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Gift of Life Stories

Read these inspiring stories about how organ and tissue donation and transplantation touches and transforms lives.

A Father’s Wish

Kidney Transplant Waitlist Patient

Brian Bailey’s love and dedication as a father has made him a passionate advocate for organ donation as his daughter waits for a kidney transplant that will give her a second chance at life.

Earl's Healthy Heart

Heart Recipient

Earl Jones has gotten to see his kids grow up and have children of their own, all thanks to his donor hero

Learn About Organ & Tissue Donation

How Does Organ and Tissue Donation Work?

Gift of Life coordinates the recovery of organs and tissues for transplant. The complex organ and tissue donation and transplant process involves collaborating with highly skilled medical professionals at many different levels.

The Waiting List

The first step of the transplant journey is the national waiting list managed by The United Network for Organ Sharing. Currently, there are more than 100,000 peoplewaiting for life-saving organs because there are not enough donor organs for everyone who needs them.

Living Donation

Thousands of lives are saved each year thanks to the unselfish generosity of living donation, which is an increasingly viable option for patients awaiting transplantation.

Writing to Donor Families

As a transplant recipient, you may want to write to the family of your donor to share information about your renewed life and to express your gratitude. Here is a resource to aid in finding the right words.

About Gift of Life Donor Program

Gift of Life Donor Program is the largest organ procurement organization (OPO) in the United States, serving more than 11 million people across the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. We help and heal lives by coordinating the recovery and distribution of organs and tissues used in life-saving and life-enhancing transplants.

Our Impact in 2023

693
Organ Donors
1,734
Organs Transplanted
1,433
Musculoskeletal Donors
2,278
Cornea Donors

News & Updates

The Gift of Life: Listen, Watch and Learn!

Gift of Life Donor Program works with our multimedia partners to share the extraordinary power of organ and tissue donation through personal stories that inspire more people to sign up as donors.

Transplant Pregnancy Registry International

Three women who received life-saving organ transplants fulfill their shared dream to become mothers. Transplant Pregnancy Registry International helped them to achieve this dream.

Lodging and Support for Families

A supportive “Home Away from Home” for transplant patients and their families.

Organ and Tissue Donation Professionals

An international training center and consulting service for organ donation professionals.