Name: Chef Oliver Hale (Chef O) Age: 71 Home: Kentwood, Michigan Transplant: Kidney, twice Why did you need a transplant, and when did it happen? I received my first kidney transplant in 1985 after high blood pressure damaged my kidneys. That transplanted kidney failed in 2007, and I went on dialysis until I received […]
Transplant Throwback: Chef Oliver Hale Organ Donation Journey Read More »
Dain Mendoza says he’s fortunate to work for an organization that’s part of his own mother’s story. As a materials supply technician at Gift of Life Michigan, Dain receives, processes and stocks supplies and equipment needed to recover organs and tissue from the state’s donor heroes. He takes his role in saving and healing lives
Staff Spotlight: Dain Mendoza lives the mission that saved his mother’s life Read More »
Before Leslie Palacios received two new corneas, her life was a blur. The Grand Rapids mom of two struggled to read, to cook, to see her son play football and her triathlete husband cross the finish line. Glasses were no help. Leslie had a hereditary condition called granular dystrophy, and her eyesight was like looking
“If I can just add one name to the registry, I can save eight lives,” 2024 Volunteer Champion and two-time heart recipient Chris Kowalski shared in a special video message to a packed conference center. The efforts of volunteers like Chris were celebrated at the Ann Arbor headquarters of Michigan’s organ and tissue donation program
Gift of Life Michigan recognizes volunteers and financial donors at open house Read More »
Carla Bussell waited six years to take a good breath. In 2009, shortly after the birth of her fourth son, she started experiencing shortness of breath. She was tired all the time and started passing out. She spoke with her doctor and after many hours and many tests, learned she had pulmonary hypertension. Nearly a
Mom of five can breath again Read More »
The Check Your Heart Act became law last year, making Michigan the first state in the nation to place the Donor Registry question on a state income tax form. That was exciting progress for Gift of Life and the results so far have been astounding. More than 13,000 people were added to the Michigan Organ
Over 13,000 join the Donor Registry through state income tax forms Read More »
As an Army sergeant and medic, Lisa Haney was trained to save lives. Then her own life was saved during the military discharge process in 2017. After serving nine years, she submitted her paperwork and scheduled her physical, which included an EKG. “I felt fine,” Lisa said. “When they said I had to go to
Small steps to a big milestone Read More »
The placenta is an organ that provides oxygen and vital nutrients to a growing baby. Although the placenta is delivered after the baby is born, many people are left wondering what they can do with it. The placenta is a precious organ that can help heal traumatic wounds and diabetic ulcers in patients with severe
Can I Sell My Placenta? Read More »
There’s nothing more powerful than giving the gift of life to another through the generosity of organ donation. If someone is suffering from a failing organ, a new one can restore their health and help give them a longer, more fulfilling life. If you’ve ever wondered how long transplanted organs can last and how you
How Long Do Transplanted Organs Last? Read More »
Donating an organ is one of the best things you can do for someone else. A selfless act that demonstrates your commitment to helping others,, donating a kidney is something that many people can do. The process of becoming aliving kidney donor can seem confusing at first with many people unsure about qualifications or lifestyle choices
What Disqualifies You from Being a Kidney Donor? Read More »
Gift of Life Michigan is proud to announce that Ryan Cormier, Director of Tissue Services for the organization has been elected Chairperson of the Accredited Tissue Banks Council (ATBC). His term will begin later this year following the 2024 American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) Business Meeting. Ryan began his work with tissue banks in
Ryan Cormier Elected Chairperson of Accredited Tissue Banks Council Read More »
Donate Life Night at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids experienced its largest attendance yet. More than 1,400 donor family members, living donors, transplant recipients, patients on the waiting list and other supporters from across West Michigan came out for the exclusive after-hours event honoring organ, eye and tissue donation. A Celebration of Life
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
Raising the wings of awareness Read More »
OPO Leaders Elected to Champion Organ Donation Mission Today, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) announced the appointment of its new President and the newly-elected members of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors, whose terms will commence immediately. Dorrie Dils, President & Chief Executive Officer of Gift of Life Michigan, has been appointed as the
AOPO Names 2024-2025 President and Board of Directors Read More »
Registration still open to this free event Gift of Life Michigan’s largest West Michigan event honoring organ, eye and tissue donation returns 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. One thousand guests are expected at this exclusive after-hours gathering. Attendees will get the chance to visit with the animals,
Donate Life Night at John Ball Zoo honors those impacted by organ and tissue donation Read More »
