Featured | October 9, 2024
Two-year-old Blake receives life-changing liver transplant
When Blake Hermann was seven months old, his mother, Molly, noticed that he wasn’t progressing like his twin sister Anna. He had yet to roll over and his coloring seemed a bit yellow. She decided…
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Blog, Stories of Hope | April 12, 2023
Grueling time on dialysis ends with ultimate gift
Organ donor saves star high school athlete who then literally pays it forward to help donation programs A young donor saved two things most important to Tristan Johnson: His life and his ability to play…
Blog | April 6, 2023
Gift of Life recognizes champions of organ, eye and tissue donation
Gift of Life is grateful to leaders in our community who champion our mission of honoring life through donation. Later this month the organization will present Gift of Life Champion Awards to 21 people or…
Blog | April 6, 2023
Organ Donation for All
MOTTEP and Gift of Life Michigan balance disparities with outreach and information Dr. Jewel Mullen, the associate dean for health equity at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, published an opinion piece…
Blog, News | April 5, 2023
Bill would add organ donor registry question to state income tax forms
If passed, Michigan would be the first in the nation to do so Key legislation introduced on March 24 would include an important question on state of Michigan income tax forms: Would you like to…
Blog, Stories of Hope | March 29, 2023
Volunteer Spotlight: Liver transplant recipient dreams big
Volunteer wants to help transplant families with House of Hope for extended stays in Detroit Aarolyn McCullough was inspired by one simple question: “Where can I buy groceries?” Aarolyn was volunteering to spend time with…
Blog, Stories of Hope | March 1, 2023
Monroe man raises awareness about organ donation while waiting for a new heart
Philip Perry is trying to stay busy and remain healthy – anything he can do to keep his mind off the fact that he needs a new heart. “I’m trying not to think about the…
Blog | February 20, 2023
Kidney donor reaches new heights
Shelby Township woman saved a life, then took on Mounts Everest, Kilimanjaro Emily Polet-Monterosso got healthy so she could give a kidney to a stranger, then started climbing mountains. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever…
Blog | February 8, 2023
Michigan woman pens book about daughter, organ donation
“But God” chronicles difficult life that led to a decision to save others Sara Schmidt’s final act saved two lives. A registered organ and tissue donor, her gifts saved two other women – one in…
Blog, Stories of Hope | February 3, 2023
Heart recipient adopts second mission: Advocating for organ, tissue donation
“I always tell people to sign up,” Grosse Pointe Woods woman says Vickie Figueroa makes her living ensuring that people of Black, Hispanic and Native American heritage are included in the Catholic Church and cared…
Blog, LifeLines | January 31, 2023
Facts About Organ Donation
Don’t let misinformation about organ and tissue donation affect your decision to sign up as a donor and leave a legacy of kindness and generosity. Please consider this credible, accurate information as you make your…
Blog | January 22, 2023
Most Common Organ Donation Myth
Most common myth: Doctors won’t work to save your life if you register to be an organ donor. It’s just not true. A terrified Terra DeFoe waited and watched in 2014 as doctors at Michigan…
Blog | January 11, 2023
National Donor Day 2023
When is National Donor Day 2023? February 14 is a special day in the U.S. We all know it’s Valentine’s Day, but did you know it’s also National Donor Day? What is National Donor Day?…
Blog, News | January 9, 2023
Gift of Life Michigan sets record for organ, tissue donors in 2022
Gift of Life Michigan helped a record 463 people become organ donors and 1,821 give the gift of tissue last year, saving thousands of lives and healing tens of thousands more. The 2022 figures represent…
Blog | January 8, 2023
Can Family Override Organ Donation?
Many prospective organ donors sometimes have concerns about whether their families may attempt to override their decision to donate after death. Although most loved ones are committed to honoring the decisions of the deceased, the…
Blog | January 8, 2023
Who Can Donate a Kidney?
More than 90,000 Americans are waiting for a kidney transplant, so becoming a kidney donor can save lives. If you consider becoming a donor for a family, friend, or even a stranger, your generous gift…
Blog | January 8, 2023
What Organs Can Be Donated
Organ donation and transplantation is one of the most significant modern medical advances, saving thousands of lives annually in this country. Donors and their families secure lasting legacies by giving new life to those in…
Blog, News | December 22, 2022
Bloomfield Hills couple pledges $125,000 to Gift of Life Michigan
Donation will support award-winning youth education program Pamela and Krishna Sawhney of Bloomfield Hills have donated $125,000 over five years to Gift of Life Michigan to support the organization’s award-winning student education program, All of…
Blog, News | December 9, 2022
Legislation prohibits discrimination in organ transplant system
HB 4762 protects disabled patients, helps save lives Legislation approved in the Michigan House of Representatives today will help ensure equity within the organ transplant system in the state. House Bill 4762, sponsored by State…
Blog | December 1, 2022
How to Become an Organ Donor
Organ donation is one of the best medical advancements of the contemporary era. Unfortunately, organ demand is significantly greater than the number of organs available. Organ donation registration is easy. You can sign up to…
Blog, Stories of Hope | November 23, 2022
After kidney and liver transplant, Michigan man is back out hunting
Rob Rudzki is living proof of the good organ donation can do. More than seven years after a kidney and liver transplant, Rob is still healthy, back out bow-hunting, and spending quality time with his…
Blog | November 16, 2022
“It’s like I have a new family now”
Michigan woman meets son’s heart recipient Two years after her son died, Teena Smith heard his heart beating once again. Joseph Reaume died at 41 in 2020. Smith, along with Reaume’s three adult sons, agreed…
Blog | October 25, 2022
Hispanic Heritage Month Sept-Oct
National Hispanic Heritage month celebrates the contributions of Hispanic Americans as well as the histories and unique cultures of the American Latino community. It runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and features diverse activities and…
Blog, LifeLines, News | October 11, 2022
Gift of Life Michigan calls for action as Michigan Organ Donor Registry grows at the slowest pace since its founding
About 2,400 patients are waiting in Michigan this month for a life-saving organ transplant. The best way to save their lives is to grow the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. More than 90% of all registrations…
Blog, LifeLines | October 10, 2022
Maximum Age for Organ Donation
Bert Steck was surprised to learn that his mother, Katherine, was a candidate for tissue donation. She was, after all, 101 years, five months, and three days old when she died in August 2022. “I’m…
Blog | October 10, 2022
New murals and displays educate and move visitors at Gift of Life Michigan
Foundation generously supports project to honor donors and celebrate recipients A stroll down the long hallway of Gift of Life’s Donor Care Center in Ann Arbor is giving visitors a look at how donation works…
Blog, Stories of Hope | October 10, 2022
Lansing father of 7-year-old donor presents award to producers of popular ‘Chicago Med’ in Hollywood
Donate Life Hollywood reached out to Gift of Life Michigan and one other organ procurement organization this year asking for help. The donation advocacy group asked Gift of Life to nominate a donor family to…
Blog, LifeLines | October 10, 2022
Staff Spotlight: For a decade, Stephanie Sommer has been the face of Gift of Life for MEs and funeral homes
Stephanie Sommer has visited more medical examiner offices in Michigan than most medical examiners. And then there are the funeral homes. Her work as senior medical examiner (ME) and funeral home liaison is about clearing…
Blog, Stories of Hope | October 10, 2022
Volunteer Spotlight: Longtime volunteer honors her daughter by teaching others about donation
Artelia Griggs helps save lives by telling everyone she can about organ and tissue donation. She also does it as a loving tribute to her own daughter’s legacy of giving. “It’s been a wonderful thing…
Blog, LifeLines, Stories of Hope | October 10, 2022
Tracy and Holly: a Love Story
Tracy Gary and Holly Werlein-Gary almost never met, but fate and transplantation intervened. They both nearly died before finding each other and are now making the most out of their second chance at life. They’re…
Blog, Stories of Hope | October 7, 2022
Fenton couple draws on experience to promote organ donation
Blog, News | October 6, 2022
Gift of Life Michigan, DNR team up to save lives
New partnership will ask hunters, anglers to ‘Check Your Heart’ Hunters and anglers in Michigan will now be asked a new question after they purchase or renew their licenses through the Michigan Department of Natural…
Blog, News | September 9, 2022
U.S. reaches historic milestone of 1 million organ transplants
Gift of Life Michigan joins national ‘Living it Forward’ initiative to advance next million Ann Arbor, MI – The U.S. organ donation system has made history, surpassing 1 million organ transplants, according to the United…
Blog | September 6, 2022
Minority Donor Awareness Month
In a collaborative endeavor by the National (Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation) Multicultural Action Group (NMAG), National Minority Donor Awareness Month strives to educate and inspire multicultural communities to consider organ donation. NMDA members include…
Blog | September 1, 2022
Foundation grant honors heart recipient who inspired many
On Saturday, Aug. 27, a $10,000 grant was presented to the Gift of Life Foundation in honor of a Julia Evans, a heart recipient and cancer survivor, who inspired many. Sandy Chekal, an employee…
Blog, LifeLines, News | July 27, 2022
LIFE Walk returns to historic Belle Isle for 25th year
Blog, LifeLines | July 26, 2022
Team Michigan heads to San Diego for the Donate Life Transplant Games
News | July 26, 2022
Donation supporters rally for “Check Your Heart” at Michigan capitol
Blog, LifeLines | July 26, 2022
Make a Difference with Your Company through Organ Donation Awareness
Blog, LifeLines, Stories of Hope | July 26, 2022
Mom helps Oxford High School students remember friend and classmate who saved six lives
Justin Shilling’s legacy as an organ and tissue donor is helping his mother navigate the depths of her grief. She wanted something for his 1,900 classmates, too. The Oxford High School senior was one of…
Blog, LifeLines | July 25, 2022
Saginaw man determined to regain health, mobility
News | July 25, 2022
Donate Life Day at the Zoo celebrates organ donors, transplant recipients and life
Gift of Life’s largest outreach event returns to the popular John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids on Aug. 13. Donate Life Day at the Zoo returns to an in-person event after the primarily virtual platform…
Blog | July 25, 2022
Gift of Life veteran leader receives national Lifetime Achievement award
After more than three decades in leadership at Gift of Life Michigan, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) has recognized Anne Kowalczyk with its Lifetime Achievement award. Gift of Life’s recently retired CFO was…
Blog, LifeLines | July 22, 2022
Staff Spotlight: Todd Hart is responsible for organs on their journey to transplant
Todd Hart saves lives by taking care of organs from the second they leave the donor until the moment they reach the recipient prepped for a lifesaving transplant. As an Organ Recovery Specialist at Gift…
Blog, LifeLines, Stories of Hope | July 22, 2022
Volunteer Spotlight: Recipient launches charity, raises money in honor of 20th anniversary of her lung transplant
Ronda Harrison never thought she’d live to see 50. Born with cystic fibrosis (CF), the Spring Lake woman said she always knew her life had an early expiration date. “I have always known I…
Blog | July 18, 2022
One Donor Can Possibly Save How Many Lives?
With more than 106,000 Americans currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, there’s no question that we need organ donors more than ever. Every day, 17 people die waiting for an organ transplant. What if…
Blog | June 29, 2022
How to become an Organ Donor
Did you know that more than 106,000 Americans are currently on the organ transplant waiting list? For everyone who decides to become an organ donor, up to 75 individual lives can be dramatically improved– think…
Blog | June 8, 2022
Organ Donation Facts
Each day, people enter hospitals in dire need of organ transplants. These people need more than medication or surgery to recover from their conditions – they require organ transplants to survive. With the demand for…
Blog, Stories of Hope | May 16, 2022
‘Organ donation was the right thing to do’
Blog, LifeLines | April 27, 2022
Check Your Heart Rally at state capitol will advocate for action
Blog, LifeLines, Stories of Hope | April 27, 2022
Born a hero
Jade Townsend spent a brief time on Earth and made a big difference Baby Jade came into the world with all odds against her and left with a legacy that now defines her. She lived…