Legacy of Hope

06/25/2026

"A single tissue donor can help dozens of people—often more than 75 lives can be improved or healed.

My Dad gave an incredible gift through tissue donation. Knowing that part of him lives on by helping others heal brings a sense of comfort to such a painful loss. His legacy is not only in the memories we cherish, but also in the lives he touched through his final act of kindness. My dad always wanted nothing more than to help others, and in this way, he was able to."

—Kyleigh

06/23/2026

“Because of your loved one's selfless gift, I was able to receive the bone graft that is giving me a second chance; not just in my sport, but in living without constant pain. Your generosity has given me hope, healing, and the opportunity to come back stronger than ever."

At 15, Max Salebra already has an impressive resume: American Ninja Warrior, two-time World Ninja champion, World Cup gold medalist, two-time Obstacle Course racing gold medalist, and Tissue Graft Recipient.

Max was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans, a joint condition most often affecting adolescents, at age 14. In February 2026, he underwent surgery, and the graft he received gave him greater mobility with less pain. His mother, Lanie, says Max's healing is progressing incredibly well, and he should be able to begin training again.

Max has promised to honor the gift by working hard, staying grateful, and never taking this second chance for granted. 💙💚 Max’s American Ninja Warrior episode will air Monday, July 6, on NBC. Thank to Solvita and Donate Life America for sharing this story with us!

06/22/2026

"Here we are in 2026...I am able to see another birthday. I am forever grateful to my donor, my 'Organ Buddy.' We have gotten so close through this whole process. It seems we're more like family. It has also made me look at life through a different lens. The transplant process puts into perspective what matters, what doesn't, what's in your control and what needs to be released."

Tiffany (left in photo) was diagnosed with a rare liver disease in high school that progressed in severity over the years until her medical team suggested that a living liver transplant was her best option. Tiffany posted her story on social media, and a family friend, Nora, messaged to say she was interested in being evaluated as a living donor. They were a match! In September of 2025, Tiffany and Nora had their surgeries. They both are doing well today. 💙💚

Thanks to Tiffany and Donate Life America for sharing this story!

06/22/2026

Team Alabama is representing at the Transplant Games!

The Transplant Games is setting Guinness World Records this year!

Yesterday, recipients and living donors gathered together to set the record for most solid organ transplant recipients and most living donors in one place with a total of 966!

Every one of these participants is a testament to the life-saving power of donation and proof that transplantation works!

06/19/2026

"In 2012, what I thought was just a normal doctor’s visit for my recurring bronchitis changed my life forever. A nagging cough, something I brushed off time and time again, led to me being placed on supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Eventually, doctors diagnosed me with end-stage lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis. I remember thinking, How could this be? I had never smoked. It wasn’t genetic. I had never worked around harmful chemicals. Nothing made sense.

In August 2018, I received the call that donor lungs had become available. That moment brought a mixture of emotions; I knew this gift had come through someone else’s loss, and I immediately understood the magnitude of the sacrifice behind my second chance at life. Before my transplant, I faced many challenges with my health that impacted not only me, but also my family. Today, I live with deep gratitude for my donor, Ali, whose selfless gift gave me more than lungs; it gave me more time, more memories, and more opportunities to make an impact. I honor Ali’s legacy by sharing my story, advocating for organ donation, and encouraging others to register as donors.

My journey has taught me never to take life for granted. Every breath I take is a reminder of grace, purpose, and the power of generosity. I am living proof that organ donation saves lives, and I strive each day to live in a way that honors the incredible gift I was given." 💙💚

Thanks so much to Lashon and Donate Life America for sharing this story with us!

06/17/2026

"I’m a liver and kidney transplant recipient 5 years this coming July. I’ve been blessed beyond measure I don’t even have the words to describe how my heart feels. God bless organ donors and their legacies. 🙏"

—Chip H.

06/15/2026

"Our son Kyle passed away 10 years ago. He had signed up at the DMV to be an organ donor. He was 20 years old. We're so proud of Kyle for doing that, even though some family members were not happy with our decision. But it does help the forever grieving to know that others lived, breathed and thrived because of Kyle."

—The Iverson Family

06/14/2026

"I received a liver earlier this year. I appreciate my donor and their family. It is truly the gift of life."

—Lisa S.

06/13/2026

"Gary F. Jr always brought life and warmth into every room he entered. It is only fitting that, in his passing, Gary chose to share that life with others through organ donation. He turned our deepest tragedy into a miracle for someone else. Knowing Gary’s heartbeat continues and that others are breathing easier because of him brings a quiet peace to our grief. He will forever be missed and forever honored as a lifesaver, a protector, a giver and an absolute hero."

—Marie J.

06/12/2026

"My kidney transplant journey started in 1983 when I was hospitalized at Methodist Hospital in Omaha right after graduation. I was diagnosed with membranous glomerulonephritis and was pretty sick most of the summer losing almost 75 lbs.
I had a scholarship to play football that fall at the University of Nebraska-Omaha but my playing days were over. Fast forward to 1988 when my kidney function decreased to where I would have to start dialysis or receive a transplant.

My sister stepped forward and donated one of her kidneys and gave me the gift of life. She recovered after the surgery but I went through two rejection episodes spending a couple of months in and out of the hospital. Once my anti-rejection medications were adjusted, I was finally able to leave the hospital and not look back.
I've been blessed with 38 years of normal kidney function and able to graduate from college, get married and raise a family of three children. Our first grandchild should be born in the next week.

I've been able to volunteer as a coach for many sports, serve as a Y-Pal with the YMCA, volunteered for the Boy Scouts of America, and mentor for kidney transplant candidates and recipients.

All of this happened because my sister gave me a second chance at a better quality of life. I have been blessed but there are so many others out there waiting for their opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life, please consider donation and providing the gift of life."

—Mark