vaccine Read More »
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 applauds Michigan House for HOPE Act approval Read More »
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
‘He’s my superhero’ Read More »
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
Flag-signing event launches Transplant Games of America Read More »
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
‘She’s like another daughter’ Read More »
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
‘It’s a miracle, top to bottom. No doubt about it.’ Read More »
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
Kidney recipient says she is living proof of the good organ donation can do Read More »
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
‘Life is great, but living is greater’ Read More »
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;
Benzie County man saves lives through donation Read More »
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
Ascension Borgess memorial tree offers permanent tribute to organ donors Read More »
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.
Pediatric Transplant Week focuses on need for organ, tissue donors Read More »
