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Featured | April 26, 2023

Donor Registry Awareness Bill introduced in Michigan

NEW SENATE BILL WOULD INCREASE AWARENESS, PROVIDE EDUCATION ON ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION   Updated April 26, 2023 This week, Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lapeer) introduced Senate Bill 287, which mirrors House Bill 4060 introduced by State…

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News | October 29, 2021

Volunteers create comfort for grieving families

More than 300 comfort blankets created during third annual event Dozens of volunteers, organ transplant recipients and members of donor families got together recently to create some warmth for newly grieving families. The Donate Life…

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News | October 29, 2021

Lansing marks day to honor young organ donor

May 31 will be recognized as Amaia Alysse Edmond Day after unanimous council vote   The legacy of a young girl from the Lansing community who donated her organs will live on, after the Lansing…

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Blog, Fifty for 50 | October 29, 2021

‘This community has really touched my heart’

Commerce Township woman finds passion in organ, tissue donation advocacy A desire to help others has turned into a life passion for Cathy Warren. Warren, 57, of Commerce Township, started working for the Donate Life…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | October 27, 2021

‘I will always aspire to make my hero, my donor, proud of me’

Battle Creek woman beats cancer, achieves dreams with donated tissue Kristen Main faced an impossible choice before she even turned 13 years old. She mentioned a strange lump on her arm to her doctor during…

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Blog, Fifty for 50 | October 22, 2021

Donated heart grants Highland Township man 11,520 extra days

A lot of people called Jim Pixley ‘the Miracle Man,’ because of all the things he went through and everything he accomplished. Pixley, of Highland Township, passed away on April 28, 2020 at the age…

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Blog, Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | October 20, 2021

‘I woke up, and I felt whole’

Donated tissue allows breast cancer survivor to quickly resume life, activity   With a history of breast cancer in her family, Sue Pilon was not about to take chances when she was diagnosed with the…

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Woman posed in front of an indoor mission/vision display
Blog | October 11, 2021

Transplant Candidates

When news broke recently that a Denver transplant center disqualified a candidate for transplantation because she was not vaccinated for Covid-19, some Michigan residents asked how this might affect patients in our state. From the…

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Man at barbeque grill
Blog, Fifty for 50, Let's Talk | October 11, 2021

‘I wanted some good to come from it’

Muskegon mother marks two-year-anniversary of son’s death, organ donation Muskegon, MI – Amanda Garza has a printed version of the last text she received from her son, Nathanael. It reads: “I’m just thinking of you…

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Outline of Michigan, Gift of Life logo, HOPE ACT
News | October 8, 2021

HOPE Act clears first Senate hurdle

Bill enabling organ transplants from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive patients referred out of committee, headed for vote
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Fifty for 50, Let's Talk, Stories of Hope | September 17, 2021

‘I felt brand new’

When Michael Love started to experience shortness of breath, the Southfield resident said he thought it’d be easy to treat. He was 50 years old at the time and noticed he had been slowing down…

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6 people dressed up, one holding an award
News | September 17, 2021

Spectrum Butterworth Hospital honored by Gift of Life Michigan

Grand Rapids facility, staff recognized for innovation, support of organ and tissue donation Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids was honored as the 2021 Donor Hospital of the Year by Gift of Life Michigan for…

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Three people in scrubs with heads bowed during pre-surgery moment of silence
News | September 10, 2021

Gift of Life Michigan sees third consecutive month of record number of organ donors

For the third consecutive month, Gift of Life Michigan honored the wishes of a record number of organ donors, bringing hope for healing to the thousands of people still waiting for a life-saving organ. In…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | September 9, 2021

Heart Transplant Recipient Breaks Down Cultural Barriers

Sometimes, life throws you a curveball. Mohamed El-Souri knows this better than most people. The 18-year-old Dearborn resident was a healthy, active teen who fell very ill while he was in high school. Doctors initially diagnosed him with pneumonia, but it turned out there was nothing wrong with his lungs – his heart was failing and he needed a new one.
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News | September 8, 2021

‘It’s become my mission’

Beats x Beers founder recognized for organ, tissue donation support and outreach Brandon Corder, a Flint native and founder of the Beats x Beers, is one of 13 individuals and three organizations honored recently by…

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News | September 7, 2021

Wayne County M.E. honored by Gift of Life Michigan

Champion Awards recognize organ, tissue donation supporters and innovators Dr. Carl Schmidt, chief medical examiner for Wayne County, is one of 13 individuals and three organizations honored recently by Gift of Life Michigan with a…

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News | September 3, 2021

‘Why wouldn’t I do that for another person?”

Flint McLaren nurse, kidney donor, honored as Donation Champion by Gift of Life Michigan Tonia Cole is so supportive of organ and tissue donation, she has the scar to prove it. A nurse in the…

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News | September 2, 2021

Student non-profit honored by Gift of Life Michigan

Key2Finesse raises $75,000 for youth education, signs up 114 new organ, tissue donors Key2Finesse, a non-profit organization founded by Metro Detroit high school students, was one of three organizations and 13 individuals honored by Gift…

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News | September 1, 2021

Pediatric Trauma Program manager recognized for support of organ, tissue donation

Valerie Canary, a Pediatric Trauma Program Manager at the Hurley Medical Center in Flint, is one of 13 individuals and three organizations honored recently by Gift of Life Michigan with a 2021 Donation Champion Award….

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News | August 31, 2021

Ascension Borgess physician honored by Gift of Life Michigan

Dr. Jeffrey Wilt honored as Donation Champion for support of organ, tissue donation Dr. Jeffrey Wilt, medical director of critical care at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, was one of 13 individuals and three organizations…

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African American man in red chef uniform
Fifty for 50, Let's Talk, Stories of Hope | August 26, 2021

Two-time kidney recipient inspires others to lead healthier lives

One minute Oliver Hale was on top of the world, the next he was flat on his back. Hale, a Kentwood resident, had just won his first United States Tennis Association tournament in 1983 and…

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News | August 26, 2021

‘Simply, it saves lives’

Spectrum Critical Care Unit P.A. honored for support of organ, tissue donation Blair Cotton, a Physician Assistant in the Neurological Critical Care Unit at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, is one of 13 individuals…

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News | August 25, 2021

Ingrid Kelly honored by Gift of Life Michigan

Gifted storyteller recognized for sharing message of organ, tissue donation Ingrid Kelly, a reporter with FOX News Detroit, was one of 13 individuals and three organizations honored recently by Gift of Life Michigan with a…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | August 20, 2021

‘I didn’t even know it was possible.’

Dominick Anastasi is back to playing catch and coaching his sons in basketball, baseball and football. He’s grateful for the experience, considering a year ago, he was too weak to even throw a baseball. Initially…

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News | August 20, 2021

Huron Valley Ambulance honored by Gift of Life Michigan

First responders recognized for role in support of organ and tissue donation Huron Valley Ambulance was honored recently by Gift of Life Michigan for its dedication to honoring the generosity of organ and tissue donors…

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Fifty for 50, Let's Talk, Stories of Hope | August 19, 2021

Minorities face longer wait, tougher odds for organ donors

Jean Washington is now in a group that has far too many members: she’s waiting for a life-saving organ. Washington, 48, of Southfield, had been concerned about a general sense of fatigue last year and…

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50 fo fifty, Her spirit is truly alive
Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | August 18, 2021

‘She had a higher purpose’

July 22, 2010, John Edmond got the call every parent dreads.
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News | August 18, 2021

Gift of Life Michigan honors organ, tissue Donor Champions

Third annual recognition ceremony celebrates donation supporters and innovators Gift of Life Michigan has chosen 13 individuals, three organizations and one hospital to receive 2021 Donation Champion Awards to recognize their extraordinary efforts to help…

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News | August 17, 2021

National Minority Donor Awareness Month marks 25th year

Event promotes need for organ, tissue donors with ‘One voice, one vision to save and heal lives’ More than half the men, women and children waiting for a life-saving organ transplant are people of color,…

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Mother Holding Newborn Baby
Stories of Hope | August 13, 2021

Da’Kota Washington’s Legacy of Giving

When Ja’Leisa White-Newhouse learned in 2018 that she could help others by donating her newborn baby girl’s placenta, she knew it was something she had to do.
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One Voice, One Vision... To Save and Heal Lives
Let's Talk | August 3, 2021

August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month

August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month (NMDAM), when we call attention to the gap between the number of organ donors and the number of African Americans, Latinx, and Asian Americans who need life-saving organs and tissues….

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | August 3, 2021

Brotherly love: donated kidney provides second chance at life

Earl James has some advice for men who are inclined to ignore the typical aches and pains that come with age: ignore them at your peril.
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Alex Michael Springer in a gray suit with a flower boutineer.
Blog, Stories of Hope | August 3, 2021

‘His heart is still beating; it’s beating for someone else’

Alex-Michael Springer fought through some adversity in his life and had a bright future ahead of him. When a tragedy cut his life short at the age of 24, a decision he made when he was younger saved the lives of five people.
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Fifty for 50 Robert and Wayne
Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | August 3, 2021

‘My son lives on in others and he’s always going to live in me’

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.’
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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | July 20, 2021

A journey of faith

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…

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COVID Vaccine
News | July 9, 2021

Gift of Life Michigan to require staff to get COVID-19 vaccine

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….

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News | June 28, 2021

Gift of Life Michigan applauds Michigan House for HOPE Act approval

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)…

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Blog | June 16, 2021

‘He’s my superhero’

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….

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News | June 10, 2021

Flag-signing event launches Transplant Games of America

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…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | June 4, 2021

‘She’s like another daughter’

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…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | May 28, 2021

‘It’s a miracle, top to bottom. No doubt about it.’

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…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | May 19, 2021

Rick Springfield and a mountain top: Milford woman donates kidney to sister-in-law, with a few friendly caveats

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…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | May 13, 2021

Kidney recipient says she is living proof of the good organ donation can do

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…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | May 6, 2021

‘Life is great, but living is greater’

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…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | April 29, 2021

Benzie County man saves lives through donation

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…

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Gift of LifeLines, News | April 29, 2021

Ascension Borgess memorial tree offers permanent tribute to organ donors

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…

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News | April 22, 2021

Pediatric Transplant Week focuses on need for organ, tissue donors

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…

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News | April 15, 2021

Blue & Green Day highlights need for registered organ, tissue donors

Photo contest seeks creative expressions of support Ann Arbor, MI – Showing support for organ and tissue donation can be as easy as selecting which colors to wear or deciding how to dress up your…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | April 14, 2021

Southgate woman celebrates new adventures, life milestones

Rebecca Anderson has been able to watch her daughter get married, graduate from Michigan State University and earn a master’s degree. She has traveled to the Mediterranean and celebrated her 30th anniversary with her husband,…

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News | April 9, 2021

High school nonprofit group helps Gift of Life Michigan raise awareness and save lives

Grant funds will enhance education on organ and tissue donation Gift of Life Michigan will use $75,000 in donations from a student-led nonprofit organization to help bring awareness of organ and tissue donation to young…

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Fifty for 50, Stories of Hope | April 7, 2021

Husband saves wife with donated kidney

Heather Luchies had long known she would need a kidney transplant. Fortunately, when the time came, a donor was closer than she had anticipated. In fact, she had married him nearly two decades earlier. Now…

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