LifeGift Feel Good Fridays

Young Man Saves Four Patients Through Selfless Organ Donation

Grant DeHoogh was a funny, compassionate young man according to his mom, Janet DeHoogh. “He had a dry sense of humor and a beautiful smile that could light up a room. Grant was a servant leader who was always willing to lend a hand. He was the youngest of three children and a vital part of our family. Grant was a fitness buff and loved working out at the gym. He later married Haley, his high school sweetheart, on June 1, 2019.”

More than two and a half years ago, 26-year-old Grant passed away after a tragic accidental overdose. He left a lasting legacy selflessly offering hope to so many others. Grant saved the lives of four patients with his generous donation of his heart, liver, two kidneys and two lungs.

“We learned that Grant was an organ donor the day he passed,” says his dad, Jeff DeHoogh. “While Grant was admitted to the emergency room, the hospital staff performed heroic life-saving measures. It allowed us and many of Grant’s friends time to say goodbye, to remember him and just process what was going on. Upon Grant’s death, hospital staff asked if we wished to speak with LifeGift representatives. We were exhausted, but we also desperately wanted and needed something good and redemptive to come from what Grant and all of us had been through.”

“Being part of a donor family has impacted my life in so many positive ways,” emphasizes his wife, Haley Leverett. “Knowing that Grant is a hero to four men has helped me with my grief and coping significantly. There are four men who can live to see another day, year, hopefully many years. Watching their families grow up and spend more quality time together outside the walls of a hospital has truly made me so deeply happy. Transplantation is such a gift, but I wish more people knew what a blessing it is to see your loved one live on in someone else. Grant’s legacy lives and thrives each day in those men!”

LifeGift's Life-Saving Contribution: Skin Allografts Bring Relief to Maui Burn Victims

In a demonstration of the power of collaboration and compassion, LifeGift’s tissue team has played a crucial role in supporting burn victims on the island of Maui. Community Tissue Services, a tissue bank located in Kettering Ohio, received a significant contribution of donated skin from LifeGift, enabling them to provide much-needed skin allografts to individuals with severe burns. This partnership highlights the life-changing impact that tissue donation can have, not only on individual patients but also on entire communities in times of crisis. These life-saving miracles would not be possible without the generous support of tissue donors and their families.

Community Tissue Services, recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality tissue for transplantation, has provided much needed hope for patients and their families. However, meeting the demand for tissue especially during emergencies requires a collective effort. LifeGift’s action and support of tissue donation demonstrate the spirit of unity that can make a tangible difference in individual’s lives.

“Burn injuries can be excruciating and debilitating, often requiring specialized treatment to promote healing and prevent infections,” says Joseph Kreeb, LifeGift vice president of tissue services. “Skin allografts, which are donated tissues from individuals who have passed away, serve as a vital resource in aiding the recovery process. LifeGift’s contribution significantly bolstered the supply of these life-saving grafts, allowing healthcare professionals to address the critical needs of burn patients promptly and effectively.”

“Families and loved ones of burn victims found relief in knowing that the necessary resources were available to support their healing journeys,” adds Kreeb. “The joint efforts of LifeGift and Community Tissue Services have not only provided physical aid but also offered emotional comfort to those facing such challenging circumstances. The tissue gifts from selfless donors remind us of the immense power of human kindness and the potential to make a positive impact, even in the face of adversity.”

This tragedy serves as a reminder of the essential role that organ procurement organizations play in facilitating the selfless gift of tissue donation. LifeGift’s commitment to saving lives echoes through the countless individuals who benefit from donated tissues every day. The story of how their contribution aided burn victims in Maui touching lives and transforming communities one donation at a time while inspiring LifeGift to continue its mission of offering hope.

LifeGift Leadership's Impactful Presence at the Texas Transplantation Society’s Annual Scientific Meeting

In a notable display of commitment to advancing the field of organ transplantation, LifeGift leadership made a significant mark at the Tex as Transplantation Society's Annual Scientific Meeting . The conference, a prestigious gathering of medical professionals, researchers and experts in the transplantation community, served as a platform for LifeGift to highlight its dedication to saving lives through organ and tissue donation. Through their participation and engagement, the organization demonstrated their role as a key player in shaping the future of transplantation.

LifeGift's active involvement in the conference was marked by its leaders' participation in panel discussions, informative presentations and collaborative workshops. These engagements not only shed light on the latest advancements in the field but also highlighted the role of organ procurement organizations in bridging the gap between donors and recipients. By sharing insights into effective practices, innovative technologies and ethical considerations, LifeGift's leadership contributed to the broader knowledge exchange that drives improvements in transplantation procedures.

LifeGift’s Kevin Myer, president and CEO; Schawnte’ Williams-Taylor, vice president of family engagement and donation services; Woodlhey Ambroise, director of organ operations & surgical recovery and Sergio Ibarra, director of organ clinical operations presented at the conference.

“The benefits of LifeGift's participation at the conference are significant,” shares Myer. “Our organization gained heightened visibility among a diverse audience of medical professionals, nurturing connections that are essential for fostering collaborations. LifeGift's dedication to continuous learning and improvement reinforces our reputation as a leading advocate for transplantation advancements. By actively participating in discussions surrounding policy, LifeGift played a role in shaping the landscape of organ donation and transplantation, influencing decision-making that can impact countless lives.”

LifeGift's presence at the Texas Transplantation Society’s Conference exemplifies their unwavering commitment to advancing the field of organ transplantation. Through active engagement, the organization not only contributed valuable insights and expertise but also solidified their position as a key influencer in the transplantation community.

September is National DPS Appreciation Month!

National DPS (Department of Public Safety) Appreciation Month recognizes DPS as vital partners in saving and healing lives. DPS staff ask the donor registration question to customers every day.

More than 90% of individuals surveyed across the country stated they registered their donation decision through their local DPS. DPS staff are the people on the front lines of service who have helped 169 million people across the country to register their decision to be a deceased organ, eye and tissue donor.

Resources for new drivers

If you’re on the road to getting your driver license, make sure to consider registering to become an organ donor first. Your registration takes less than one minute and will save lives. Learn more about the critical national need for organ, eye and tissue donors and find answers to frequently asked questions about organ donation.

What’s the difference between registering online vs. at the DPS?

There are state donor registries and the National Donate Life Registry. When you register at the DPS, you are registering in your state donor registry.

Your state donor registry can be found at DonateLifeTexas.org.

Both your state donor registry and the National Donate Life Registry are checked by donation professionals at the time of your death. Your most recent donor registration is honored as the legal document of gift. You can access your National Donate Life Registry registration anytime at RegisterMe.org.

Please join us in thanking these important Donate Life advocates!

LifeGift is proud to collaborate with our hospital and transplant center partners to advance organ, eye and tissue donation, bringing hope to the communities we serve in Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock and Amarillo. Please email us at communications@lifegift.org with any questions or support needs!