ABOUT GIFT OF HOPE
The decision to become an organ and tissue donor offers a precious gift to others: the hope for a new life. That’s why we work hard to fulfill our Work & Mission to remind people that the gift of donation makes hope possible for the thousands of people waiting for lifesaving organ and life-enhancing tissue transplants.
We graciously accept all donations made to honor or memorialize a loved one or to advance our efforts to fulfill our mission and vision. Unless you direct us otherwise, we use all monetary donations we receive to educate the public about organ and tissue donation.
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is proud to serve as the federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) that coordinates organ and tissue donation and services to families of donors in the northern three-quarters of Illinois and northwest Indiana.
Since our inception in 1986, we have coordinated donations that have saved the lives of more than 23,000 organ transplant recipients, and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of tissue transplant recipients. As one of 58 organ procurement organizations that make up the nation’s organ donation system, we work with 183 hospitals in our donation service area.
As healthcare administrators and professionals, trained clinicians and community educators, we are responsible for:
- Evaluating potential donors for medical suitability
- Discussing donation with family members of potential donors
- Coordinating the organ and tissue donation process;
- Providing support and follow-up information to families of organ & tissue donors
- Educating the 11.7 million residents in our service area about donation and how to register as donors
- Educating healthcare professionals about their roles in donation
- Assisting hospitals with the development of policies and procedures that facilitate the donation process for staff and families.
In managing the recovery, care and transportation of donated organs to transplant patients, we work closely with Illinois’ nine transplant centers:
- Advocate Christ Medical Center
- Children’s Memorial Hospital
- Loyola University Medical Center
- Memorial Medical Center
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Rush University Medical Center
- OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
- The University of Chicago Medical Center
- University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago
- We also work with other transplant centers and other OPOs through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to provide lifesaving organs for patients awaiting them. UNOS is the federally mandated registration center for organ transplant candidates in the United States. UNOS’ computer-based system matches donated organs with patients in need, in accordance with strict federal guidelines intended to ensure equitable distribution.
Our Name
The decision to become an organ and tissue donor offers a precious gift to others: the hope for a new life.
The name Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network reminds people that the gift of donation makes hope possible for the thousands of people waiting for lifesaving organ and life-enhancing tissue transplants.
In our logo, the brushstroke above our name represents the life that connects a donor’s gift to the hope it provides the recipients of that gift.
Our Vision
That every opportunity for organ and tissue donation is successful.
Our Mission
To save and enhance the lives of as many people as possible through organ and tissue donation.
Our Values
- Honor the Gifts
- Strive for Excellence
- Build a Dedicated Team
- Inspire Our Communities