LifeSource

10/09/2026

LifeSource had the opportunity to table at the NDSU football Homecoming Tailgate last Weekend!

The event is estimated to have drawn 20,000 people to the FargoDome parking lot on Saturday morning. There were many great conversations and interactions with Bison fans from both sides of the Red River.

We also had the opportunity to connect with individuals who had been personally impacted by donation and stopped by to express their gratitude.

One was Dylan, who lifted the sleeve of his sweatshirt to show a tattoo he got to honor his mother who became a donor in March. And Sharon, who shared that she was able to spend ten extra years with her dad thanks to his heart donor.

To say it was a heartwarming day is an understatement. Many thanks to everyone who made this happen. Go Bison!

10/07/2026

Four years after his daughter received a life-saving kidney transplant, Carlos was faced with the shocking news that he needed a liver transplant. His wife, Frances, shares how two selfless gifts saved her family.

"This Hispanic Heritage Month, as we celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic community, we also want to shine a light on a powerful act of love and solidarity: organ donation.

Meet Carlos, a 56-year-old father who received a life-saving liver transplant in January. His diagnosis of liver cancer came as a complete shock to his family—a diagnosis no one ever sees coming. But for Carlos’s family, navigating the world of organ transplantation was heartbreakingly familiar. Just four years prior, his teenage daughter was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease and received a life-saving kidney transplant from a deceased donor.

Today, because of two separate, selfless gifts from deceased organ donors, Carlos's family remains whole and full of hope.

Within the Hispanic community, cultural stigmas, misconceptions, and systemic barriers often prevent individuals from registering as organ donors, leading to lower rates of available matches. We rarely consider the possibility that someone in our own community—or even our own family—might need a second chance at life when we are gone. Yet, matching organ characteristics are often far more common among individuals of the same ethnic background.

You have the power to bridge this gap. This month, consider registering as an organ donor, talking with your loved ones about your decision, and sharing this story to help break down barriers.

Give hope. Save lives. Become an organ donor today."

10/06/2026

10/01/2026

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Join us as we celebrate the strength, culture, and generosity of the Hispanic community—and recognizing why our support matters. Hispanic/Latino communities are disproportionately affected by conditions that can lead to organ failure, and thousands of Hispanic/Latino patients are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

“Unidos, Somos Más,” the theme for this year, celebrates the strength that comes from unity, shared culture, and collective action. It recognizes the diversity within Hispanic and Latino communities while emphasizing how connection, representation, and collaboration can strengthen communities and create lasting impact.

Thank you to the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation for your dedication to elevating voices in the diverse communities we serve.

09/29/2026

Last week we celebrated the 31st Annual LifeSource Golf Classic! It was an inspiring day and we didn't let the cold weather ruin the fun. Together, we raised over $170,000 in funds to increase awareness of organ donation across our service area!

Thank you to all who made this day possible. To our Tournament Sponsor, Aviation Charter, and all of this year’s sponsors - thank you for your generosity and support! The same is true for the numerous volunteers and contributors to this year’s event. We couldn’t accomplish any of this without you - we are so grateful.

Photo's coming soon, so keep an eye out!

To learn more about the event and see the full list of sponsors, visit https://www.life-source.org/golfclassic/

09/29/2026

On 9/11, a healthcare worker got clearance to fly a plane to save a baby’s life. 25 Years Later, the pair finally met.

During the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shut down the national airspace so no ordinary civilian or commercial flights were allowed to fly, only military, police, firefighting and medical transport flights. Among those was one that got clearance thanks to a healthcare worker, who helped save a baby’s life.

Jill Grandas was able to defy the national ground stop and get a plane in the air to deliver a liver to a 6-month-old, Kareena, who had been dying of liver failure at the time. Now, 25 years later, Grandas and Kareena finally met in person for the first time.

“I felt so desperate to convey how grateful I am for her selflessness, her dedication and her kindness,” Kareena said

Check out the whole story from People

A healthcare worker helped a six-month-old girl get a liver transplant during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, despite the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shutting down the national airspace. Jill Grandas saved the life of now-25-year-old Kareena, who had been dying of liver failure...

09/23/2026

Each year, we are invited to present at the Minnesota Deputy Registrar's Association Annual Meeting. It was held last Friday and we were joined by Sonja Dalbey, who had the opportunity to share how organ donation has changed her life and express her gratitude for everyone who helped make it happen.

Motor Vehicle Partners play a vital role in saving lives every day. Did you know that over 90% of people register to become a donor at the DMV? This is one of the first steps in making donation happen and we couldn't do this work without them.

Thank you to all of our motor vehicle partners for the work you do and for all of the lives you have impacted.

** can't forget to mention the amazing shoes Sonja wore

09/14/2026

These days, it’s hard to slow Lincoln Wahlers down. Watching Lincoln race across a field or cheer for his favorite team, you would never know that five years ago doctors weren’t sure he would survive.

Lincoln’s medical journey began almost as soon as he entered the world.

Initially, doctors discovered he had congenital heart disease. While his family focused on his heart, another concern emerged. His liver wasn’t functioning normally.

What followed was months of uncertainty.

“We had a very rare story,” Natalie, Lincoln’s mom recalls. “He was diagnosed, misdiagnosed, diagnosed again, misdiagnosed.”

Doctors ultimately believed Lincoln had a rare, slow-progressing form of biliary atresia. As his family searched for answers, they navigated feeding tubes, concerns about weight gain and the constant uncertainty that came with caring for a medically fragile infant.

Yet through it all, Lincoln remained remarkably happy.

“We have pictures of him smiling in the hospital 24/7,” Natalie says.

Looking back, Natalie remembers spending much of Lincoln’s first year of life inside hospital walls. The family learned the rhythms of hospital life — the overnight checks, the constant stream of lab results, the uncertainty that greeted each new day.

Before his transplant, he underwent surgery to correct his congenital heart condition and was able to go home briefly after surgery — just 24 hours — before complications sent him back to the hospital, where he would remain until transplant.

His health deteriorated quickly until November 5, 2021, when he finally received the transplant.

Lincoln had always been happy, but suddenly there was a new energy. The yellow color caused by liver disease began fading from his skin. His appetite improved. He became more active. For the first time, his family could see what healthy looked like.

This is a story you won't want to miss - check it out on our blog! https://www.life-source.org/latest/a-liver-transplant-gave-lincoln-the-chance-to-be-a-kid/

09/10/2026

Last month was full of events! From National Night Out and community health fairs to the Great Minnesota Get Together – we had countless meaningful conversations and the opportunity to share education about organ donation with people from our local communities. Here are some to highlight!

Brooklyn Center Community Health Fair
Unity in the Community
MNPOC PRIDE Fest
You Matter Back to School
National Night Out at Little Earth
The Festival of Fathers and Families
Pillsbury United Community Health Fair
3rd Annual Brain Health event
Hubbard Broadcasting Day at the Minnesota State Fair

09/09/2026

We invite you to register for our upcoming Donor Family Workshop! Relax, Reflect, Renew: A Wellness Experience for Donor Families.

When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: LifeSource Headquarters - 2225 West River Road N., Minneapolis

Throughout the day, participants will enjoy a variety of restorative wellness experiences, including:

Mandala Blanket Blessing

Restorative Movement and Meditation

Plant and Essential Oil DIY Station

Reflection Activity

To preserve the relaxing, restorative nature of this experience, this workshop is for adults only. Space is limited, so we ask that each donor's family register no more than four participants.

Get all of the details and register here by September 18th: https://www.life-source.org/.../donor-family-workshop.../