Gift of Life Michigan

06/15/2026

From donor families to recipients and advocates and partners, the Capitol was filled with people united by the power of donation. Thank you to everyone who joined us to raise awareness and support legislation that strengthens donation in Michigan.

06/15/2026

There is no roadmap for grief, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Join us for Navigating the Grief Journey, a supportive workshop for those coping with the loss of a loved one. The workshop explores key aspects of grief, helping participants better understand their experience while offering practical tools to navigate the challenges that follow loss. This seminar is presented in partnership with New Hope Center for Grief Support, a peer support organization dedicated to bringing hope and healing to those grieving the death of a loved one.

When: August 10, 2026
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Register: golm.org/journey

06/13/2026

Organ and tissue donation advocacy took center stage at this year's Michigan Capitol Rally.

Featured speakers included Gift of Life Michigan CEO, Dorrie Dils; VP of Communication & External Relations, Patrick Wells-O'Brien; Shayla Zackery, a patient awaiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant; and Rep. Parker Fairbairn, who led the Michigan House of Representatives in recognizing April as Donate Life Month in Michigan.

Two bills currently moving through the Michigan Legislature were discussed at the rally. The Patient Access to Donor Registry Information Bill would encourage healthcare providers to share donation information with patients, while the High School Organ Donation Education Bill would recommend donation and Donor Registry education for all Michigan public school ninth graders.

The rally highlights a shared commitment to expanding education and awareness around donation and ensuring more Michigan residents have the information they need to make informed decisions about donor registration.

06/13/2026

A powerful day at the Capitol.

Thursday, Gift of Life Michigan stood alongside advocates, partners, donor families and recipients for the annual Capitol Rally. Together, we honored donors, celebrated recipients and encouraged support for legislation aimed at improving and expanding donation education and awareness.

Approximately 2,600 people across Michigan are still waiting for a lifesaving transplant. The best way to make a difference is by joining the Donor Registry. Learn more by visiting giftoflifemichigan.org

06/12/2026

Dwayne Parker turned his heart transplant journey into a mission to improve men’s health.

Dwayne, a lifelong athlete, was consistently strong and healthy until a routine doctor’s visit changed everything. A persistent cough and fatigue led to testing that revealed cardiomyopathy and heart failure. His condition worsened, resulting in an ICU stay in 2023 where he flatlined twice and was shocked 28 times. Doctors told him, “You’re not leaving until you get a new heart.” In February 2024, he received a heart transplant.

Inspired by his experience, Dwayne launched Men's Health 1st in 2024 to improve men’s health through education and community programs. During Men’s Health Month, Parker’s longtime focus on men’s wellness serves as a reminder that health should not take a back seat to work, family and other obligations.

06/11/2026

Mark your calendars, Pride season is here! Catch Gift of Life Michigan at Pride celebrations across the state this summer. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

06/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Amaia Edmond Day of Service on May 31. Together, these volunteers came to UM Health Sparrow Lansing to create 75 comfort blankets for donor families— a meaningful tribute to her lasting legacy.

06/09/2026

Behind every transplant is a story of hope, generosity and lives forever changed.

Join us at Rally for the Capitol as transplant recipients, donor families and patients waiting for a transplant come together for the moving March of Honor to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation.
📍 Thursday, June 11 | 11 AM – 1 PM
🚌 Free buses available from Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Bloomfield Hills
🍽️ Free lunch available while supplies last

Be part of this meaningful day and help champion the gift of life. RSVP today: https://giftoflifemichigan.org/get-involved/events/capitol-rally-rsvp

06/08/2026

Years after a generous gift of life, one donor family met the recipients connected by Emily’s legacy.

We’re thankful to People for sharing this moving story and helping shine a light on the lasting impact of organ donation.

🔗 bit.ly/4azfgxQ

A Michigan family spent what would have been their late daughter's high school graduation day honoring the lives she helped save through organ donation.

📷: Gift of Life Michigan/Kennedy News

06/05/2026

"The fact that they traveled so far to honor her without hesitation warmed my heart. All of this is helping put some of the pieces back together after my heart was shattered."
-Rebecca Matejovitz Smith, Emily's mother

Emily Matejovitz was known for her bright smile, caring heart and desire to help others. The Muskegon, Michigan, teen loved spending time with family and friends and was looking forward to her future. At just 16 years old, she made the decision to register as an organ donor — a choice her family honored after her death in December 2024 following a battle with mental health challenges.

On June 2, Emily's mother, Rebecca, father, James and siblings Zander and Ashley welcomed three recipient families to Muskegon on what would have been Emily's high school graduation day. Together, they celebrated the lives she saved and the legacy she continues to leave behind.