The Power of One
Click to learn how one individual can save the lives of many. Your role with Gift of Life Donor Program will help save lives.
About Gift of Life Donor Program
Since 1974, Gift of Life has coordinated tens of thousands of organs for transplantation and millions of life-enhancing tissue transplants. We continue to work tirelessly so that one day no one will die waiting for an organ transplant.
Gift of Life Overview
For years Gift of Life has led the way for organ and tissue donation and transplantation in the U.S. and made a great impact worldwide.
Committed to Community
Working with schools, houses of worship, and partner organizations allows Gift of Life to be involved in the community in many ways. Plus, we have lots of fun special events.
Partnering with Hospitals
Successful organ and tissue donation depends on hospitals that identity, refer, and care for patients and their families. We are honored to feature stories of hospital achievements.
The People We Serve
The gift of organ and tissue donation can change someone's life and rewrite their story. Here, donor families, transplant recipients and others share inspiring stories about how donation and transplant transforms lives.
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.
Thankful for the Gift of Sight
Cornea Recipient
The gift of sight has given Cameron Whittle the freedom and independence to get his driver’s license, start college and even win a gold medal in a national athletic competition. Cam’s story reveals the transformative power of a cornea transplant.
Special Education Teacher Vows to Keep Legacy Alive for Donor
Heart Recipient
Special education teacher, wife and mother Jessica Will pays it forward in honor of the young man who gave her a second chance at life.
“It Took A Simple ‘Yes’ To Save Their Lives”
Donor Family
When Markita said yes to organ donation, she found comfort knowing that her son Marquis would give others a second chance at life. Marquis went on to save the lives of three other young boys.
Cynthia London, Celebrating 22 Years of Service
Donor Family
Gift of Life is celebrating the contributions of volunteer ambassador, board member, and donor mom Cynthia London. Cynthia became connected with Gift of Life 22 years ago when her son Sipho became an organ donor.
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 in her shoulders that allowed her to live a normal life.
Life After Loss: Anthony’s Story
donor family
Donor Mom, Melanie Penna, shares the story of her son Anthony, who in his passing gave the gift of life to others. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him and now even those who never knew him.
Leading the Way in Organ Donation
Gift of Life Donor Program is the leading organ procurement organization (OPO) in the United States. We work with more than 100 acute care hospitals and 12 transplant centers within our region to save lives through organ and tissue donation.
Gift of Life’s Community & Hospital Partners Advance 50-Year Legacy as the Most Generous Region in the Country
As we rally our community to support donation, Gift of Life’s world-class team works with urgency side-by-side with our dedicated hospital partners.
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.
Who Can Donate?
Anyone can be a registered organ and tissue donor. There are no barriers based on age, race or religion when registering to save lives!
Our Impact in 2023
693
Organ Donors
1,734
Organs Transplanted
1,433
Musculoskeletal Donors
2,278
Cornea Donors