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.
Gift of Life Stories
Read these inspiring stories about how organ and tissue donation and transplantation touches and transforms lives.
A liver transplant saved my life. Now I represent Philly in the Transplant Games.
Organ recipient
As a transplant recipient and donor son, Rafiah Cheeks has experienced both sides of donation. When his mother passed last year, she gave the gift of sight through cornea donation.
Althea Fogle receives kidney years after daughter donated
Kidney recipient
Tiffany had a compassionate spirit, giving attitude and understanding of the importance of organ and tissue donation.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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 Care Center opens at Penn Medicine
The first intensive care unit of its kind in Northeast U.S. will maximize each deceased organ donor’s life-saving impact
2022 HAP Donate Life PA Hospital Challenge honorees announced
More than 100 Pennsylvania hospitals support organ donation through awareness, education
Jessica Beth Schwartz Memorial Scholarship Announces 2022-2023 Winners
Program awarded $5,000 in college scholarships to organ and tissue transplant recipients
Greater than gold: Team Philadelphia finishes strong in San Diego for 2022 Transplant Games
Team Philadelphia won over 50 medals, but winning isn’t the most important part for Philly organ transplant community
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
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
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.
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.