Gift of Life Michigan

08/22/2026

Every 10 minutes, someone is added to the waiting list.

And while multicultural communities represent a large number of patients waiting for a transplant, donation rates are lower than their representation on the waitlist. A diverse donor pool can increase transplant opportunities by improving the chances of genetic compatibility for patients from multicultural communities.

This National Minority Donor Awareness Month, we celebrate the impact of donation across multicultural communities and the progress being made through education and advocacy. With 60% of the national transplant waitlist representing multicultural communities, increasing donor awareness and registration is more important than ever.

Learn more at giftoflifemichigan.org

08/21/2026

We asked transplant nephrologist at University of Michigan Health, Dr. Norman, about the importance of increasing awareness of the donation process, and how greater diversity among donors can help create more opportunities for patients waiting for a transplant across Michigan communities.
 

08/20/2026

We’re proud to see Michigan transplant recipient Tami Skok honoring her donor and celebrating 10 years since her lifesaving kidney transplant at the 2026 Transplant Games of America.

Her story is a powerful example of the incredible milestones made possible through donation. 💙

A Laingsburg woman competed in the 2026 Transplant Games of America in Denver, Colorado, this past June, marking a decade since she received a life-saving kidney transplant.

08/20/2026

When Justin passed away, his family was heartbroken. They had never discussed donation, and his mother, Del, was hesitant and had many questions. But after learning more about the process and developing trust in the Gift of Life Michigan team, she came to see donation as a reflection of who Justin had always been: someone who cared deeply for others.

Justin saved three lives through organ donation. Through tissue donation and research, his legacy continues to touch countless more. Now Del hopes her son’s story inspires others to learn more about donation, confront their misconceptions and consider registering as donors.

"When he left this world, he gave me a purpose. That purpose is to let other people know that we all have the gift of life. When our life ends, we can give what we have to someone else so they can continue their life." Del said.
Read more about Justin: https://giftoflifemichigan.org/blog/justin-wilkerson-organ-donation-legacy

08/19/2026

📢Want to get involved with Gift of Life Michigan?

Volunteer opportunities are available for Donate Life Night at John Ball Zoo on September 1.

Volunteers will all receive admission to the zoo, a meal voucher for Monkey Island Café and a t-shirt (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Here’s the link to volunteer at the zoo: https://tallycal.com/p/0746800

🗓️Can’t make it to this event? There are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the year. Visit golm.org/volunteer for more information.

We appreciate our volunteers—and we’d love to have you join us!

08/19/2026

The work of an organ recovery specialist is about more than the recovery process. It's about honoring donors, supporting families and helping save lives. Hear firsthand what this role means to our organ recovery specialists.

To learn more about donation, visit giftoflifemichigan.org

08/17/2026

Let’s talk organ recovery.

We sat down with organ recovery specialists to learn more about their role at Gift of Life Michigan and how their work fits into the donation process. Their work requires expertise, precision and compassion, as they help ensure every donor’s gift is honored and every opportunity to save lives is realized.

Hear directly from the specialists who make this critical work possible.

To learn more about the process of donation, visit giftoflifemichigan.org

08/14/2026

📢 New Date: Donate Life Night at the John Ball Zoo has been rescheduled to September 1 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM!

🐅Surrounded by wildlife and the beauty of the zoo, attendees will join hundreds of donor family members, transplant recipients, waiting patients, families and supporters for an evening celebrating organ, eye and tissue donation.

🗓️When: September 1, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
📍Where: John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

🔗 To register, visit golm.org/zoo or click the link in our bio!

08/13/2026

Detroit folks:
🎺Gift of Life Michigan and Detroit MOTTEP are sponsoring Jazz on the Lawn, presented by Denby High School - Athletics - Hall of Fame & Lonzo Marable. Get ready for a night of incredible live music! Bring your lawn chairs and get ready to enjoy live music, local food vendors, and great community vibes.

🗓️ Date: August 15, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🤍 Attire: All White

🎟️ Support Denby High School Athletics and purchase tickets here: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/detroit/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzIwOA==

08/13/2026

At just 18 months old, Clara Mumaw has already spent more time in hospitals and doctor's offices than most people will in a lifetime as she waits for a lifesaving kidney transplant.

Clara’s mom and three siblings have learned to navigate life around hospital stays and medical needs, where even a simple outing means preparing for dialysis, feeding tubes and emergency supplies. "People remember to pack a diaper bag. For us, it's remembering all of her emergency kits for dialysis, her ostomy and her feeding tube." Clara’s mom, Nikki said.

As she waits, Clara continues to smile, play and bring joy to those around her.

For Clara and thousands of others waiting across the country, hope begins with someone saying yes to organ donation. Read more of her story: https://giftoflifemichigan.org/blog/smiling-through-it-all