One month after Illinois began phased reopening, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network announces more organs were donated and transplanted in July than any other month in its history ITASCA, Ill.—August 6, 2020 — In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois saw a record-breaking month for organ [...]
National Minority Donor Awareness Month empowers people of diverse ethnicities to say “yes” to organ and tissue donation, save lives ITASCA, Ill.—July 29, 2020 — Ethnic minorities make up nearly 60% of people who are waiting for lifesaving organs in the U.S., but only a third of registered donors. Because transplant [...]
Jim, a journalist and writer, received a second chance at life when he received a new kidney nearly 10 years ago. Writer, Wedding Officiant Loves to Talk About His Transplanted Kidney “Black Lives Matter, So Let’s Get Serious About Organ Donation” Jim McFarlin likes to say he has two birthdays: June 15, the day [...]
A hard working and caring man, Sean Wilbert touched the lives of many people through his protective and helpful nature. Brotherly Love: The Loss of One Sibling Offers Life and Hope to Another Sean Wilbert suffered a sudden stroke on March 29, 2018 and passed away on April 3. He was 50 years old. [...]
Ibrahim traveled to Malaga, Spain in 2017 where he competed in the World Transplant Games. Four-time liver recipient says his faith supports organ and tissue donation “And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely” Before his sixth birthday, Ibrahim Haleem had four liver transplant surgeries. Although [...]
Although he was only two years old when he passed away, Xavier was extremely independent and helpful, always eager to assist loved ones. Two-Year-Old Organ Donor Xavier Bahena Saves Three Lives “Knowing Other People are Alive Because He Helped Them Makes Losing Him More Bearable” On the afternoon of July 22, 2016, Alberto Bahena [...]
Luis Ortiz faced his heart disease with courage and tenacity, inspiring his family to remain strong, united, and hopeful despite its challenges and limitations. Limited Teen’s Life Limitless After Heart Transplant Luis Ortiz spent the first two weeks of his life connected to a heart monitor in a hospital to ensure that his heart [...]
Alex and Tiffany Zuniga often discussed organ and tissue donation and believed it was a beautiful gift to offer those in need. Wife Battles Donation Myths to Honor Husband’s Decision to Donate “Our loved one’s life ended, but it meant a new beginning for someone else and their family” Tiffany Zuniga believes donation is [...]
Photographed here at one of the many Gift of Hope events Marquita has attended. Woman with Kidney Failure Spreads Word on the Importance of Organ and Tissue Donation “It Really Does Work!” Marquita Britton knows what she wants to do when she finally receives the kidney she desperately needs – get her degree [...]
Gift of Hope Staff Member Dawn Williamson Waits for Lifesaving Kidney Transplant Dawn Williamson, 56, is the front desk receptionist at the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network headquarters in Itasca, Ill. Prior to the novel coronavirus outbreak, it was common to see Dawn visiting with coworkers during her breaks or lunch hour. She’s [...]
