Two Families, Two Faiths: Joined by Ryan’s life-saving legacy
Gift of Life Stories
After tragedy brought them together, Carol and Kareem realized they shared a special bond through their faith and the life-saving legacy of organ donation.
Gift of Life Stories
Read these inspiring stories about how organ and tissue donation and transplantation touches and transforms lives.
Carrie’s Story – A girl, her guitar, and a promise
Tissue Recipient
After being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Carrie received the gift of donated tendon grafts that allowed her to live a normal life.
Timmy Nelson dedicates second chance to giving back
Kidney recipient
Whether volunteering at the Food Cupboard, or giving blood to the Red Cross, Nelson is on a mission to help others.
Transplant coordinator explains organ donation process
Education
It takes dozens of people to make a transplant happen. The transplant coordinator is a crucial one, working for both the donor family and the recipients.
“It Took A Simple ‘Yes’ To Save Their Lives”
Organ Donor
When Markita said yes to organ donation, she found comfort knowing that her son Marquis would give others a second chance at life.
Young boy given second chance with new heart
Heart Recipient
“Someone didn’t need their heart anymore, so they were kind enough to donate it to someone who could still use it.”
Life After Loss: Anthony’s Story
Organ Donor
Donor Mom shares the story of her son Anthony, who in his passing gave the gift of life to others.
Former cyclist nearly died waiting for new heart
Heart recipient
“I kind of accepted the fact that I was going to die,” Neal Stansbury said. “I really did. I kind of made peace with myself and everybody else.”
Recipient Forms Bond with Donor’s Mother
Gift of Life Stories
Arlinda Griffin received a kidney and pancreas transplant that saved her life. Today, her hero’s mother has become like family.
Learn About Organ & Tissue Donation
Our Impact in 2021
705
Organ Donors
1,732
Organs Transplanted
1,348
Musculoskeletal Donors
1,894
Cornea Donors
News & Updates
Donor Dash draws 10,000 supporters, raises $500,000
Organ recipients, donor families, advocates and all those touched by organ and tissue donation flocked to Philadelphia for the 25th Anniversary Donor Dash Dash
Gift of Life honors College Challenge winners
Students at local colleges promoted the life-saving message of organ donation, bringing awareness to thousands of their peers and faculty.
Howard Nathan honored with building in his name
The Family House was renamed Howie’s House to honor the former Gift of Life President & CEO for his extraordinary impact
Marine celebrates winning his most important battle
William ‘Duffy’ McDuffie served in the Marines and the Air Force for 27 years, but in 2021 he found himself in the fight of his life awaiting a heart transplant.
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.
Upper Darby High trainer Brian Smart remembered at Donor Dash
Brian Smart suffered a fatal heart attack during the 2019 Broad Street Run. A registered organ donor, Brian was able to enhance the lives of many by donating corneas, skin, and bone.
Richard Hasz to succeed Howard Nathan as Gift of Life President & CEO
Gift of Life Donor Program President and CEO Howard M. Nathan to step down and Richard
Hasz, Jr. named as successor to lead the nation’s top organ procurement organization.
A Miracle on Top of a Miracle
A transplant recipient reflects on her transplant journey which allowed her to achieve her dream of starting a family.
NYU Langone Health performs world’s first successful face & double hand transplant
Gift of Life is proud to have worked with NYU Langone Health on the groundbreaking first face and bilateral hand transplant in U.S. history.
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.